Since October 31, Belarus has banned the import and sale of seven-year-old Armenian cognac produced by MAP CJSC and the eight-year-old Georgian Shio Cellar. Gosstandart reported that the content of tannins in both drinks is lower than the established norm, therefore their characteristics do not correspond to the declared name.
Previously, the eight-year-old Yervan 2,800 from the same manufacturer MAP and the six-year-old cognac from the Shekhnazarian brand were subject to Belarusian restrictions. Russia also suspended the sale of certain Armenian cognacs and wines in May, including the five-star Armenian Cognac and the seven-year-old Shanzarian XO. The Russian measures did not establish a general ban on Armenian cognac.
At the same time, new restrictions are introduced against the background of increasing Belarusian-Armenian trade. In January-August, its volume increased by 23.3%, to 170.8 million dollars, mainly due to supplies from Belarus. Armenia's trade turnover with the CIS countries decreased by 14.6%, and with Russia - by 19.2%.
Since May, Russia has limited supplies of Armenian alcohol, mineral water, fruits and vegetables, fish and dairy products. In September, Ruselkhuzandzor approved the continuation of restrictions on fish and dairy products, explaining this by the absence of documents on the cancellation of violations. These measures directly limit manufacturers' access to the Russian market.