Armenian food and drink exports face bans from Russia and Poland

Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor announced a sweeping ban on imports from Armenia on 12 June, citing detections of the African beetle Opsies capra in nuts, dried apricots and tomatoes. The ban, which also blocks transit through Russia to the Eurasian Economic Union, covers fresh vegetables, berries, seeds, water, alcohol, live fish and other products until a Russian‑developed "algorithm ensuring safety and traceability" is in place. The measures follow Armenia’s recent move toward EU accession and Kremlin warnings of gas‑supply cuts.

In Poland, the Main Inspectorate for Quality of Agricultural and Food Products (IJHARS) prohibited the entry of more than 11,000 litres of Armenian beer after inspectors found multiple labeling deficiencies, including missing importer details and no minimum durability date. The decision, effective immediately, prevents the beer from reaching Polish supermarkets.

Both actions illustrate a tightening of trade restrictions on Armenian agricultural and beverage exports amid broader political tensions.