From 21 January 2026, the EU will prohibit the import of certain petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil, introducing stricter documentation and customs controls under the 19th sanctions package.
Belgium’s Federal Public Service Finance (FPS) announced, on 19 January 2026, that it will ban the import of certain petroleum products made in third countries from Russian-origin crude oil, effective 21 January 2026.
The measure is part of the EU’s 19th sanctions package, which amends Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 to tighten restrictions against Russia. At the time of importation, operators must present the necessary evidence demonstrating that the petroleum products being imported do not originate from crude oil of Russian origin.
However, oil products from partner countries such as Canada, Norway, the UK, the US, and Switzerland are exempt from the ban, provided their origin can be proven.
For further clarification on the implementation of the ban, operators are advised to consult the European Commission’s FAQ on the Import ban on refined products obtained from Russian crude oil (Finance).
Operators using the bulk procedure must submit the required supporting documents at the time of notification to customs. Delaying the submission of these documents until the supplementary declaration is not in compliance with Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. Consequently, the unloading of goods cannot take place without prior authorisation and without the transmission of the numbered notification or undertaking.
In practice, the supporting documents must be submitted separately as attachments to the CRC. On this basis, entry may be authorised and/or a customs inspection conducted.
