Global Rice News

Russia threatens to ban rice imports from Pakistan over phytosanitary concerns

Russia has issued a warning to Pakistan, stating that it will impose a ban on rice imports if their phytosanitary concerns are not addressed in future shipments. The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) of the Russian Federation issued a notification highlighting violations of international and Russian phytosanitary requirements in a recent shipment of rice from Pakistan. The notification, dated April 2, 2024, specifies the presence of a quarantine organism called “Megaselia scalaris (Loew)” in the rice consignment.

The FSVPS has urged the plenipotentiary and trade representative at the Pakistani embassy in Russia to conduct an immediate investigation into the matter. They have also emphasized the significance of adhering to phytosanitary standards to ensure the safety of agricultural products traded between the two countries. Failure to address these concerns may result in a ban on rice exports from Pakistan.

The trade wing of the Pakistani embassy in Moscow has transmitted the English translation of the Russian authority’s letter to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) in the Ministry of Food Security, as well as other relevant government offices. The embassy has requested an investigation to be conducted promptly and the results to be shared with the FSVPS to avoid any potential ban on rice exports in the future.

In addition, the FSVPS has reached out to the director of the DPP, emphasizing the need for increased cooperation in the field of plant quarantine. It is worth noting that Russia had previously imposed a ban on rice imports from Pakistan in 2019 on similar grounds, which lasted for approximately two years. The ban was eventually lifted after negotiations between officials from both countries. Furthermore, in 2006, Russia also halted rice imports from Pakistan due to non-compliance with food safety standards.

This recent warning from Russia serves as a reminder to Pakistan to prioritize phytosanitary standards in their rice exports to maintain a mutually beneficial trade relationship. Ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products is crucial for maintaining the confidence of importing countries.

Source: [Dawn](https://www.dawn.com){:target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”}