December 23, 2013

The preliminary inspections of the Russian health authorities found shortcomings in checks on dairy goods by the Dutch authorities causing Russia to ban 13 Dutch dairy companies, especially the larger producers of cheese, such as FrieslandCampina, Leerdammer, and DOC Kaas effective from December 19.

Russia announced in October that it was tightening inspection on dairy imports from the Netherlands.

The Netherlands' relationship with Russia strained in 2013. President Putin was met with a large protest in Amsterdam due to the new propaganda law, which was continued during the city's Gay Pride parade in August.

One of the country's diplomats also claimed police brutality when he was investigated for a domestic disturbance. He and his family returned to Russia earlier this month. In addition, Russia's arrest of a few dozen Greenpeace activists also stoked tensions.