TRANSIT FROM RUSSIA GUIDANCE
On 13 July, the Commission published further guidance to Member States on the transit of goods from Russia. The guidance specifies the applicable rules and recalls that Member States are obliged to prevent all possible forms of circumvention of EU restrictive measures. In that light, the Commission underlines the importance of monitoring the two-way trade flows between Russia and Kaliningrad Oblast to ensure that sanctions are not circumvented.
This guidance confirms that the transit of sanctioned goods by road with Russian operators is not allowed under the EU measures. No such similar prohibition exists for rail transport, without prejudice to Member States' obligation to perform effective controls. Member States shall check whether transit volumes remain within the historical averages of the last 3 years, in particular reflecting the real demand for essential goods at the destination, and that there are no unusual flows or trade patterns that could give rise to circumvention. The transit of sanctioned military and dual use goods and technology is fully prohibited in any event – regardless of the mode of transport.
More information for customs authorities and stakeholders regarding the implementation of the EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus you can find on the dedicated DG TAXUD webpage.
Source: European Commission