The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan commented on Russia's complaints about Kazakhstan regarding the poor quality of phytosanitary certificates used for the re-export of flowers from third countries. The Committee of State Inspection of the Agro-industrial Complex of the Ministry emphasized that they consider the accusations of the Russian department unfounded.
"The Committee did not take actions to organize a "shadow order" for the uncontrolled movement of plant products across the Eurasian Economic Union territory, as stated in the Rosselkhoznadzor announcement. The issuance of phytosanitary certificates is a state service regulated by the Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the department explained.
However, the Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the problem with dishonest Kazakh companies. "They register quarantine products to 'shell' companies when obtaining phytosanitary certificates. The issue of 'shell' companies is relevant not only for Russia but also for Kazakhstan. Our country also imports products from Eurasian Economic Union member states to recipients who are unaware that imports are being made in their name," the ministry's message stated.
The department emphasised that finding a solution at the level of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan "seems impossible." This issue must be "addressed at the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) level."
Source: cmn.kz