Embargoes and sanctions
Embargoes and sanctions are government measures used within foreign and security policy to influence countries, organisations or individuals economically and politically. Embargoes include trade restrictions that limit or prohibit the export or import of goods, services and financial resources. They may apply to entire countries or specific goods. Sanctions are more targeted measures aimed at specific individuals, companies or economic sectors to exert political pressure. These can involve financial restrictions, travel bans or limitations on access to international markets. Both instruments aim to achieve political goals or change behaviour without the use of military force.
Important facts about sanctions, embargoes and restrictions
Our customers send parcels all over the world every day – however, there are regulations that restrict shipping to certain recipients, organisations or countries. These restrictions, also referred to as sanctions or embargoes, are intended to prevent the provision of specific goods, services, knowledge or financial resources.
It is your responsibility as the sender to check whether your shipment is affected by such embargoes or export controls. In the event of violations, we as a shipping service provider are entitled to take action, including disposal of the parcel. As the sender, you could also face investigation by the competent authorities.
Where can I find up-to-date information?
If you are shipping parcels from Germany, you should consult the website of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). The website also provides references to relevant information published by the UN and the EU.
Personal embargoes
The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control publishes information sheets on its website about non-country-specific embargo measures for combating terrorism, including references to the sanctions lists of the United Nations Security Council.
It is generally prohibited to make funds or economic resources available to persons listed on the prohibition lists. This includes, for example, the payment of cash, the issuing of cheques or the delivery of goods.
These often concern individuals and organisations that are connected with, or located in, the countries on the embargo list. However, they may also be located anywhere else in the world. If you intend to send goods to an individual or organisation listed on the prohibition lists, you should seek legal advice.
Country-specific embargoes
Please note that the list of embargoed countries may change from time to time. Therefore, you should check the status of a country before sending a parcel there.
Here you can find the current list of embargoed countries: Here you can find the current list of embargoed countries: Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control
Each of these countries is subject to specific restrictions regarding the goods that may be imported. Often, these are goods that can be used for both civil and military purposes (so-called dual-use goods). If you send parcels to countries subject to export control, you must ensure that you are authorised to do so.
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