Poland’s ban of cargo transport to affect EU businesses – Belarus’ customs committee

May 30, BPN. Poland’s ban on trucks registered in Belarus and Russia “will further aggravate the situation of European business,” the Belarusian State Customs Committee said in its Telegram channel.

The ban will not affect transshipment operations but they will require more time and financial expenses, it added.

Belarus will try to ensure maximum clearance of transport and efficient customs controls in order to maintain trade, the customs committee said.

On May 29, Poland announced that it will stop cargo transportation by trucks, trailers and semi-trailers registered in Belarus or Russia at its border checkpoints starting June 1.

Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński signed an ordinance to that effect after the Belarusian Supreme Court upheld a sentence against Andrej Pačobut, a journalist and Polish minority activist.

The European Union (EU) has banned Belarusian carriers from moving cargo by road through its territory since April 2022 as part of sanctions against Moscow and Minsk.

Belarus responded by barring EU-registered vehicles from its territory, with some exceptions such as transshipment to support international trade.