If the goods are subject to sanctions, they cannot be taken across the border. Depending on the case, the customer can return the goods to the store where they were purchased, or Customs will detain them.
During the heightened surveillance period, passengers carried various luxury goods and goods promoting Russia’s industrial and military capabilities, such as tools used in maritime transport.
– At the moment, about twenty cases related to passenger traffic are in the preliminary inspection of Customs or waiting for a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says Grönberg.
The purpose of the preliminary investigation is to find out whether there is reason to suspect a crime and whether there is a reason to start a preliminary investigation.
The number of passengers on the border between Russia and Finland increased when Russia lifted the Covid-19 restrictions on cross-border travel on July 15. However, traffic volumes are nowhere near what they were before the restrictions. Last week, around 30,000 passengers traveled to Russia through the Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala border crossing points. During the same week in 2018, there were more than 80,000 passengers.
– The results of the monitoring period show that the checks on people traveling from Finland should be continued, says Grönberg.
Sanctions imposed by the EU are a key part of the EU’s joint measures
The European Union has imposed extensive sanctions against Russia and Belarus over the invasion of Ukraine. As an enforcement authority, Customs’ tasks include the implementation of import and export sanctions agreed at the EU level.
Customs’ enforcement of sanctions focuses on the control of commercial traffic because it has a greater impact. By directing passenger traffic, Customs prevents evasion of the sanctions imposed on Russia.
What can you bring to Russia?
The list of prohibited products is extensive and constantly changing. For example, it is not allowed to import paints or car lubricants, such as synthetic motor oils, into Russia. Exports of luxury goods such as smart devices and sports equipment are significantly restricted. Different luxury products have different value limits. As a rule, the value limit is 300 euros.
More information on customs export sanctions website.
HT
Source: Customs
Source: The Nordic Page