The EU Council has implemented changes to the existing sanctions related to the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. This time, they hit Belarus due to its increasing involvement in the armed conflict at our eastern border. Changes concern the transport of specific categories of goods to and from Belarus, as well as conditions for vehicles that can carry them out.
Specific Transport Categories Under Scrutiny
According to Regulation No. 2024/186, issued on June 29, 2024, the ban on the export of dual-use products and technologies (goods intended for civil use, which in wrong hands can be used, for instance, in conducting attacks) and advanced goods and technologies have been extended. Furthermore, further export restrictions have been introduced regarding goods that could particularly contribute to the industrial potential of Belarus.
“The new package largely reflects the existing bans on road transport to Russia,” says Mateusz Pernak, a lawyer at TC Legal Office. “So it doesn’t limit itself to dual-use goods, luxury goods which can contribute to increasing Belarus’ military and technological potential, as well as goods and technologies suitable for use in aviation or maritime navigation have also been banned” the expert explains.
Limits on Import and Use of Semi-Trailer
The sanctions are not only regarding export. A series of import prohibitions have been introduced from Belarus, including marine navigation components, minerals, and petroleum. They also expanded the ban on road transport of goods from Belarus to the EU territory using trailers and semi-trailers registered in Belarus, even when they are attached to a vehicle registered outside Belarus. In addition, they prohibited operations in the EU for road transport companies with at least 25% Belarusian capital.
Prison and High Financial Penalties for Sanctions Violation
The catalog of sanctions is extensive. For carriers who continue to maintain trade relationships with Belarusian contractors, they need to familiarize themselves with the new sets of sanctions to ensure that no bans are violated. The consequences waiting for those who violate the introduced regulations are severe.
“They may even face a minimum sentence of 3 years imprisonment. We must also remember about the sanctions that were adopted earlier, such as the sanctions list managed by the minister responsible for internal affairs, published on the gov.pl website. This list contains individuals and entities covered by sanctions, and cooperation with them can result in a financial fine amounting to even PLN 20,000,000. Every contractor should therefore be verified on the sanctions list”, warns Mateusz Pernak from TC Legal Office.
Council Regulation (EU) No. 2024/1865 introduces changes to Council Regulation (EC) No. 765/2006, where we can find the full catalog of newly introduced sanctions against Belarus. This regulation is of the highest importance to Polish carriers, although it cannot be forgotten that in addition to EU sanctions, Polish companies are also subject to national sanctions.
Navigation through Council Regulation (EC) No. 765/2006 is facilitated by the combined nomenclature (CN) codes used in it. This is how the goods to which the prohibitions apply have been specified. The new package of sanctions on Belarus has been in force since July 1, 2024.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/sankcje-na-bialorus-nowe-ograniczenia-w-handlu-i-transporcie-84918
