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Russia has expanded its ban on Armenian fish products, suspending certifications for two more companies until previously identified safety violations are addressed, the Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor told TASS
As a result, all fish products from Armenia to Russia have been suspended.
Rosselkhoznadzor said it is working with the Armenian side to ensure the safety of fish and fish products intended for the Russian market.
The restrictions come after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an EU support package for Armenia following Russia's expanded restrictions on agricultural imports from the South Caucasus country ahead of a closely watched parliamentary election.
"We are preparing an EU support package. It includes immediate financial assistance, worth over €50 million ($58 million). And more will come," von der Leyen said in a written statement after a conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Rosselkhoznadzor said it had previously asked the Armenian side to temporarily suspend certification of all fish products because of systemic violations.
At the time, the request excluded enterprises MF Export LLC and Invest Plus LLC, which had directly participated in an inspection.
Those enterprises were placed under enhanced laboratory control.
Rosselkhoznadzor said that after analyzing the materials, a preliminary report was prepared.
"Subsequently, during the analysis of the materials, a preliminary report was prepared, and until the identified violations are eliminated and the necessary supporting materials are provided, a decision was made to temporarily suspend certification of products from these enterprises," the agency said.
The latest decision extends the earlier restrictions to the remaining Armenian enterprises, leaving certification for all Armenian fish product supplies temporarily suspended.
Von der Leyen's announcement came days before Armenians head to the polls in a parliamentary election widely viewed as a test of Pashinyan's efforts to deepen ties with the West and reduce the country's dependence on Russia.
The EU support package includes immediate financial assistance worth more than €50 million, according to von der Leyen's statement.
Rosselkhoznadzor emphasized that it continues to work with Armenia on the safety of fish and fish products intended for supply to the Russian market.
The agency said the suspension will remain in place until the identified violations are corrected and the required supporting materials are submitted.
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