Import of “lactose-free dairy products” into Russia may be suspended as under this categories cheese is being imported into the country. The import of cheese from certain countries is currently banned by the Russian Federation. The Federal Consumer Protection and Public Welfare Service is requesting to take the relevant measures. According to their request, the importers and suppliers of lactose-free dairy will have to obtain a special state certificate, permitting them to import into Russia only lactose-free dairy products intended for dietary and preventive nutrition purposes.
Currently, the import of cheese from the countries subject to the Russian food embargo is being conducted under the guise of “lactose-free products” (the import of which is allowed). This has become possible because soured (fermented) dairy products and cheese do not contain lactose anyway, due to the specifics of their manufacture.