China-Europe Rail Exports via Russia: Latest Updates

According to reports, since late October 2024, some containers transported to Europe via the China-Europe Railway Express have been detained during transit through Russia. Statistics from Russian railway authorities show that as of November 20, 2024, a total of 70 containers carrying goods have been affected, involving multiple categories such as automotive parts, electronic products, and mechanical equipment.

This enforcement stems from Russia's Decree No. 313 issued on March 9, 2022, and the subsequent Decree No. 1374 enacted on October 15, 2024, which clarified and significantly expanded the list of goods prohibited from transiting through Russia. Compared to the 2022 decree, the 2024 version has substantially broadened the scope of sanctions targeting China-Europe transit goods passing through Russian territory.

This implies that when exporting goods to Europe via the China-Europe Railway Express through Russia, enterprises must avoid transporting dual-use (civilian-military) goods in eastbound shipments. Prohibited items include engines or electric motors, converters, telescopes, integrated circuits, specialized/tactical/camouflage clothing and footwear, rangefinders, radar equipment, etc.

Decree 1374 explicitly prohibits transit transportation of goods under the following customs tariff codes: 84, 85, 88, 90, 93, 61, 62, 64, 65, 85, 90. Additionally, it includes a series of dual-use items such as centrifuges, liquid/gas filtration and purification equipment with components, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their parts, engines and electric motors, power transformers, power converters, electric batteries, integrated circuits, telescopes, radar equipment, and radio navigation devices.

It should be noted that specific embargoed items shall be determined by the Unified Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity of the Eurasian Economic Union. If Russian customs discovers prohibited goods in containers, the shipment will be suspended for inspection. Russian customs authorities retain the right to detain and confiscate such contraband, with all associated additional costs borne by the involved parties.

Enterprises currently exporting to Europe via rail transportation are advised to closely monitor developments regarding these regulations.