Joint answer given by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission

1.6.2022

The Commission recalls that, given that the common commercial policy is an EU exclusive competence, the EU applies common arrangements for imports of goods from third countries uniformly across the EU.

In principle, only the EU can decide to prohibit the importation of goods and services and not the Member States individually. In the absence of an explicit authorisation by the EU, Member States cannot adopt their own national rules.

However, according to Article 24(2) of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2015 on common rules for imports,[1] the Commission confirms that EU Member States can exceptionally adopt or apply quantitative restrictions on grounds of public morality or public security, the protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants, the protection of national treasures possessing artistic, historic or archaeological value, or the protection of industrial and commercial property.

In such a case, the Member States shall also inform the Commission of the measures or formalities they intend to introduce or amend.

• [1] OJ L83, 27/03/2015, p.16.