Exporting products to Russia: What are you not allowed to send?

International sanctions and restrictive measures imposed on Russia for years have significantly expanded the list of products prohibited from being exported to the country.

Given that violating the regulations set for exporting products to Russia carries serious legal and financial consequences, it is important for businesses and professionals involved in international trade to be aware of the list and comply with the regulations.

But what are the products prohibited from being exported to Russia, what are the new regulations, and who establishes them?

Who establishes the legal framework?

Export restrictions to Russia are primarily based on decisions and regulations established by international organizations and governments. The aim is to impose sanctions and limit the country’s access to specific goods and services.

More specifically, for businesses and traders in the European Union, the prohibitions are set out in Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014, which is repeatedly amended to adapt to political and economic developments.

The lists of prohibited products are regularly updated, which is why exporters must always check the most recent versions before each commercial transaction, while non-compliance can lead to heavy fines, criminal liability or seizure of cargo.

What happens if someone doesn’t comply?

Businesses that fail to comply with export restrictions to Russia, whether through negligence or lack of information, may be subject to high administrative fines, criminal prosecution, and even exclusion from international trade agreements.

The cargo may also be seized by customs authorities, causing financial losses and delays in the supply chain.

Of course, such events damage the company’s reputation, which affects relationships with suppliers, customers, and partners abroad.

What products are prohibited from being exported to Russia?

Product bans in Russia cover a wide range of goods and all traders should be aware of them.

Military and defense equipment

This ban includes weapons, ammunition, military vehicles, and general equipment that can serve military purposes.

This category of products also includes dual-use items. Dual-use items are those that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, such as advanced electronic systems.

High-tech technologies and products

Advanced electronic components, microchips, semiconductors and specialized software also fall under the bans. It is also important that special emphasis is placed on encryption, satellite communication and technical intelligence technologies, as they can be used for both military and industrial purposes.

Energy equipment

Energy equipment is defined as machinery, technologies and components used in the production, exploration and processing of oil and natural gas.

This category therefore includes drilling rigs, pumping systems, extraction platforms, pipeline equipment as well as specialized spare parts and control software.

The most stringent restrictions are on technologies for offshore drilling, Arctic mining and unconventional production methods, such as hydraulic fracturing. These sectors are considered critical for the Russian energy industry and are at the heart of the sanctions, as the reduction of technological support significantly limits its production capacity.

Luxury goods

The list of luxury goods includes high-value cars, jewelry, luxury watches, expensive clothing, as well as handbags and accessories.

The restrictions usually apply to products that exceed a certain value threshold. The value threshold has been set at €300 per item, excluding VAT but including transport and insurance costs. The regulation applies to each individual product and not to the value of an entire shipment, and also covers spare parts or accessories, as long as they are intended for high-value luxury vehicles.

Selected agricultural and food products

Food restrictions vary depending on the countries imposing the sanctions and in some cases the export of specific agricultural and livestock products to Russia is prohibited. This may include specialized seeds, plants, breeding animals, as well as processed foods of high technology or special nutritional value, if they fall under the ban lists.

At the same time, Russia has imposed its own countermeasures, limiting or completely banning the import of certain foods from countries applying sanctions against it, such as meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables. These restrictions directly affect international trade flows and require exporters to be constantly informed and comply with the applicable framework.

What steps should a business take to comply with regulations?

Since regulations and restrictions can change frequently and compliance is critical, consistency and attention are required from all businesses.

It is important for all business operators to regularly update themselves on official lists of prohibited products and consult relevant European Union decisions. They should also check each export transaction, as to the nature of the product and its final destination, work with experienced professionals in the field of export and customs compliance to ensure that the correct procedures are followed, and keep a record of all relevant documents, permits and declarations for transparency purposes and possible audit by the authorities.

The use of a complete ERP system can enhance compliance, as it offers automated controls, product tracking and immediate access to critical data. Proper organization and timely information through ERP help to avoid violations and delays. Support from specialized teams can prove particularly useful for businesses operating in demanding international markets.