Rosselkhoznadzor has expanded the list of import bans from Armenia to include dozens of types of goods.

Almost all types of plant products have been banned from import to Russia from Armenia. Rosselkhoznadzor attributed the ban to the ineffectiveness of the Armenian Plant Protection and Quarantine Service.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," Rosselkhoznadzor imposed temporary restrictions on the import of flowers from Armenia starting May 22, 2026, and on fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, and strawberries starting May 30. Furthermore, the import of all batches of Armenian mineral water "Jermuk" and certain cognacs and wines to Russia has been suspended, and the import of fish from Armenia has been significantly restricted. As of June 2, Rosselkhoznadzor extended the ban to fresh grapes and stone fruits, including cherries, and as of June 3, to potatoes, eggplants, pome fruits, and dried fruits. The ruling party attempted to minimize the damage from the Russian embargo on agricultural products with a subsidy program for farmers. Armenia officially appealed to the Eurasian Economic Commission in connection with problems in exporting Armenian products to Russia. The Armenian government has promised support measures for fruit, wine, and mineral water producers who ship goods to other countries.

Starting June 12, 2026, Rosselkhoznadzor will restrict the import of all quarantine products originating and shipped from Armenia, as well as transit through Russia to EAEU member states. The ban will remain in effect until a specific algorithm for ensuring the safety and traceability of shipped goods is developed, the agency reported on its website.

"The decision was made due to the systematic detection of quarantine objects. Beginning in May of this year, the Service gradually restricted the import of certain types of Armenian quarantine products and repeatedly sent information to the Armenian side about supply disruptions. However, detections of quarantine objects continue. In June, three cases of khapra beetle infestation were detected in nuts, dried peaches, and dried tomatoes imported from Armenia. This indicates insufficient oversight by the authorized body of Armenia and raises mistrust of the phytosanitary certification system. The ineffectiveness of the Armenian Plant Quarantine and Protection Service threatens the phytosanitary well-being of Russia and the EAEU," the agency's statement reads.

What is included in the ban

Regarding quarantine products High phytosanitary risk items include bulbs, tubers, live plants, flowers, potatoes, tomatoes, all types of onions, cabbage, lettuce, chicory, carrots, turnips, beets, sugar beets, celery root, radishes and other edible root vegetables, cucumbers and gherkins, legumes and other vegetables, corn, nuts of all kinds, bananas, dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes, citrus fruits, grapes, melons and watermelons, papayas, apples, pears and quince, apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums and other fruits, dried fruits, unroasted coffee, with or without caffeine, wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, rice, sorghum, buckwheat, millet and others Cereals 1008 Flour of all types, cereal grains of all types, malt, soybeans, oilseeds, soil, ground materials, timber, lumber, and railroad ties, according to the list of quarantine products (quarantine cargoes), quarantine materials (quarantine goods) subject to quarantine phytosanitary control (supervision) at the customs border of the EAEU and the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union. Quarantine products with a low phytosanitary risk include coffee and tea (except packaged), dried mushrooms, materials of plant origin, wood and wickerwork of all types, animal skins, wool, and fiber, the document states.

Russia imposed restrictions on imports from Armenia as Armenian political forces prepared for the parliamentary elections held on June 7. Meanwhile, the European Political Community summit and the Armenia-EU summit were held in Yerevan in early May. In this regard, Russian pro-government media accused Armenia of "betrayal" and an anti-Russian course, and Vladimir Putin noted that the Armenian authorities should decide on participation in the EU or the EAEU as soon as possible. Earlier, Putin stated that combining Armenia's course towards rapprochement with the EU and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union is "impossible by definition," and noted that Moscow "would like" to admit all pro-Russian political forces to the parliamentary elections in Armenia.

The Civil Contract Party, headed by current Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, won the parliamentary elections. Commenting on its victory, Pashinyan stated that the three-headed war party has been defeated (referring to the Strong Armenia bloc, the Armenia bloc, and the Prosperous Armenia party). The Armenian opposition demanded a recount of votes at 555 polling stations.