Updated 2:28 p.m. Moscow time
MOSCOW, September 19 (RIA Novosti) – Russia may ban imports of fruits from Ukraine by late September, Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said Friday.
Alexei Alekseyenko, an aide to Rosselkhoznadzor chief, said pests were discovered in Ukrainian-grown fruits. Russian customs services have also detected attempts to import banned Moldovan fruits under the guise of Ukrainian products.
“So, we may soon impose restrictions on imports of fruits from Ukraine,” he said. “We may make the decision to impose the restrictions by the end of the month.”
On September 5, Russia's consumer watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, decided to ban the import of Ukrainian candy and confectionaries.
Earlier in August, Moscow suspended imports of Ukrainian alcoholic beverages to Russia, citing violations of consumer rights. The ban concerns alcohol produced by three companies: Obolon, SUN InBev Ukraine and Global Spirits.
In mid-July, Russia imposed a complete ban on dairy product imports from Ukraine, citing violations of Russian veterinary and sanitary requirements.
Ukrainian authorities responded restricting the import of a number of Russian products, such as confectionery products and pork.
