“Only without panties to Europe”: the EU explained what Russian tourists can and cannot import

Before the Russians were taken aback by the absurd ban on the import of personal gadgets and their own household items into the EU, including underwear and toilet paper, on September 13 the European Commission introduced amendments “dictated by reason.”

In terms of what was stated on 343 pages, we understood with the help of Russian visa experts the EU countries that are most active in the matter of sanctions against citizens of the Russian Federation.

“To Europe now only without panties” – this generalization, which has almost become a Runet meme, appeared in the minds of Russians as a result of a document published on the official website of the European Commission on September 8. It said that the paragraph of the 2014 EU Regulation regarding the import, purchase and transport of certain goods in relation to Russians would be revised. And as part of the explanations for the upcoming amendments, it was said that Russians entering Europe will be prohibited from importing items from a specific list given inside the document. The most meticulous citizens immediately got acquainted with it and were shocked to find there not only private cars with Russian license plates and electronic devices, but also personal wearables, jewelry, suitcases, cosmetics and even hygiene items. After 4 days of bewilderment among Russian citizens who had not yet abandoned the idea of ​​occasionally visiting Europe, by the evening of September 12, the European Commission officially explained the promised changes regarding Russians visiting EU countries and explained exactly how the EU Council resolution on “restrictive measures” against Russia will be implemented.

Here are excerpts from the new document, which took up almost three and a half hundred pages. “For items that raise minor circumvention concerns, such as personal care items or clothing worn by travelers or in their luggage that are clearly intended strictly for personal use during travel, national competent authorities should continue to apply the prohibition in a proportionate manner. and in a reasonable manner.” And an explanation for those who still do not understand anything: “According to the case law of the EU Court of Justice, sanctions must be interpreted broadly in order to ensure the effectiveness of the adopted prohibitions and to avoid their circumvention. National competent authorities must assess each situation and apply prohibitions accordingly.” It is really difficult to understand the Aesopian language of such a circular on your own…

– In my opinion, the most important thing in the new document is that from the statement to which all EU countries are obliged to join, the categorical statement has disappeared that, with individual exceptions for persons with dual citizenship and relatives of EU citizens, the import of everything specified on the list from Russia is strictly prohibited and subject to mandatory withdrawal,” says Alexey, a visa intermediary specializing in Schengen travel for Russians to Spain and Portugal.

– Was it really about cowards?

– Alas. But the new version says travelers’ personal hygiene items and clothing “should be subject to discretion and case law to ensure the effectiveness of the bans adopted and to avoid circumvention of them.” In other words, do not stoop to confiscating panties, otherwise the entire ban will look so ridiculous that even the European customs officers themselves will not enforce it.

– Well, let’s say I’m going to Europe in a week, I have a visa. What am I sure I can’t take with me?

– Anything that costs more than 50 thousand euros falls under the “luxury” category and is prohibited from import. In the case of most Russian tourists, these are only cars, if they travel by personal transport, jewelry and watches. In the unofficial field, it is also not recommended to take with you personal items worth more than 5 thousand euros. But if suddenly some Russian cannot leave the house without expensive shoes or a coat worth 5 thousand euros, they will not strip him. And in general they promised not to rummage through their suitcases. But if, when scanned, they see a treasure chest there, they will rummage through it. Seriously, you shouldn’t bring expensive things, even personal ones, in such quantity and condition that customs will decide that you are bringing them for sale. And, of course, no one will confiscate your personal clothes, this is nonsense.

– And toilet paper?

– Do you usually travel with your own toilet paper? This means that behind the European customs check there will be a human face and common sense. If you have a roll of toilet paper with you, this is your personal quirks. But if it’s a commodity consignment, they’ll confiscate it. Items on the list that you make fun of cannot be imported. And 1-2 rolls of toilet paper and a change of linen are not imports.

As of Wednesday, all Russian intermediaries involved in Russian tourism to the Schengen zone are in solidarity: we have been handed over to the customs officers themselves. Case law is when everyone’s luggage is considered individually, and the decision remains at the discretion and conscience of the officer who dealt with you. European customs officials claim that the phenomenon of the “underwear” ban did not arise out of nowhere, but because some enterprising Russians were caught trading in goods imported into the EU on their private vehicles. All restrictions are aimed only against such illegal imports by Russians, and not against the travelers themselves.