Russia: Russian companies might be unable to export and import grains. According to resolution of government of Russian Federation, Roskhlebinspektsiya (State Grain Inspectorate of Russia) stops its existence on March 1. Export of grain could be paralysed. The first company, which met the problem, was Russian branch of Glencore. However, on February 28 the government extended terms of Roskhlebinspektsiya existence in large ports until March 31, AgriMarket.Info communicated on March 1.

Roskhlebinspektsiya controlled quality of grain, flour, groats, feeds and other grain products. It had 79 regional branches. For export/import of grain a company must render to customs a certificate of quality issued by Roskhlebinspektsiya (State Grain Inspectorate Russian).

The customs service passed grain cargoes through the boarder only in the presence of such certificate. In December 2004 the government signed a resolution prescribing to liquidate the Inspectorate, the Ministry of Agriculture had to empower other organization with the functions of Roskhlebinspektsiya.

Roskhlebinspektsiya has been liquidated according to the government resolution of December 2004. In the term of three months Ministry of Agriculture had to empower other organizations with the functions of Roskhlebinspektsiya but they did not cope with that.

Now grain market of Russia is close to collapse, AgriMarket.Info said. The customs service still demands the certificates of Roskhlebinspektsiya. Many ships of large grain trading companies now lie idle in ports. None can estimate exact losses. Everything depends on the government - how soon they will call off the compulsory certification.