With shipping lines continuing to keep a close eye on developments in the Russia/Ukraine conflict, a new restriction has been issued relating to products processed in a third country using iron and steel inputs originating in Russia.
A statement issued by Maersk advises that: Article 3g(1)(d), of the 11th package that the EU adopted “concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine” [EU regulation 2023/1214 amending regulation 833/2014] prohibits the import or purchase in the Union of products processed in a third country using iron and steel inputs originating in Russia. This prohibition can be found in Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 Article 3g 1(d) and the latest amendment Council Regulation (EU) 2023/1214.
The prohibition took effect on September 30. “This prohibition is in place and all customers are now obliged to provide evidence that the inputs used in the affected iron and steel products to be imported into the Union are of non-Russian origin, in compliance with EU regulation.
“We strongly encourage all customers with cargo that involves the affected steel and iron products to make sure that you have the required documentation available. If the required documentation is not available it could impact the entry of such items into the Union,” according to the advisory. Failure to adhere to the regulations could lead to delays, customs holds and/or possible enforcement against the customer for breach of sanctions.
The carrier has warned customers that it is at no time liable for compiling the documentation from the customer or to providing the required documentation to the authorities. “This obligation rests with the customers.”