Foreign relations

Focus on

Russia-Ukraine War

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequent restrictions approved at the international level, Unioncamere announced that the issue of ATA Carnet for the three countries directly or indirectly involved in the war (Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Belarus) is currently suspended.

The issue of certificates of origin goes on; however, the company must attach to the relevant application a declaration (available only in Italian) highlighting that the products listed in the certificate and their addressees are not subject to the penalties laid down by EU regulations.

Currently, there is not a general ban on exports nor a ban on the issue of certificates of origin but, since the situation is constantly evolving, companies must be aware that they have to:

• verify upstream if their products are included in the categories subject to restrictions imposed by EU or Russian regulations;
• pay special attention to the so-called “dual-use items”. In doubtful cases, companies should consult the Italian National Authority – UAMA (Unit for the Authorizations of Armament Materials) – which issues authorizations for the export, transfer, brokering, technical assistance, and transit of dual-use items, and for direct and indirect trade of items listed as a result of EU restrictive measures;
• verify together with UAMA, in doubtful cases, if any authorization is required for their products;
• verify that their products will not be sent to any natural/legal person subject to penalties;
• take into consideration that the financial restrictions imposed, which are becoming increasingly rigid, might result in the blocking of bank payments, and therefore put customer payments at risk.

The updated list of the sanctions is available, here.

The Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs set up two dedicated crisis units to assist companies having business relations with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

Contacts:

Ministry of Economic Development: tfiru@mise.gov.it
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: export.crisiucraina@esteri.it

 Things to know

Declarations pertaining to the origin of goods:

• must be signed in original or electronically;
• must be accompanied by a copy of a valid ID;
• are issued as declarations in lieu of affidavit (art. 47, DPR 445/2000);
• have the force of declarations issued in the presence of a public official and entail criminal liability for false declarations and creation or use of false deeds (art. 76, DPR 445/2000).

Institutions and Public Administrations can easily check the validity of signatures on the Chamber’s acts and documents by accessing the Online Specimen Signature service.