Latvia has banned entry to cars with Russian license plates

Latvia has banned entry into the European Union for persons with vehicles registered in Russia from September 12. reported on the website of the State Revenue Service (SRS) of the republic.

“In accordance with the explanations of the European Commission and the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Revenue Service informs that from today, September 12, persons with vehicles registered in the Russian Federation are prohibited from entering the European Union through the Latvia-Russia and Latvia-Belarus border crossings,” the message says. .

Persons with such cars will have to return back to Russia or Belarus, otherwise a decision may be made to confiscate the vehicle. Individuals will be allowed to return from the EU to Russia in cars with Russian license plates, if they are not declared as goods and are used only as a means of transportation, the State Revenue Service emphasized.

The department also recalled the current ban on crossing the EU border with tractors and trailers registered in Russia. This restriction does not affect companies transporting goods in transit through the EU to the Kaliningrad region.

Earlier today, Lithuanian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Jovita Neliupsiene statedthat the republican authorities can confiscate cars registered in Russia if its owner does not have documents confirming that he is in transit to Kaliningrad.

On September 8, the European Commission published an explanation on the import of Russian vehicles into the EU. Russian transport, regardless of whether it is used for private or commercial purposes, may be seized. In addition to vehicles, Russian citizens are prohibited from temporarily bringing with them things the import of which from Russia is prohibited to EU countries. The list of restrictions includes laptops, smartphones, cosmetics, etc.

On September 11, EC representative Daniel Sheridan Ferry clarified that the commission gives instructions on the implementation of sanctions against Russia, decisions on the implementation of specific restrictions are made by states. EU countries should not prohibit Russians from importing personal items into the union that are not of high value and are not luxury items, the EC clarified.