February 7, 2006

Russia reduces entry points for imported beef, poultry

Russia will reduce the number of its border entry points for imported beef and poultry to 150 from 450 within the next two months, with the port of St Petersburg being the main entry point, according to the federal customs service.

Imported meat will be allowed to enter the Russian territory only via the 150 specialised border customs stations.

The step is being taken to prevent the spread of animal diseases, as well as to curb the growing illegal importation of meat and poultry.

Russia's total annual meat and poultry market is estimated at 8 million tonnes, worth between US$15 billion and US$17 billion. About 90 percent of the total volume is imported.

Poultry imports amount to around 1 million tonnes a year.

Russia recently banned poultry imports from the US and Asia because of diseases. Beef imports from Brazil, France, Poland, Ukraine and Moldova have also been banned.

At the same time, the illegal importation of Brazilian beef via China, Poland and Ukraine has increased, the customs service said.