Russia Warns Pakistan of Potential Rice Import Ban
Russia has issued a warning to Pakistan regarding potential phytosanitary issues in rice shipments, raising concerns about violations of international and Russian phytosanitary requirements. This warning comes after the discovery of the quarantine organism “Megaselia scalaris (Loew)” in a recent consignment of rice from Pakistan.
Background
In May 2019, Russia had imposed a ban on the importation of Pakistani rice due to the presence of the Khapra beetle in a shipment. After a two-year ban, the restrictions were lifted, but the recent discovery has once again put Pakistan at risk of facing a ban on rice imports from Russia.
Russian Notification
The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) issued a notification on April 2, 2024, highlighting the phytosanitary issues in the rice consignment from Pakistan. The FSVPS urged immediate action and requested an investigation by the plenipotentiary and trade representative at the Pakistani embassy in Russia.
Response and Cooperation
The trade wing of the Pakistani embassy in Moscow promptly forwarded the Russian authority’s letter to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and requested an investigation to prevent future violations. FSVPS also directly communicated with the director of the DPP, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation in plant quarantine.
It is crucial for Pakistan to address these concerns and ensure compliance with phytosanitary regulations to avoid any potential ban on rice exports to Russia in the future.