Food and drinks

When do the EEU Technical Regulations enter into force in Kyrgyzstan?

29.01.2016

The timeframe was set for Kyrgyzstan for the entry into force of EEU Technical Regulations. It was adopted by Decision No. 11 of 26 January 2016 of the Eurasian Economic Commission. The TRs will become mandatory in Kyrgyzstan on different dates, and the last one to become mandatory is the TR on automotive and aviation fuel which is to become fully mandatory on 12 August 2021.

The TRs are to be enforced in Kyrgyzstan in four “batches”.

Ukraine: Approved the form of the conformity mark and the marking procedure

26.01.2016

As of 10 February 2016, manufacturers and importers of products that are subject to Technical Regulations, must ensure that the conformity mark placed on such products is in compliance with the requirements pertaining to its form and size as well as the marking rules.

Russian standard for organic food entered into force

17.01.2016

The new national Russian standard GOST R 56508-2015 “Organic production. Regulation for production, storage, transportation” entered into force on 1 January 2016. The Standard applies to organically produced food of animal, plant or microbe origin in a natural, processed or treated form, which is to be consumed by humans or animals or used as planting and seed material.

Russia might extend the list of banned products

24.06.2015

In response to the prolongation of the EU sanctions, Russia intends to extend the list of products the import of which from the EU is prohibited.

Russia has banned “Palcohol” sales

18.06.2015

Federal Consumer Protection and Public Welfare Service (Rospotrebnadzor) has announced that, due to the fact that the sale of powder alcohol (“palcohol”) has been permitted in several US states, it is possible that some distributors will try to release this product on the Russian market.

Russia is to suspend the import of "lactose-free" cheeses

18.06.2015

Import of “lactose-free dairy products” into Russia may be suspended as under this categories cheese is being imported into the country. The import of cheese from certain countries is currently banned by the Russian Federation. The Federal Consumer Protection and Public Welfare Service is requesting to take the relevant measures.

Russia might allow import of certain products without brand owners’ permission

13.06.2015

Federal Anti-monopoly Service (FAS) has sent to the Vice-Premier a list of products for which they propose to allow the parallel import – without brand owners’ permission. The list is said to include cosmetics, perfumery, soft drinks and hygienic products, such as nappies. Also, the list may include pharmaceuticals, vehicle spare parts and medical products.

Russia acts to ease the embargo on Hungary and Greece for fruits and berries

23.04.2015

Russia intends to ease the food embargo for Greece and Hungary by excluding certain products from the “black list”. The products are likely to include peaches, strawberries, nectarines and cherries.

The Russian Chemist Union: PET bottles do not contain harmful substances

20.04.2015

The Russian Chemist Union (RCU) reckons that the presence of harmful substances in plastic bottles is not possible. The RCU President stated that it is not possible that PET bottles contain phthalates. This contradicts the laws of chemistry and the results of numerous Russian and foreign research projects.

EEU: Prohibition to manufacture and place on the market baby food containing ethyl vanillin enters into force on 6 April 2016

21.11.2014

As of 6 April 2016 baby food importers and manufacturers are prohibited to manufacture or place on the Customs Union market any baby food which contains ethyl vanillin. This requirement applies to food which is intended for babies younger than 4 months as well as to food in a form of mixtures intended for healthy older children and which has undergone the state registration as special food before Decision No. 69 of 18 September 2014 of 18 September 2014 enters into force. The exact date when Decision No. 69 enters into force is not known yet.