International transport: update on the situation in Ukraine

ROAD TRANSPORT: BORDERS OPEN TO LEAVE UKRAINE

• Ukraine’s borders are open for exiting vehicles and drivers, but are closed to/from Russia and Belarus.
• For EU-bound foreign goods vehicles wishing to exit the country, drivers should allow for long waits at certain EU border posts.

AIR TRANSPORT: FLIGHTS TO ASIA SUSPENDED

• European air space (all EU countries) is closed to all Russian airlines.
• In response, Russia has closed its airspace to 36 countries (EU, UK, Canada…)
• Several European and Southeast Asian airlines have suspended flights to Asia, pending new flight plans.
• Ukrainian, Belarussian and Moldavian airspace has been closed since February 24.

SEA TRANSPORT: SEVERE DIFFICULTIES AHEAD

• Sea transport to Russia remains authorized, but is suffering heavy disruption.
• Upcoming difficulties and delays for container traffic are to be expected.
• Situation as of today:
• Ukraine ports and some Russian ports are closed
• Bookings to/from Russia are being refused by: Maersk, Hpag Lloyd, ONE, MSC, CMA CGM and Yang Ming
• Bookings to/from Ukraine are being refused by: MSC, Maersk, CMA-CGM, Cosco, ONE, Hapag-Lloyd
• The China-Europe rail link is closed.
• Lastly, there are fears of cyberattacks against shipping companies and ports.

CUSTOMS: IMPORT AND EXPORT SANCTIONS 

Sanctions are being applied to goods for import and export to/from the Donbass region of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.

Regarding Ukraine, the European Commission has issued guidelines to make it easier to cross EU-Ukraine borders.

Our teams are on hand if you need more details. Don’t hesitate to contact them!