The Russian government is weighing an expansion of the list of goods subject to a ban on transport by European truck fleets. This topic was reported by the Kommersant daily, which cited two producers close to the discussions as sources. The circulation notes that the matter will come up during a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov. The cabinet secretariat confirmed that a March session will address this issue and outline the next steps.
Since October 10, 2022, trucks from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Ukraine have been prohibited from hauling cargo across Russia. In practice, Russian carriers have carried out cross-border movements in border regions by transferring loads or performing reloads, effectively bypassing the national ban in some instances. The government first extended the restriction in December, with the current prohibition set to remain in place until June 30, 2023.
The government has specified that the ban excludes participation by about 40 product groups. These exemptions cover goods where the ban would cause disproportionate disruption, including products that are not subject to restrictions on animal origin, plants, vegetables and fruits, nuts, glass, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. A source connected to the industry indicates there are discussions about trimming this exemption list by half, a move aimed at tightening controls without precipitating abrupt supply-chain shocks.
News agency reports from TASS, citing market participants in the international cargo sector, indicate that the restriction stopping trucks from non-EU countries from crossing the Kozlovichi-Kukuryki checkpoint on the Belarus-Poland border will not disrupt the shipment of goods into Russia. The implication is that freight routes and delivery timelines can be maintained through alternative channels or adjusted procedures, even as the policy landscape tightens.
Analysts note that the evolving policy posture reflects Russia’s ongoing efforts to recalibrate cross-border commerce in light of geopolitical tensions and domestic security considerations. Stakeholders in the freight and logistics sector are closely watching whether the expanding list of prohibited commodities will translate into broader changes in routing, carrier selection, and inventory planning across the region. Governments and industry players alike emphasize the importance of clear implementation timelines and predictable rules to minimize disruption while preserving essential supply chains for consumers and businesses alike.