Russia bans imports from Georgia
Russia has banned imports of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks produced by several Georgian companies. The banned products include wine, brandy and beer from certain brands, Coca-Cola produced in Georgia, and Nabeghlavi mineral water.
According to Mamuka Pipia, leader of the openly pro-Russian party Solidarity for Peace, the ban on certain Georgian drinks entering Russia is “only the first wave”. He says further restrictions will affect other companies and products.
“This is a regrettable development, and this is only the first wave; two or three more will follow. The sanctions affect more than 40 companies and currently apply only to mineral water, beer and other alcoholic drinks. However, the process will eventually extend to agricultural products,” Pipia wrote.
According to Russian media reports, the decision followed a resolution by the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission. Russia’s consumer watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, introduced temporary sanitary measures banning the import and sale in Russia of products that fail to meet the country’s requirements.
A document published by the agency states that authorities must withdraw food products from circulation if they violate the Customs Union’s technical regulations or other applicable requirements. Businesses can withdraw such products voluntarily or comply with an order from an authorised body of a Customs Union member state.
According to Russian media reports, the ban will affect products from the following Georgian companies and brands:
- Wine produced by JSC Teliani Valley;
- Wine produced by JSC Tbilvino;
- Wine and brandy produced by LLC Askaneli Brothers;
- Wine produced by LLC Wineman;
- Beer produced by JSC Georgian Beer Company;
- Coca-Cola, a highly carbonated non-alcoholic drink produced in Georgia;
- Nabeghlavi mineral water, produced by Healthy Water.
Russia bans imports from Georgia