India is mounting pressure on Russia, a growing importer of farm products, to lift the ban on rice and peanuts from the country imposed early this year and accept bovine meat tested in Indian-Government certified labs.
It has also invited officials from the country’s quality control department to visit India later this month to inspect the quality of rice and buffalo meat being exported from the country. With Russia emerging as a major buyer of farm products, especially of bovine meat and processed food, India wants it to remove existing restrictions hindering exports from India.
“We have just started the process of establishing a toe-hold in Russia’s fast growing market for farm produce and have run into quality issues. We hope to sort these out soon,” a Commerce Department official told Business Line.
India’s export of rice to Russia increased five times to $25 million in April-December 2012 compared to $4.5 million in the same period of the previous year before breaks were applied by the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phyto-sanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) on exports in February this year.
The country placed a temporary ban on import of both rice and peanuts from India following detection of Khapra Beetle in Indian rice consignments.
“Strong measures have been taken since then by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) India in conformity with terms of a MoU signed with Russia in 2009,” the official said.
The NPPO has withdrawn the authority of the two officials issuing phyto-sanitary certification to Russia and suspended accreditation of the two pest-control organisations for fumigation of export consignments to Russia. It has also issued an advisory to all phyto-sanitary certification authorities directing them to be cautious and vigilant in carrying out inspection of exports to Russia. “We have now asked Russia to reconsider the ban. Detailed investigation in both cases of non-compliance is already underway and details would be shared with Russia soon,” the official said.
Showing posts with label russia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label russia. Show all posts
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
USDA report on Russia
Executive Summary
On July 20, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian
Federation (VPSS) lifted the ban on Indian rice imports, although all imports must be
certified by Shriramsky Research Institute, the only Indian laboratory approved by VPSS.
Following the suspension of all rice imports in December 20061, renewal of imports from the
major traditional suppliers has depended on the VPSS’ country-by-country inspections of rice
production and handling chains. Imports remain banned from all countries that have not
consented to VPSS’ request to inspect their domestic rice production, transportation, storage,
and handling, including lists of chemicals, norms of application and practices of certification
of these chemicals by the government agencies. In January – May 2007, Russia imported
67,000 metric tons of rice, compared with 172,000 metric tons during the same period last
year. Along with the reduced rice import volumes, the number of suppliers decreased
significantly, with those granted market access depending entirely on VPSS’ inspections and
goodwill, as is demonstrated by the charts on page five of this report. Experts estimate that
the average price of rice in the domestic market increased by 30 percent compared with
prices in 2006. Furthermore, some types of rice, especially premium quality varieties,
disappeared from the market completely. Total 2007 rice imports are forecast to fall 50
percent from the previous year to 180,000 metric tons2.
Rice imports from the United States have been banned since September 2006.
Chronology of VPSS’ Activities Related to Rice Imports
In January – May 2006 rice was exported to Russia from twenty countries, with China, India,
Vietnam, Pakistan and Thailand as the main suppliers. In January – May 2007, fewer than
ten countries exported rice to Russia, with Thailand, Kazakhstan, India and Pakistan
accounting for more than 98 percent of the trade. Imports of rice from Vietnam and China
have almost ceased. The chronology of VPSS’ relations with the remaining supplying
countries, and monthly fluctuations in rice imports are discussed below.
China
According to the Russian press, Chinese authorities expressed willingness to invite VPSS
specialists to China in order to become acquainted with their phytosanitary service, but the
Chinese side required more precise information on the matter. Chinese rice exports to Russia
ceased in December 2006, and have not yet resumed. Chinese rice exports to other markets
have increased.
Vietnam
Vietnam has reportedly not responded to VPSS’ request for inspections, and their rice
exports to Russia have stopped completely. However, Vietnam is reportedly not in a hurry to
renew exports to Russia, due to tight supplies and export commitments to its Asian
customers.
Pakistan
In March 2007, VPSS detained a rice shipment from Pakistan ostensibly due to Khapra beetle
infestation, and VPSS banned imports of all plant products from Pakistan. Russian
authorities reported their intent to visit Pakistan for inspections. However, Pakistan’s
government reportedly cannot pay for the travel, and inspections have not yet taken place.
Rice trade with Pakistan was officially discontinued.
Thailand
Thailand was the first country for VPSS’s rice chain inspection.
In late November 2006, VPSS announced that Russia might ban rice imports from Thailand
because when it detected that pesticides exceeded 2.3 times the maximum allowable limit in
a 375 metric ton shipment to Omsk oblast.
On December 24, 2006, Sergey Dankvert, Head of VPSS, informed the Russian press that a
team of Russian inspectors had flown to Thailand for a week to study rice production and
methods of laboratory testing of rice. On January 10, 2007, Dankvert informed the press
that henceforth every lot of rice shipped from Thailand would be accompanied by certified
test results from one Thai government laboratory that had been accredited by VPSS.
Dankvert added that rice would be accepted from processing facilities that have been
inspected and approved by Russian inspectors.
India
On February 23, 2007, VPSS concluded inspection of India’s rice production and handling
chain, and demanded that India arrange for documentation to accompany each lot of rice,
showing whic h pesticides, in what doses, and what dates were used during the growing
season. VPSS allowed Indian rice imports into Russia with certificates from one authorized
laboratory (Sriramsky Research Institute), but warned that if this condition was not met, rice
imports might be halted May 1. In order to continue rice exports to Russia, VPSS required
that India must, “organize… their work regarding rice exports to Russia in such a way that
every shipment is accompanied by documented information about use of pesticides in the
growing and storing of rice, with doses applied and the date of the latest application.”
On April 29, 2007, VPSS imposed temporary restrictions on rice imports from India beginning
May 1, 2007, because India did not provide the required information on pesticide use and
government control of rice production.
In June 2007, VPSS banned import of rice, peanuts, and sesame seeds from India. All
licenses and permits previously issued were cancelled. Data on rice imports in June are not
yet available, but according to sources, these volumes were very small.
On July 25, VPSS published on its website that on July 10, 2007, VPSS and Indian
government authorities signed Minutes on their meeting relating to creation of a system of
safety control and guarantees for rice shipped from India to Russia. Based on these Minutes,
VPSS lifted the ban on imports of Indian rice. According to VPSS’ press-release, “rice,
shipped from India after July 20, 2007, is imported to the territory of the Russian Federation
based on the results of control-surveying measures on availability of valid import quarantine
permits, certificates, confirming safety of rice and quality, issued by Indian Shriramsky
Research Institute, and phytosanitary certificates.” According to the press, approbation of
other Indian laboratories for issuance of safety certificates for rice can be expected after
another VPSS examination trip to India.
On July 20, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian
Federation (VPSS) lifted the ban on Indian rice imports, although all imports must be
certified by Shriramsky Research Institute, the only Indian laboratory approved by VPSS.
Following the suspension of all rice imports in December 20061, renewal of imports from the
major traditional suppliers has depended on the VPSS’ country-by-country inspections of rice
production and handling chains. Imports remain banned from all countries that have not
consented to VPSS’ request to inspect their domestic rice production, transportation, storage,
and handling, including lists of chemicals, norms of application and practices of certification
of these chemicals by the government agencies. In January – May 2007, Russia imported
67,000 metric tons of rice, compared with 172,000 metric tons during the same period last
year. Along with the reduced rice import volumes, the number of suppliers decreased
significantly, with those granted market access depending entirely on VPSS’ inspections and
goodwill, as is demonstrated by the charts on page five of this report. Experts estimate that
the average price of rice in the domestic market increased by 30 percent compared with
prices in 2006. Furthermore, some types of rice, especially premium quality varieties,
disappeared from the market completely. Total 2007 rice imports are forecast to fall 50
percent from the previous year to 180,000 metric tons2.
Rice imports from the United States have been banned since September 2006.
Chronology of VPSS’ Activities Related to Rice Imports
In January – May 2006 rice was exported to Russia from twenty countries, with China, India,
Vietnam, Pakistan and Thailand as the main suppliers. In January – May 2007, fewer than
ten countries exported rice to Russia, with Thailand, Kazakhstan, India and Pakistan
accounting for more than 98 percent of the trade. Imports of rice from Vietnam and China
have almost ceased. The chronology of VPSS’ relations with the remaining supplying
countries, and monthly fluctuations in rice imports are discussed below.
China
According to the Russian press, Chinese authorities expressed willingness to invite VPSS
specialists to China in order to become acquainted with their phytosanitary service, but the
Chinese side required more precise information on the matter. Chinese rice exports to Russia
ceased in December 2006, and have not yet resumed. Chinese rice exports to other markets
have increased.
Vietnam
Vietnam has reportedly not responded to VPSS’ request for inspections, and their rice
exports to Russia have stopped completely. However, Vietnam is reportedly not in a hurry to
renew exports to Russia, due to tight supplies and export commitments to its Asian
customers.
Pakistan
In March 2007, VPSS detained a rice shipment from Pakistan ostensibly due to Khapra beetle
infestation, and VPSS banned imports of all plant products from Pakistan. Russian
authorities reported their intent to visit Pakistan for inspections. However, Pakistan’s
government reportedly cannot pay for the travel, and inspections have not yet taken place.
Rice trade with Pakistan was officially discontinued.
Thailand
Thailand was the first country for VPSS’s rice chain inspection.
In late November 2006, VPSS announced that Russia might ban rice imports from Thailand
because when it detected that pesticides exceeded 2.3 times the maximum allowable limit in
a 375 metric ton shipment to Omsk oblast.
On December 24, 2006, Sergey Dankvert, Head of VPSS, informed the Russian press that a
team of Russian inspectors had flown to Thailand for a week to study rice production and
methods of laboratory testing of rice. On January 10, 2007, Dankvert informed the press
that henceforth every lot of rice shipped from Thailand would be accompanied by certified
test results from one Thai government laboratory that had been accredited by VPSS.
Dankvert added that rice would be accepted from processing facilities that have been
inspected and approved by Russian inspectors.
India
On February 23, 2007, VPSS concluded inspection of India’s rice production and handling
chain, and demanded that India arrange for documentation to accompany each lot of rice,
showing whic h pesticides, in what doses, and what dates were used during the growing
season. VPSS allowed Indian rice imports into Russia with certificates from one authorized
laboratory (Sriramsky Research Institute), but warned that if this condition was not met, rice
imports might be halted May 1. In order to continue rice exports to Russia, VPSS required
that India must, “organize… their work regarding rice exports to Russia in such a way that
every shipment is accompanied by documented information about use of pesticides in the
growing and storing of rice, with doses applied and the date of the latest application.”
On April 29, 2007, VPSS imposed temporary restrictions on rice imports from India beginning
May 1, 2007, because India did not provide the required information on pesticide use and
government control of rice production.
In June 2007, VPSS banned import of rice, peanuts, and sesame seeds from India. All
licenses and permits previously issued were cancelled. Data on rice imports in June are not
yet available, but according to sources, these volumes were very small.
On July 25, VPSS published on its website that on July 10, 2007, VPSS and Indian
government authorities signed Minutes on their meeting relating to creation of a system of
safety control and guarantees for rice shipped from India to Russia. Based on these Minutes,
VPSS lifted the ban on imports of Indian rice. According to VPSS’ press-release, “rice,
shipped from India after July 20, 2007, is imported to the territory of the Russian Federation
based on the results of control-surveying measures on availability of valid import quarantine
permits, certificates, confirming safety of rice and quality, issued by Indian Shriramsky
Research Institute, and phytosanitary certificates.” According to the press, approbation of
other Indian laboratories for issuance of safety certificates for rice can be expected after
another VPSS examination trip to India.
Russia hints at lifting ban on Pakistani rice
Russia has hinted at lifting the import ban on Pakistani rice and mangoes as a formal notification is likely to be issued during the visit of a Pakistani delegation to Russia in the second week of August.
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Russia Resumes Rice Imports From India
Russia Friday resumed rice imports from India, the federal food quality watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said Monday.
Rosselkhoznadzor said it had resumed issuing import quarantine certificates for Indian rice after signing a protocol with the Indian authorities providing for a system that ensures health safety of rice exported to Russia.
Russia banned Indian rice imports on June 5 because of numerous infringements of health safety regulations by Indian rice growers and exporters. Russian experts have since visited India and inspected the use of pesticides, the conditions of rice storage, and the work of Indian laboratories.
India is the third largest supplier of rice to Russia. Russia consumes 650,000 metric tons of rice a year, with 350,000 tons imported. India supplied in 2006 48,000 tons of rice to Russia, 14.2% of Russia's total rice import.
Rosselkhoznadzor said it had resumed issuing import quarantine certificates for Indian rice after signing a protocol with the Indian authorities providing for a system that ensures health safety of rice exported to Russia.
Russia banned Indian rice imports on June 5 because of numerous infringements of health safety regulations by Indian rice growers and exporters. Russian experts have since visited India and inspected the use of pesticides, the conditions of rice storage, and the work of Indian laboratories.
India is the third largest supplier of rice to Russia. Russia consumes 650,000 metric tons of rice a year, with 350,000 tons imported. India supplied in 2006 48,000 tons of rice to Russia, 14.2% of Russia's total rice import.
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