Country-specific restrictions

Owing to foreign and security policy considerations, certain non-European Union countries are subject to country-specific prohibitions restricting European Union foreign trade with the country in question. Whether such prohibitions or restrictions apply to the import of certain goods into Germany depends, for instance, on their country of origin or provenance.

Embargo measures

The reasons for country-specific restrictions - also known as embargo measures - are political considerations such as current security policy. They are based, as a matter of principle, on Community legislation and can be amended or supplemented by further national measures, where appropriate.

Depending on the scope of the restrictions, three categories of embargos can be distinguished:

1. Arms embargo - relates to the export or import of armaments
2. Partial embargo - imposes bans and restrictions on trade with the country concerned
3. Total embargo - prohibits any form of trade with the country concerned

The restrictions on imports within the context of embargo measures comprise bans on imports or approval requirements for certain goods or categories of goods, which in some cases entail additional formalities.

Furthermore, country-specific embargo measures frequently delimit the framework for bans on the provision of funds or economic resources to certain individuals, organisations or institutions. As it can be expected that such individuals or organisations will make payments for the transport or supply of shipments of goods, it can also be inferred that a prohibited provision of funds or services will take place; thus, the ban on the provision of resources is also a restriction on the receipt of goods from such persons or organisations.

It is therefore necessary to check thoroughly in every case whether the underlying legal transaction is subject to restrictions. Particular attention must be paid to operations that are only indirectly related to the import operation such as shipments via third countries, payments, agency services, or technical assistance, which may be subject to restrictions.

The link below leads to a list of the embargoed countries including a summary of import restrictions that must immediately be observed under the embargo rules.

List of embargoed countries