Russia has lifted its ban on fruit and vegetable imports Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), according to website Globaltimes.cn. 

BiH's Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Mirko Sarovic confirmed on Saturday the Russian market had reopened to exporters.

Russia imposed a ban on fruit and vegetables imported from BiH in August this year. According to Russia's agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, the restrictions were imposed because of the sharp increase in imported products with "high phytosanitary risk".

Russia then sent inspectors to BiH and provided a list of requirements the country had to meet in order for the ban to be lifted.

Russia is an important export market for BiH's fruit and vegetables, according to the publication.

When the ban was implemented last year, Dragoja Dojcinovic, president of the Association of Fruit Producers was quoted by Balkaninsight.com as saying 'incredible damage' would be done if the blockage remained in force for the coming months.

"This is a crucial period, as the farmers are starting the harvest," Dojcinovic was quoted as saying, noting many farmers had already signed contacts with Russia.

Bosnia had significantly increased its exports to Russia since the ban was imposed on produce imports from the European Union.

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