Norwegian authorities received a letter on 7 September from the Russian veterinary authorities, which sets out requirements for seafood exports that may jeopardise all fish exports fromNorwayto Russia. These requirements apply to both fresh and frozen fish, and will enter into force 1 October.

“We take the Russian points of view seriously and have had regular contact with veterinary authorities in Russia for quite some time. I am therefore concerned when the Russians quite surprisingly establish new requirements in the form of an ultimatum, in a manner that jeopardises Norwegian seafood exports to Russia,” says Helga Pedersen, the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs.

Russia is a very important seafood market for Norwegian exporters, representing an export value of over NOK 4 billion. Fish exports alone make up 75% of total Norwegian commodity exports to Russia.

“That is why this affects the relationship between Norway and Russia in a serious manner,” says Helga Pedersen. “The new requirements are unduly complicated and the deadline set to meet them is unreasonable. These requirements are likely to make cooperation between Norway and Russia more difficult.

“Norwegian authorities are now responding in several ways. Today I have sent a letter to my Russian colleague, Mr Gordeev, in which I express my surprise and concern on the developments in this matter. I request the Russian Minister, Mr Gordeev, to involve himself personally in this matter so that we can find a solution as quickly as possible. I am in close contact with the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs in dealing with this matter.

“We are also in good contact with the EU. Cooperation with the EU is important not least because, by virtue of the EEA Agreement, we apply the same veterinary and sanitary rules and regulations as the EU,” says the Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs.

Russian authorities cite the discovery of falsified veterinary certificates in Russia as the reason for elaborating the new requirements. It is not possible to establish where such forgeries may have occurred.