19.09.2026 Regulation #Russia #Import #Bans #Sanctions

Russia extends food import embargo through 2028

On September 17, 2026, the President of Russia signed Decree No. 665, “On extending certain special economic measures to ensure the security of the Russian Federation.” The decree extends the measures introduced by Decree No. 560 of August 6, 2014, for the period from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2028, and took effect on the day of signing, according to the document card on alta.ru.

Legal basis for the extension

Decree No. 665 references Federal Law No. 281-FZ of December 30, 2006, “On Special Economic Measures and Coercive Measures,” and Federal Law No. 390-FZ of December 28, 2010, “On Security,” as the legal grounds for the president's authority to impose and extend such measures, notes the alta.ru document card. The decree itself does not introduce new restrictions; it prolongs the regime in place since 2014 — a ban on imports into Russia of certain agricultural products, raw materials and food from countries that have imposed sanctions against Russia. The Government is instructed to ensure implementation of the measures and, if necessary, to propose changes to their duration, the decree states.

Countries and goods covered by the ban

The measure applies to goods from the United States, EU member states, Canada, Australia, Norway, Ukraine, Albania, Montenegro, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, alta.ru reports. Banned categories include meat, fish, milk and dairy products — cited by both Vedomosti and Kommersant; Vedomosti also mentions shellfish, vegetables and fruit, while Kommersant lists poultry and seafood. The exact list of prohibited goods is set by a separate Russian government resolution — the new decree does not alter that nomenclature, only extends the duration of the regime, alta.ru clarifies.

What it means for food importers

For importers of food products, logistics operators and distributors working with goods from the listed countries, the decree locks in the status quo at least through the end of 2028: the ban is neither lifted nor broadened by this document, and the government's current product list remains in force until a new resolution is issued.

How the measures have been extended since 2014

The embargo has been in force since August 6, 2014, when it was introduced in response to sanctions imposed by a number of countries following Crimea's annexation by Russia, Vedomosti writes. Since then, the regime has been extended regularly. The previous extension took place in September 2024 and ran through December 31, 2026, while New Zealand was added to the list of covered countries in November 2024, Kommersant recalls. Decree No. 665 extends the measures for another two years — through December 31, 2028 (Lenta.ru).

Primary sources

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.