the customs of the Federal Republic of Germany can arrest cars with Russian license plates

The customs service of Germany, in all likelihood, can arrest cars with Russian license plates. The response of the customs department is quoted by RBC.

According to the customs officials, the import of passenger cars from Russia to the European Union is prohibited in accordance with Article 3i of Regulation 833/2014, which defines the embargo against Russia, the publication writes.

The regulation was adopted in 2014, but was significantly tightened after the entry into force of the 11th package of EU sanctions on June 24, 2023. From that day on, German mass media and social networks began to report problems with customs from owners of cars with Russian license plates – both tourists and residents of Germany who did not change their license plates to local ones.

In its podcast, the German radio station WDR1 cites a case when an arrest was made on an already cleared car of the owner who came to Germany for family reunification. As the lawyers emphasize, arrest should not be confused with confiscation: the vehicle is taken to the parking lot.

Not only the import of cars from Russia is subject to sanctions, but also any movement of them and their mere presence in Europe. The ban should apply throughout the EU, but so far similar actions have been reported only from Germany.

The German authorities have not yet commented on the possible arrest of cars with Russian license plates.

RFE/RL has contacted the German customs service for comments.