Lithuania tightens cargo transportation controls

Lithuania tightens cargo transportation controls

Lithuania's customs service has tightened inspection procedures, to avoid violating EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus, resulting in the establishment of a quota system. As a result, the volume of cargo transportation should not exceed the three-year average.

Since June 18, 2022, the Lithuanian customs service has exercised increased control over the export and import of goods and vehicles. As a result, the Kaliningrad region, which is separated from Russia by European Union borders, lost roughly half of the goods transported between the exclave and the Russian Federation. Various violations were discovered during that time; the export of various goods was refused over 3000 times; 260 cases of administrative offenses were initiated, and over 1200 vehicles were prohibited from entering the EU due to violations.

The transportation of goods such as construction materials, wood, and metals was prohibited. The railway lines between Moscow and Kaliningrad, as well as their transportation, were affected by the restrictions. Passenger trains and road freight are exempt from the restrictions. People who attempt to avoid sanctions will be considered high-risk subjects by Lithuanian customs and will be subjected to a more thorough check.

Measures taken to strengthen cargo control

Among the measures used to strengthen control over cargo will be applied:

• ✓ Participation of additional analytical resources.
• ✓ Physical control methods will be activated (increasing the number of customs officers)
• ✓ Employees from other state institutions may be called in if necessary.