Russia has officially lifted its ban on potato imports from Punjab, allowing 101 Pakistani exporters to resume shipments from July 7 after completing a review of Pakistan’s phytosanitary control system.
The decision is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural exports, support farmers, and improve foreign exchange earnings.
The approval was communicated by Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance to Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, marking a significant breakthrough after months of technical discussions between the two countries.
101 Exporters Cleared, Two Remain Suspended
According to official documents, Russia approved imports from Punjab after reviewing guarantees provided by Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection, along with details of registered exporters and their planned shipment volumes.
However, two Pakistani exporters remain barred from exporting potatoes to Russia after authorities found they had failed to comply with the phytosanitary standards required under the Eurasian Economic Union regulations.
Russian officials said the restrictions on those exporters will remain in place until compliance issues are resolved.
Pakistan Worked for Months to Restore Market Access
Pakistan has been working to regain access to the Russian market since February, when authorities submitted pest surveillance records, laboratory reports, and technical documentation demonstrating that the pests identified by Russia were absent from export consignments.
In May 2025, Russia suspended potato imports from Punjab after raising concerns over the presence of the potato tuber moth and tomato wilt virus, prompting Pakistani authorities to strengthen inspection, certification, and quarantine procedures.
Before the broader reopening, Russia had already allowed three Pakistani exporters to restart potato shipments from April 8. Those companies included Chase International, Zahid Kinnow Grading and Waxing Plant, and National Fruit.
Major Relief for Farmers and Exporters
The reopening of the Russian market comes at a crucial time for Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which has produced an estimated 12 million metric tons of potatoes this season.
Officials estimate that nearly 4 million metric tons are available for export, making access to international markets essential for preventing oversupply and supporting farm incomes.
Industry stakeholders expect renewed exports to Russia to help reduce surplus inventories, stabilize domestic potato prices, create new opportunities for exporters, and generate valuable foreign exchange for the country’s economy.
Trade Relations Receive a Fresh Boost
The latest decision is expected to strengthen agricultural trade between Pakistan and Russia while highlighting the importance of maintaining internationally recognized phytosanitary standards.
Officials believe continued compliance with quarantine regulations and plant health requirements will be critical to sustaining long-term access to the Russian market and expanding Pakistan’s agricultural exports to other destinations.
