Estonia wants tighter customs controls on border with Russia
Estonia has implemented full customs control at its eastern EU border with Russia. Following a government decision in the Baltic EU and NATO country, stricter controls are now in place at the road and rail border crossings in Narva, Koidula, and Luhamaa, replacing the previously risk-based passenger and vehicle checks. This aims to prevent the transport and transit of goods subject to EU sanctions through Estonia.
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board urges all border crossers to ensure they are not carrying any prohibited items and to allow for significantly more time for border crossing. According to Customs Chief Voldemar Linno, every person and vehicle will be controlled in the future.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU has adopted 14 sanctions packages against Russia, including numerous trade restrictions. The number of violations is particularly high at the border crossing in the city of Narva, with at least one person per hour being turned back with a warning for sanctions violations, according to the head of the Estonian Customs.
The full customs control at Estonia's border with Russia is focused on the Narva, Koidula, and Luhamaa crossings. Strict enforcement of EU sanctions at these points requires all individuals and vehicles to undergo thorough checks.
