EU confiscates parcels with New Year's gifts from Russia: what not to send

German customs has warned that, according to EU rules, it may confiscate gifts sent from Russia. The restrictions are related to the European trade sanctions imposed on Russia over its aggressive war in Ukraine.

This is stated in an announcement on the official website of the German customs. The warning was issued on the eve of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

"The import of a wide range of goods from Russia is prohibited. Sanctioned goods may be arrested or confiscated by customs," it said.

A number of goods that are typical for gift parcels are also subject to sanctions. In particular, these are:

• pulp and paper;
• wood and wood products;
• stones and precious metals
• cigarettes
• plastics and chemicals, including cosmetics.

Such rules are stipulated by EU Regulation No. 833/2014 of July 31, 2014, the statement said. They apply even to shipments from one private person to another, the German customs explained.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, in early fall 2023, the EU banned Russian citizens from importing cars, smartphones, jewelry, laptops and other items into the bloc. At that time, the European Commission officially confirmed this interpretation of the sanctions legislation against Russia. The issue of gifts is a logical extension of this interpretation.

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