BELGRADE, August 20 (RAPSI) - Serbia has tightened control of food exports to Russia amid sanctions and is doing its best to prevent re-export from other countries, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday citing Dejan Delic, Senior Advisor at the Chamber of Commerce an Industry of Serbia.

On August 7, Russia imposed an embargo on food imports from the EU, the United States and other Western countries for one year in response to the sanctions introduced against Russia. The ban includes beef, pork, poultry, fruit, vegetables, cheese, dairy, nuts and other products.

Serbia is one of few European countries not affected by the Russian food embargo.

Serbian authorities have taken precautions to prevent re-export, the agency quotes Delic as having said.

A special coordination center was set to manage the problem and it is in constant contact with customs officials. Those who violate the rules will face penalties, according to Delic.

“We keep in touch with Russian officials to ensure quality exports to Russia and provide full information to the companies interested in exporting to Russia,” Delic said.

Dozens of food producers based in the EU countries, including Poland, are reportedly looking for loopholes and ways to re-export their goods subject to Russian ban on food imports via third countries.