I. Policy Background and Key Updates
In July 2024, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) issued Order No.2024-07/ГСП, expanding citrus import access and modifying phytosanitary requirements:

  • New Approved Varieties: Orri Mandarin, Newhall Navel Orange, Cara Cara
  • Phytosanitary Certificate Updates:
    ✓Mandatory orchard registration numbers & GLOBALGAP certification
    ✓ Cold treatment: -0.5℃±0.3℃ for 15 days (or equivalent methyl bromide fumigation)
    ✓ Pesticide residue tests increased to 47 items
  • Labeling Standards:
    ✓Russian labels must include origin, net weight, production date, storage temp
    ✓ Prohibited claims: “organic” without certification

II. Impacts on China-Russia Citrus Trade
(1) Market Access Opportunities
Russia imported 930,000MT citrus in 2023, with China accounting for only 3.7%. New policy enables:

  • Guangxi Orri Potential: 1.5MT annual output could fill Russia’s winter demand gap
  • Cost Advantage: Rail freight from China to Moscow is 18% cheaper than Turkish road transport
  • Certification Needs: GOST R 51074-2024 certification required 6 months in advance

(2) Compliance Challenges

  • Cold Storage Requirements: Precision-controlled facilities (-1℃to 1℃) with Rosselkhoznadzor-approved data loggers
  • Traceability Systems: Full-chain data integration into Russia’s “Honest SIGN” platform with DataMatrix QR codes

III. Enterprise Solutions by LATO

  1. Russian Labeling Workshop
    • Content: GOST R 51074-2024 standards, template library, compliance cases
  2. Certification Services
    • Cold storage retrofit solutions (100% approval rate)
    • HS code pre-classification service
  3. Logistics Innovations
    • Testing “Nanning-Moscow” cold chain rail (25 days, ±0.5℃)
    • Priority clearance at Manzhouli Port (72hr release for AEO clients)

IV. Risk Advisory
Key considerations:

  • Seasonal Window: Oct-April import period
  • Anti-dumping Risks: Investigations may trigger for prices below $0.8/kg
  • Currency Fluctuations: Recommend RMB/EUR settlements

With Russia’s citrus imports projected to reach 1.2MT by 2025, LATO will provide:

  • Monthly compliance reports
  • Real-time Russian customs data portal
  • Moscow bonded warehouse support