On April 22, Rosselkhoznadzor lifted restrictions on the import of wheat and other agricultural products from Kazakhstan, which had been in effect since October 17, 2024. However, on the same day, the agency introduced a new ban on the import of grain from Kazakhstan, with some amendments.
According to the decision of Rosselkhoznadzor, temporary restrictions on the import of wheat, flaxseed and lentils from Kazakhstan to Russia have been reinstated since April 23. The ban does not apply to the transit of grain, provided that the Kazakh side issues phytosanitary certificates for the country of final destination and the transshipment of grain from rail cars directly to the ship's holds, or during transit by rail in sealed rail cars/containers.
The import of Kazakhstani tomatoes, peppers, fresh melons, cut flowers and buds is also prohibited. However, exceptions are provided for the import of batches of products under the guarantees of the State Inspection Committee in the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan.
Import of sunflower seeds for sowing, as well as cut flowers and buds originating from third countries, from Kazakhstan is completely prohibited.
The reasons for Rosselkhoznadzor's adoption of these decisions are not explained.
"It is unclear why the previous one was cancelled in order to introduce a new one the next day?!" - commented on the situation Evgeny Karabanov, head of the analytics department of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan.