To strengthen the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, the European Commission has introduced a new optional administrative mechanism under its 18th sanctions package. This allows EU Member States to require prior authorization for exports of sensitive goods and technologies listed in Annex VII of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, even when these are destined for third countries.
The move targets sanctions circumvention for these items, particularly those labeled for civilian use but suspected of being diverted to Russia to contribute to its military or security sectors. A similar clause applies to Annex Va items when diversion to Belarus is suspected.
For full details of these changes, refer to the official regulations at the following links:
Belarus new sanctions: Regulation - EU - 2025/1472 - EN - EUR-Lex
Russia 18th sanction package: Regulation - EU - 2025/1494 - EN - EUR-Lex
