Estonia Implements Full Customs Control on Russian Border to Prevent Evasion of EU Sanctions

Estonia will introduce full customs control on the border with Russia from 8 August. This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Margus Tahkna, on the social network X.

"Starting 8 August, Estonia will introduce full customs control on the border with Russia to better ensure that we do not feed the Russian military machine and do not help the aggressor to circumvent sanctions," the Estonian Foreign Minister wrote.

He emphasised the need to "do everything possible to help Ukraine win and increase the cost of the war for Russia".

In early July, the Estonian government decided to increase the effectiveness of control over the movement of goods subject to sanctions on the border with Russia.  According to the Prime Minister of Estonia, despite the restrictions at the border, attempts are being made to circumvent the sanctions, and with the new EU sanctions package, these risks are increasing. Therefore, Estonia will continue negotiations with Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland on the implementation of common requirements and procedures at the border.