Preventing sanctions evasion: Estonia to strengthen customs control on Russian border

This is reported by ERR.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that, despite restrictions, there are attempts to bypass sanctions at the border. The new EU sanctions package increases these risks.

"We must ensure that goods crossing our borders are not subject to EU sanctions," she emphasized.

Kallas said full inspections of cargo and vehicles will replace the current random inspections based on risk assessment. This will prevent goods that could support the Russian military from crossing the Estonian border.

She added that Estonia would continue discussions with Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to establish common border requirements and procedures.

The Estonian government has directed the Ministry of Finance, along with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other departments, to create an action plan for implementing full customs control at the EU's external borders when departing from Estonia.

• On June 24, the EU Council adopted the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting key sectors like energy, finance, and trade.
• Additionally, the EU sanctioned one of Russia's largest transport companies, TransContainer, and its general director.