1 Aug 2024 16:55

Estonia to introduce full customs controls on border with Russia on Aug 8

TALLINN. Aug 1 (Interfax) - The Estonian government decided at a meeting on Thursday to introduce full customs controls on the border with Russia.

"Full customs controls will be smoothly introduced at the border checkpoints on the Narva, Koidula and Luhamaa highways, and on the railway on the way out of Estonia on August 8," Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said at a government press conference.

"Estonia should do its utmost to prevent the transportation of sanctioned goods via Estonia and tighten security of our country," he said. "Attempts to ignore sanctions and the transportation of prohibited goods at our borders are still being made," Michal said.

The introduction of full customs controls could "make it more difficult to evade sanctions," Michal said.

Instead of the current risk-oriented control, full customs controls will take longer and the number of border crossings towards Russia is expected to be slashed, the Estonian government said.

Finance Minister Jurgen Ligi said that a customs inspection of individuals includes a visual check of personal belongings and, if required, a full inspection.

When checking vehicles, the driver is questioned, the trunk of the car is examined, and depending on the risk assessment, the inspection can be thorough up to a search.

When inspecting goods, documents are examined, and goods are unloaded, opened and counted if required.