Poland will close entry for cars registered in Russia from September 17

Poland will ban the entry into the country of cars registered in Russia from September 17, said Polish Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration Mariusz Kaminski.

“In connection with the publication on September 8 of the clarifications of the European Commission regarding the ban on the entry into the EU territory of cars registered in Russia, this ban will be in force at the Polish border from tomorrow and comes into force at midnight,” the minister said, in his words brought press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic.

Kaminsky emphasized that this applies to both commercial and private cars, regardless of whether the car is driven by a Russian citizen or a citizen of another country.

On September 8, the EC published an explanation on the import of Russian vehicles into EU countries. According to the document, Russian transport, regardless of whether it is used for private or commercial purposes, can be arrested.

The Commission refers to the EU Council Regulation of July 31, 2014 “On restrictive measures in connection with the actions of Russia.” According to Art. 3i, a ban is introduced on the sale and import into the EU of a number of goods, including cars. The day before, on September 10, the EC clarified that in addition to cars, Russians are also prohibited from importing suitcases, laptops, smartphones, cosmetics, etc. into the EU. This will be regarded as prohibited imports.

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

At the same time, at the Permanent Representation of Russia to the EU notedthat the seizure of personal belongings of Russians when crossing the borders of the European Union in connection with sanctions cannot be ruled out.