Fines & criminal law

It could happen to anyone; despite believing that you submitted accurate declarations, it turns out this was not the case. The customs authority and the public prosecutor’s office have extensive powers to take decisive enforcement actions. They may impose an administrative penalty, issue a tax penalty order, or initiate criminal proceedings. But what are your rights and obligations in such situations? What actions should you consider if confronted with these enforcement measures?

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When importing goods, trading excise goods, issuing T-documents, or carrying out any other customs procedure, you must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. However, in practice, mistakes can happen quickly. For example, you might declare an incorrect commodity code, a pallet of wine may accidentally fall off a forklift, or your driver may break the truck’s seal too early.

All these incidents constitute breaches of customs laws and regulations and are classified as irregularities. Under customs law, such irregularities may be sanctioned either with an administrative fine (administrative law) or a fiscal penalty order (FSB) (criminal law).

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Attention: The 14th package of sanctions against Russia has been adopted!

On June 24, 2024, the European Union adopted the 14th sanctions package against Russia. This package strengthens enforcement and addresses potential circumvention routes. Here is a brief overview of this sanctions package.

Entrepreneurs beware! The thirteenth sanction package has been adopted!

Regulation (EU) 833/2014 has been restricting trade from the EU with Russia since the beginning of 2014. On Dec. 19, 2023, the 12th sanctions package went into force. Feb. 23, 2024, the 13th sanction package has been adopted by the EU.

Sanctions on imports

Since 2014, EU sanctions are in place to restrict trade with Russian parties. The sanctions consist of bans on the import and export of specific goods, trading with certain persons and strict monitoring of international transactions. Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (the regulation) constitutes the basis of these sanctions. The regulation is still applicable as of 2023 and has since been supplemented and amended several times.

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