Russia bans Armenian dairy imports from Monday

Russia began banning imports of Armenian dairy products on 27 July, citing repeated violations of veterinary and sanitary standards. The move follows inspections by Russia’s federal veterinary watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, which said checks conducted between July 14 and 21 confirmed earlier findings of non-compliance.

According to the agency, problems included failures in traceability systems, documentation for raw and finished products, and veterinary-sanitary examinations of incoming milk. Inspectors also alleged that milk from infected livestock and raw materials from third countries were used in products destined for the Russian market despite assurances from Armenia’s veterinary service that only local or Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) supplies were used.

Russian media reported that Armenia could lose up to 80% of its cheese export revenue as a result of the restrictions.

Armenia’s Food Safety Inspectorate rejected the claims, saying no evidence was found during joint inspections of four dairy plants to support allegations of unsafe milk or foreign raw materials. The agency said all inputs had passed laboratory checks and were deemed safe.