Russia lifts ban on Indian groundnut

Russia has lifted restrictions imposed on Indian exports of sesame seeds and groundnut for four months, following the country's assurances on quality, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) said today.

Russia had slapped curbs on Indian exports some months ago.

The restrictions had been lifted with the condition that sesame seeds and groundnut exported should carry the quality and safety certification issued by the Delhi-based Sri Ram Institute for Industrial Research or any other agency as may be notified from time to time, an APEDA release here said.

''This had already come into effect from September 17. However, fresh restrictions on export of these commodities could be imposed from January 15, 2008 in case of failure to comply with the quality requirements and assurances,'' the release said.

Each consignment should carry a phytosanitary certificate, the statement said, adding the certification would test for pesticide residues and give a report on the residue analysis.