Messages that there is a shortage of flowers in Russia before the spring holidays does not correspond to reality. Information about delays at customs was denied. This is stated in a message published on the website of the Federal Customs Service (FCS).
“The FCS of Russia draws attention to the fact that conscientious importers of flower products are not currently experiencing difficulties in the Russian market. Unverified information in a number of media outlets could have been initiated on the eve of March 8 by interested parties of” gray schemes “for the import of flowers,” message. The FCS added that customs clearance of goods is now proceeding smoothly, despite the increase in volumes.
Previously, suppliers warned that due to delays at customs in Russia, a shortage of flowers may begin. “If this situation continues further, on March 8 the flowers will be golden. And instead of spending from 700 to 1000 rubles, the men of the Russian Federation will be forced to spend 1500, or even 2000 rubles,” said one of the market participants.
Goods go mainly through Belarus, which became the main supplier of flowers to Russia in 2018, it accounts for 49.5 percent of production, in most cases this is re-export from other countries, mainly from the Netherlands. There is no VAT on the import of flowers in Belarus, so it is profitable to supply them to Russia through the republic.