24.04.2025, 10:28
Russia Reintroduces Restrictions on Grain Imports from Kazakhstan: What Happened?
New bans on wheat, lentils, and flax seeds from Kazakhstan took effect on April 23 — one day after lifting the previous ones
On April 22, 2025, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) announced the lifting of import restrictions that had been in place since October of the previous year on wheat and other agricultural products from Kazakhstan. However, just one day later, the agency issued a new resolution reintroducing temporary bans — this time with several clarifications.
According to the updated measures, starting April 23, imports of Kazakh wheat, flax seeds, and lentils into Russia are once again suspended. The restrictions do not apply to transit shipments, provided the Kazakh side issues phytosanitary certificates indicating the final destination country. Direct transshipment from railcars to vessel holds, as well as sealed container transport by rail, is also permitted.
In addition to grains, the ban now includes tomatoes, peppers, fresh melons, and cut flowers and buds. Exceptions are made for specific shipments under official guarantees from the Committee of State Inspection in the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture.
Stricter measures apply to goods of third-country origin. Imports of sunflower seeds for planting and cut flowers are completely banned, even if transported in transit through Kazakhstan.
Rosselkhoznadzor has not explained the reasons for the swift policy reversal. Market analysts, particularly in the grain sector, expressed confusion over why the previous ban was lifted only to be reimposed with new terms the next day. According to industry experts, the situation raises questions about the transparency and consistency of Russia's phytosanitary policy.
With tension mounting, market participants are awaiting clarifications and coordinated responses from the authorities of both countries to ensure stable trade relations under the framework of bilateral cooperation.
Key Takeaways:
• New bans on wheat, lentils, and flax seeds from Kazakhstan took effect on April 23 — one day after lifting the previous ones.
• Transit is allowed only under strict conditions, including phytosanitary certification and sealed transport.
• Sunflower seeds for planting and cut flowers, including transit goods from third countries, are fully banned.