Rosselkhoznadzor informed the exporters about the upcoming inspections of wheat quality under new requirements. The products, in particular, will be tested for fusariosis of the ear, root rot and other pathogens. Vietnam and Egypt are among the importers that require such checks. Egypt, for example, did not require such checks before.
Rosselkhoznadzor explained that control over the phytosanitary condition of export grain shipments is intensified due to unfavorable weather conditions in Russian regions. According to Sabina Sodikova, director general of the Agrozan Commodities DMCC, the authorities, in the presence of a pathogen, may refuse to issue a phytosanitary certificate to any exporter, since the maximum allowable content of pathogens is not specified. Such a situation threatens to violate contract terms, idle dry cargo and millions of losses.
Strict requirements can become a tool for limiting exports. So, if the level of shipments is above 25-30M tons, sanitary inspectors will be able to block new lots of wheat. Officials do not want to impose a duty on wheat exports, so an alternative way of regulating supplies has been found.
Source: Sphere Publishing House.
