The EC eased the ban on the import of clothing and personal care products from Russia

The European Commission has changed its recommendations for EU member countries on the application of a ban on the import of personal goods from Russia, including hygiene products and clothing. New EC comments contributed in Appendix XXI to Art. 3i of sanctions regulation No. 833/2014.

The clarification states that customs authorities need to apply the ban on the import of personal effects into the EU in a “proportionate and reasonable manner”. The import of cars remains completely prohibited. According to the EC, they can be used to circumvent sanctions. No separate comments regarding smartphones, photographic equipment and laptops were added to the appendix to the article of the sanctions regulations.

“At first glance, it may seem that the European Commission lawyers tried to soften the absurdity of the previous clarifications by formulating a more nuanced answer. However, they got even worse. In accordance with the new “instructions,” the competent authorities of the member states must each time conduct, in fact, an inquiry into Russians to determine whether they will use the imported items “strictly for personal purposes during the trip”,” – stated the press service of the Permanent Representation of Russia to the EU in a commentary for RIA Novosti.

As the diplomatic mission added, the EC’s explanations of the new sanctions provisions mean only one thing for Russians – no easing of restrictions should be expected.

EC published September 8, new recommendations for EU governments. It follows from them that entering the eurozone in cars with Russian license plates is prohibited. Customs services also called for a ban on the transport of personal goods, including mobile phones, laptops, cameras, suitcases, cosmetics, leather and fur products, semi-precious stones, toilet paper, shampoos and toothpastes. German government 12 September confirmed the possibility of confiscating these things from the Russians.