21 Jul 2022 15:47

EU banning imports of gold from Russia including jewelry, extending exemption on transactions for agricultural products

BRUSSELS. July 21 (Interfax) - The European Union has decided to exempt transactions for agricultural products and the transport of oil to third countries from a prohibition on engaging in transactions with certain Russian state-owned entities, the Council of the European Union said in a press release published on Thursday.

"The EU decided to extend the exemption from the prohibition to engage in transactions with certain state-owned entities as regards transactions for agricultural products and the transport of oil to third countries," the press release said.

"The EU is committed to avoiding all measures which might lead to food insecurity around the globe," it said.

The EU is also introducing "a new prohibition to purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, gold, if it originates in Russia and it has been exported from Russia into the EU or to any third country after," the press release said.

"This prohibition also covers jewelry," it said.

"The package also extends the list of controlled items, which may contribute to Russia's military and technological enhancement or the development of its defense and security sector," the press release said.

This will thus reinforce "export controls on dual use and advanced technology," it said.

The EU is easing restrictive measures on aviation goods, it said.

"Technical assistance to Russia for aviation goods and technology will be allowed insofar as it is needed to safeguard the technical industrial standard setting work of the International Civil Aviation Organization," the press release said.

"The prohibition to enter into any transactions with Russian public entities will be slightly amended," it said.

The new sanctions list will be published in the EU's Official Journal.