The Association of Russian vegetable producers has requested a tightening of the controls on the import of cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs, particularly regarding the presence of pesticides and other chemicals. They stated that this is especially necessary in winter and spring, when 70 percent of vegetables on the Russian market are imported.
Russian producers believe it would also be desirable for all tests to be carried out at the border or at points of sale. These tests could show that Russia's maximum permissible levels are exceeded by 20 percent in imported vegetables.
According to the Russian producers, the current regulation provides a competitive advantage to foreign suppliers due to their lower production costs.
Stricter controls would also apply to vegetables produced in Russia, although while foreign suppliers, in case of exceeding the maximum levels, would only be risking the cessation of the sale, Russian producers may receive harsher penalties.
