Answer given by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission
5.6.2023
The EU restrictive measures (sanctions) established by Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP[1] and Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014[2] adopted following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, currently ban the export of luxury articles of apparel, clothing accessories and other articles of furskins (Combined Nomenclature (CN) code 4303) for items with a value over EUR 300[3].
Exports of raw furskins (CN code 4301) as well as tanned and dressed furskins (CN code 4302) to Russia for use in furriery are still permitted.
Trade data of EU exports to Russia of sanctioned fur products (CN code 4303) show that, since the sanctions on fur products were introduced in March 2022, until the end of December 2022, exports in value have decreased by 97% as compared to the same period of 2021.
Between March and December 2022, some EUR 1.1 million of the concerned goods were exported to Russia, whereas export for the corresponding period in 2021 was EUR 37.1 million. This demonstrates that sanctions have the intended effect.
Member States are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of EU sanctions, as well as identifying breaches and imposing penalties. The Commission monitors the correct and uniform implementation of EU sanctions and provides guidance to Member States.
Trade data of EU exports to Russia on non-banned furskins (CN codes 4301 and 4302) have also decreased in the period between March 2022 until the end of December 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.
Exports of raw furskins have decreased by 24% and tanned or dressed furskins have decreased by 8%. Overall, the exports of non-banned furskins decreased by 17%.
Any additional decision to prohibit such exports lies with the Council. All restrictive measures must be approved by unanimity in the Council.