The SCC of Abkhazia categorically rejects accusations spread in the media about importation of Turkish tomatoes into the Russian Federation under the guise of Abkhazian

The State Customs Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia commented on the information on increase in supply of tomatoes to Russia.

Sukhum. April 19. Apsnypress. The State Customs Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia, in particular, says:

 "On April 17, the NTV channel and various Internet resources referring to an article in the newspaper Izvestia spread information according to which the Republic of Abkhazia facilitates the importation into the Russian Federation Turkish tomatoes banned for import into the Russian Federation before the end of 2017 under the guise of Abkhazian, the import of which is not limited in any way. 

 The State Customs Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia categorically rejects widespread accusations against Abkhazia and, taking into account the strategic partnership of the Republic of Abkhazia with the Russian Federation, completely excludes such actions. In addition, the sanctions imposed on January 1, 2016 by the Russian Federation against Turkey banning the importation of a certain group of goods to Russia, including tomatoes, were supported by Abkhazia as well.

 Considering that agriculture is one of the priority directions of development of the Abkhazian economy, considerable funds have been invested in the development of greenhouse farms over the past few years. The result was the emergence and functioning of export-oriented greenhouse enterprises for the cultivation of crops, including tomatoes. 

 The data of customs statistics shows the following:

 - in 2014 0 kg of tomatoes was exported from the Republic of Abkhazia to the Russian Federation 

 -  in 2015 the export of these products was 113 tons;
 -  in 2016 more than 2 thousand 167 tons of tomatoes were exported to the Russian Federation; 
 - In 2017 (January-April) more than 96 tons of tomatoes were exported.

 These indicators are the result of the work of greenhouse complexes, the construction of which in Abkhazia continues. Soon the list of exported products will expand, and the Russians will be able to receive environmentally friendly, Abkhazian vegetables and fruits: cucumbers, radish, cabbage, lettuce, eggplant, zucchini, strawberries and much more.

 Proceeding from the foregoing, it is quite clear that tomatoes grow in volumes sufficient for both domestic market and for export to the Russian Federation in the quantities mentioned above.

 Nevertheless, it is worth noting that there took place an attempt to export Turkish tomatoes to Russia in early 2016 under the guise of Abkhazian. But it was immediately stopped. Moreover, this fact served as an excuse for strengthening the control of all services, both at the border at checkpoints and inside the republic. For example, when loading agricultural products in vehicles at the consignors' warehouses, representatives of the quarantine service and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also present along with customs and border guard officers. It is the CCI that issues the Certificate of Origin of the ST-1 form on the shipment which is the main document confirming the place of origin of the goods, that is, the Republic of Abkhazia.

It should also be noted that the FCS of Russia whose data is quoted by the authors of materials in the media, was informed of the functioning of greenhouses in tomato growing in Abkhazia and the possibilities of supplying large quantities of these products to Russia. The leadership of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia understanding that under conditions of sanctions imposed by Russia on Turkish products, a sharp increase in exports from Abkhazia of goods from the sanctions list may cause some concern in Russia, initiated a visit of the working group of the FCS of Russia to get acquainted with the activities of one of the large greenhouse combines - Avai Agro LLC in Pitsunda. The greenhouse complex and the volume of tomato production impressed the Russian delegation, which included a representative of the FCS of the Russian Federation in Abkhazia and the head of the Sochi Customs.

Today there are several similar farms functioning in Abkhazia. Environmentally friendly and delicious Abkhazian tomatoes will please more and more Russian consumers".