Russia enforces regulation to import Norwegian pelagics from approved plants
Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Rosselkhoznadzor has announced that as of 15 November 2008 Russia will import Norwegian pelagic fish from Russia-approved plants only.
Earlier the Russian vet service already warned that the Norwegian pelagic industry would be subject to such regulations in the future and now this policy has taken material shape.
From 15 November 2007 only the following seven exporters based in the North of Norway will be allowed to ship herring, mackerel and capelin to Russia, according to the respective press release from Norway's Food Safety Authority:
- T-212 - Egersund NOR AS, Tromsø
- T-274 - Bernt Hansen Eftf. AS, Sommarøy
- T-314 - Nergård Sild AS, Senjahopen
- N-655 - Lofoten Pelagiske AS, Svolvær
- N-830 - Fryseriet AS, Lødingen
- N-902 - Domstein Bodø AS, Bodø
- N-1036 - Modolv Sjøset Pelagic AS, Træna
Norway annually sells herring to Russia worth 1.2 billion NOK, and the new regime will require serious adjustments both for the suppliers and the Russian importers.
In early 2006, the Russian vets imposed similar restrictions for salmon imports from Norway with the market finally adjusting to the new rules and showing growth figures again.