Sanctions database

an additional licensing ground has been added in respect of the prohibition on supplying luxury goods to Russia: Member States may authorise the transfer or export to Russia of cultural goods which are on loan in the context of formal cultural cooperation with Russia

An exception is provided for in the event of a vessel in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge, of an emergency port call for reasons of maritime safety, or for saving life at sea.
Member States may authorise access for a vessel under certain specific circumstances, including in relation to the purchase, import or transport into the EU of (a) natural gas and oil, including refined petroleum products, and certain metals (titanium, aluminium, copper, nickel, palladium and iron ore), chemical and iron products (as listed in Annex XXIV to the EU Regulation), (b) pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers whose import, purchase and transport is allowed under this Regulation, (c) for humanitarian purposes, (d) nuclear fuel and other goods strictly necessary for the functioning of civil nuclear capabilities, (e) until 10 August 2022, coal and solid fossil fuels.

Such prohibition does not apply for mail services, nor for goods in transit through the EU between the Kaliningrad Oblast and Russia, if otherwise not prohibited.

Member State may authorise the transport of goods by a road transport undertaking established in Russia for: (a) the purchase, import or transport into the EU of natural gas and oil, including refined petroleum products, as well as titanium, aluminium, copper, nickel, palladium and iron ore; (b) the purchase, import or transport of pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products, including wheat and fertilisers whose import, purchase and transport is allowed under this Decision; (c) humanitarian purposes; (d) the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations of the EU and of the Member States in Russia, including delegations, embassies and missions, or international organisations in Russia enjoying immunities in accordance with international law; (e) the transfer or export to Russia of cultural goods which are on loan in the context of formal cultural cooperation with Russia.

Goods which are necessary for the official purposes of diplomatic or consular missions of Member States or partner countries in Russia or of international organizations enjoying immunities in accordance with international law, or to the personal effects of their staff, are exempted from these new prohibitions. In addition, the EU Member States can authorise supply and related services for humanitarian purposes.

Exceptions are made for:
– nationals of a Member State, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or to natural persons having a temporary or permanent residence permit in a Member State, in a country member of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland,
– deposits which are necessary for non-prohibited cross-border trade in goods and services between the Union and Russia,
The competent authorities may authorise the acceptance of such a deposit or provision of wallet, account or custody service, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that the acceptance of such a deposit or provision of wallet, account or custody service is:
(a) necessary to satisfy the basic needs of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies referred to in paragraph 1 and their dependent family members, including payments for food, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges;
(b) intended exclusively for the payment of reasonable professional fees or the reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services;
(c) necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that the relevant competent authority has notified the competent authorities of the other Member States and the Commission of the grounds on which it considers that a specific authorisation should be granted, at least two weeks prior to the authorisation;
(d) necessary for official purposes of a diplomatic mission or consular post or international organisation,
The competent authorities may authorise the acceptance of such a deposit or provision of wallet, account or custody service, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that the acceptance of such a deposit or provision of wallet, account or custody service is: (a) necessary for humanitarian purposes, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, or the transfer of humanitarian workers and related assistance or for evacuations; or (b) necessary for civil society activities that directly promote democracy, human rights or the rule of law in Russia,