Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said it had uncovered a scheme for the illegal import of regulated products into Russia.
Between 10 and 30 March, three trucks carrying at least 60 tonnes of Conference pears were detained in Russia’s Smolensk region. The labels stated that the country of origin of the fruit was Turkey. The drivers presented copies of quarantine phytosanitary inspection certificates dated December 2025 and issued for other vehicles, as well as transport documents for pears intended for movement within Russia.
“This violation is a sign of a shadow scheme for the illegal import of European pears subject to sanctions, disguised as Turkish products and accompanied by falsified documents intended for domestic Russian transportation,” Rosselkhoznadzor said.
The carriers were held administratively liable. The pears were sent for phytosanitary examination.