On 13 July, the European Commission issued an additional guidance on the transit of goods from Russia, stating that the sixth sanctions package does not apply to rail transit of goods from Russia to its exclave of Kaliningrad.
The sanctions against Russia were adopted in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“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,” says the press release issued by the European Commission.
The guidance also suggests that Member States check whether transit volumes remain within the historical averages of the last three 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.
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“The transit of sanctioned military and dual use goods and technology is fully prohibited in any event – regardless of the mode of transport,” says the Commission.
