Russia totally banned rice imports from December 4, citing concerns over pesticides and genetically modified ingredients.
"We want to say that this measure is non-discriminatory in relation to foreign importers. It is universal and temporary," the Foreign Ministry said.
Russia imports nearly 50% of its rice, with major suppliers being Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Egypt, China, Spain and Uruguay.
The ministry said checks had revealed an increasing amount of poor quality and even dangerous rice imports, in circumvention of Russian food safety requirements, and added the measures were non-discriminatory.
"The decision to suspend import licenses was based on standard examination, regardless of the importer," the ministry said.
Russia's leading business daily Kommersant said the move would drive up prices for rice in the country, citing a 20% price hike in the past week alone.
The paper said the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Oversight decided late last week to allow rice imports with licenses issued before the ban - about 20,000 metric tons, compared with annual consumption of 700,000 tons - to be brought into the country.
Experts expect the decision to postpone a crisis with rice supplies for another month and to slow down price growth, Kommersant said.
