Russian authorities are set to destroy a 19 metic ton (MT) apple consignment recently imported into the country, alleging the acompanying phytosanitary certificates were forged. 

According to a posting on the website of the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), the package labeling and information on documents indicate the country of origin is Morocco.

However, the organization said due to the complicated logistics delivery schemes and production methods that were uncharacteristic of Morocco, the phytosanitary certified was sent to Rosselkhoznadzor's central office for validation.

After Morocco's National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) did not confirm the issuance of the certificate, authorities have deemed the products illegal and say they will destroy them.

In August 2014 Russia banned agricultural imports from the European Union (EU), U.S., Norway and Australia, in response to sanctions those countries imposed on Russia for its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Since then Russian authorities have blocked numerous produce shipments which they believe could have originated from bannned countries.

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