Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) has prohibited the import of a shipment of nearly 50 tons of Moroccan citrus fruit. The cargo was intercepted at the port of St. Petersburg.
The agency stated that inspectors found quarantine organisms in the shipment, specifically the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata). This pest is considered a significant threat to Russian agriculture.
Rosselkhoznadzor has imposed temporary restrictions on the import of certain plant products from Morocco in the past, citing repeated phytosanitary violations. The latest interception is part of ongoing border controls.
The banned shipment included tangerines and clementines. The consignment has been denied entry, and the responsible Moroccan exporter faces potential inclusion on a list of companies subject to enhanced control.
