This is a judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning the interpretation of EU regulations imposing restrictive measures against Russia due to its actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine. The case specifically addresses the prohibition on importing goods that generate significant revenue for Russia into the EU, focusing on the importation of a vehicle. The CJEU clarifies the scope and application of these restrictive measures.
**Structure and Main Provisions:**
The judgment interprets Article 3i(1) and (3ad) of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, as amended by Regulations 2022/576, 2022/1904, and 2023/2878. The core issue is whether the prohibition on importing goods listed in Annex XXI of Regulation 833/2014 (specifically motor vehicles under CN code 8703) applies only if it is proven that the specific goods generate significant revenue for Russia. Additionally, the judgment clarifies whether a vehicle already in the EU on December 19, 2023, can be registered in a Member State, even if its initial import was in violation of the import ban.
**Main Provisions and Changes:**
* **Article 3i(1):** Prohibits the purchase, import, or transfer of goods that generate significant revenue for Russia, as listed in Annex XXI, if they originate in or are exported from Russia.
* **Annex XXI:** Lists goods subject to the import ban, including motor vehicles (CN code 8703).
* **Article 3i(3ad):** Allows the registration in a Member State of vehicles already in the EU territory on December 19, 2023.
**Key Interpretations:**
1. **No Need for Individual Revenue Verification:** The CJEU clarifies that the import ban applies to *all* goods listed in Annex XXI, without needing to prove that each specific import generates significant revenue for Russia. The listing in Annex XXI is sufficient to trigger the prohibition.
2. **Registration Exception Does Not Legalize Prior Illegal Imports:** Article 3i(3ad) allowing registration of vehicles present in the EU on December 19, 2023, does *not* apply to vehicles that were illegally imported in violation of the import ban under Article 3i(1). This means that simply being present in the EU on that date does not legitimize an otherwise illegal import.
**** This judgment has implications for individuals attempting to import vehicles or other goods from Russia into the EU, as it confirms the broad scope of the import ban and clarifies that exceptions for vehicles already in the EU do not apply to those that were initially imported illegally.
