Estonian govt approves full inspection of cargo crossing Russian border

TALLINN. July 5 (Interfax) - The Estonian government plans to raise the efficiency of control over cargo that falls under anti-Russian sanctions.

"We have to be sure that the cargo crossing our border does not fall under the EU sanctions. A replacement of current inspections based on the risk assessment with a full inspection of cargo and vehicles will give us greater confidence that goods, which could support the military machine of the Russian Federation, do not cross the Estonian border," the government press service said, citing a statement by Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.

Estonia will continue negotiations with Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland on the introduction of common border requirements, she said.

The government tasked the ministries with drafting an action plan for the full customs control of external borders of the European Union in Estonia.

Transit of any goods that fall under the EU sanctions through the Russian territory is not prohibited and sanctioned goods are sent to third countries through Russia, as reported by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, the government said, adding there are suspicions that some of those goods might stay on the Russian territory.