Rosselkhoznadzor has called on the competent authorities across the European Union to tighten checks on roses imported into Russia from Ecuador and the Netherlands. The aim is to curb recurring violations of phytosanitary rules as these flowers cross borders during the busy spring season. The appeal was shared through official channels and reported by RIA News, underscoring the agency’s focus on safeguarding Russian markets and ecosystems from contaminated plant material.
In anticipation of the seasonal influx of flowers ahead of the holidays, Rosselkhoznadzor urged EU member states to intensify border controls and prevent the entry and spread of quarantine objects that may accompany contaminated bouquets. The emphasis was on stopping any plant pests or diseases at the earliest possible stage to protect domestic horticulture and ensure that imported blooms meet strict quarantine standards.
According to the agency, the early months of the year have shown a worrying pattern: quarantine objects found in Ecuadorian and Dutch roses are appearing with increasing frequency in shipments that had previously received clearance from European government bodies. This trend has prompted renewed scrutiny of the supply chains and raised questions about the effectiveness of pre-shipment inspections and post-border audits for cut flowers from these two sources.
Alongside these regulatory concerns, the news cycle has touched on consumer-facing questions about Valentine’s Day floral choices. Florist commentary has highlighted which bouquet styles and flower varieties tend to be popular during the holiday period, offering guidance to buyers seeking selections that convey sentiment while still aligning with quality and safety considerations. The broader conversation also touches on how seasonal demand shapes inventory, pricing, and the availability of inspected products in major markets.
Industry voices stress that responsible sourcing requires vigilance from both suppliers and buyers. The focus is on ensuring that stems entering the region have undergone appropriate pest risk assessments, that phytosanitary certificates accurately reflect the health status of plant materials, and that shipments are traceable through verified documentation. Taken together, these measures help minimize the risk of introducing quarantine pests and ensure compliance with national and international standards for ornamental floriculture.