Russia’s Sverdlovsk region imports 1.4M flowers in January amid tightened controls

RUSSIA – In January 2025, Russia’s Sverdlovsk region, located in central Russia and home to the city of Yekaterinburg, imported approximately 1.4 million cut flowers and 35,800 potted plants.

These floral imports originated from countries including the Netherlands, Colombia, Kenya, Israel, and Ecuador. Despite the large volume, authorities are maintaining strict phytosanitary measures to protect local agriculture.

The shipments were transported through routes passing via Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. According to the Ural Interregional Office of Rosselkhoznadzor, all imports passed inspection without issues.

“No violations were detected during the inspection of these quarantined goods,” the agency confirmed. Nevertheless, concerns over potential pest threats in imported flowers have prompted stricter regulations.

This development comes barely months after some imposed regulatory measures by the country. Since October 2024, Russia has imposed a temporary ban on cut flowers and buds imported from Kazakhstan.

Rosselkhoznadzor explained that these restrictions are due to safety concerns with flowers arriving under Kazakh phytosanitary certificates, which are believed to sometimes cover products from nations Russia designates as unfriendly.

“We must ensure the safety of our agricultural imports,” stated a representative from Rosselkhoznadzor.

The agency cited the Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) as a major concern, highlighting 43 cases of this pest found in shipments during 2023 and 2024. The pest poses significant economic risks, with potential damage estimated at over 11.5 billion rubles.

Kazakhstan, however, has denied these allegations. The country’s Ministry of Agriculture defended its certification processes, emphasizing that they meet national and international standards.

They also noted that fraudulent practices by certain companies using certification loopholes are not unique to Kazakhstan. “This is not unique to Kazakhstan,” the Ministry stressed, calling for a collaborative resolution through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Russia’s flower import market has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including economic sanctions, fluctuating exchange rates, and tariffs. In 2021, the country imported 81,400 tons of cut flowers, but import volumes have varied since then.

In July 2023, Russia introduced a 20% tariff on cut flowers from certain nations, further complicating the market. This tariff, which remains in effect until the end of 2024, has added financial strain to the industry.

In response, authorities and local growers are turning to domestic production as a way to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and maintain tighter control over quality and safety.

Russia’s increased regulatory measures reflect its commitment to safeguarding its agricultural sector against potential risks from imports.

As these controls evolve, businesses in the flower industry will need to adapt to the new requirements while exploring opportunities for local production.

Meanwhile, the ongoing disagreements between Russia and Kazakhstan underline the importance of regional collaboration to resolve trade issues.

Reaching a resolution will be key to minimizing economic disruptions for both nations while maintaining the safety and quality of agricultural products.

 

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Russia’s Sverdlovsk region imports 1.4M flowers in January amid tightened controls

RUSSIA – In January 2025, Russia’s Sverdlovsk region, located in central Russia and home to the city of Yekaterinburg, imported approximately 1.4 million cut flowers and 35,800 potted plants.

These floral imports originated from countries including the Netherlands, Colombia, Kenya, Israel, and Ecuador. Despite the large volume, authorities are maintaining strict phytosanitary measures to protect local agriculture.

The shipments were transported through routes passing via Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. According to the Ural Interregional Office of Rosselkhoznadzor, all imports passed inspection without issues.

“No violations were detected during the inspection of these quarantined goods,” the agency confirmed. Nevertheless, concerns over potential pest threats in imported flowers have prompted stricter regulations.

This development comes barely months after some imposed regulatory measures by the country. Since October 2024, Russia has imposed a temporary ban on cut flowers and buds imported from Kazakhstan.

Rosselkhoznadzor explained that these restrictions are due to safety concerns with flowers arriving under Kazakh phytosanitary certificates, which are believed to sometimes cover products from nations Russia designates as unfriendly.

“We must ensure the safety of our agricultural imports,” stated a representative from Rosselkhoznadzor.

The agency cited the Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) as a major concern, highlighting 43 cases of this pest found in shipments during 2023 and 2024. The pest poses significant economic risks, with potential damage estimated at over 11.5 billion rubles.

Kazakhstan, however, has denied these allegations. The country’s Ministry of Agriculture defended its certification processes, emphasizing that they meet national and international standards.

They also noted that fraudulent practices by certain companies using certification loopholes are not unique to Kazakhstan. “This is not unique to Kazakhstan,” the Ministry stressed, calling for a collaborative resolution through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Russia’s flower import market has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including economic sanctions, fluctuating exchange rates, and tariffs. In 2021, the country imported 81,400 tons of cut flowers, but import volumes have varied since then.

In July 2023, Russia introduced a 20% tariff on cut flowers from certain nations, further complicating the market. This tariff, which remains in effect until the end of 2024, has added financial strain to the industry.

In response, authorities and local growers are turning to domestic production as a way to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and maintain tighter control over quality and safety.

Russia’s increased regulatory measures reflect its commitment to safeguarding its agricultural sector against potential risks from imports.

As these controls evolve, businesses in the flower industry will need to adapt to the new requirements while exploring opportunities for local production.

Meanwhile, the ongoing disagreements between Russia and Kazakhstan underline the importance of regional collaboration to resolve trade issues.

Reaching a resolution will be key to minimizing economic disruptions for both nations while maintaining the safety and quality of agricultural products.