On 22 February 2023, Dutch Customs published a press release on its website indicating that the additional EU sanctions measures against Russia and Belarus will enter into force on 24 February 2023.
Although relevant legislative texts have not yet been published, the release suggests that the “tenth package” of EU sanctions against Russia will include:
- an extension of the export restrictions related to dual-use goods and goods which could contribute to the enhancement of Russian industrial capacities;
- an extension of the import restrictions related to goods which may generate significant revenues for Russia and goods intended for the Russian aviation and space industry;
- possibly, import restrictions related to diamonds.
The release further suggests that the EU will impose new sanctions against Belarus, as a result of which “the sanctions against [Belarus] will be in accordance with those against Russia.” The release does not provide further details on any specific measures.
24 February 2023 marks the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Dutch Customs is part of the Dutch Ministry of Finance.
