Amidst a severe systemic crisis, the Cuban government has sanctioned the importation of Russian livestock products, enabling firms from the Eurasian nation to export beef, pork, poultry, and dairy goods to the island's market. According to Interfax, Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) received the green light following a food control audit conducted by Cuba's National Animal Health Center.
This move signifies Cuban authorities' endorsement of Russian control systems. With this approval, companies listed on the veterinary platform "VetIS" and its component "Cerber" can operate without commercial restrictions. This step has been long overdue, as the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture extended accreditation in June 2023 to 14 Russian companies that passed initial inspections supported by Rosselkhoznadzor.
Two months later, an additional nine firms were certified by Cuba's National Center for Animal Health (CENSA) to export their products. This collaboration highlights a strengthening of trade relations between Russia and Cuba, part of the island's efforts to revitalize its economy and attract foreign investments, especially after the rapprochement following the July 2021 protests.