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This article is available exclusively in German, as its content and legal assessment are based on German legislation and case law.
Die neue geopolitische Situation löst ein verstärktes Interesse an Rüstungsprojekten aus. Sitzt der Kunde im Ausland (einschließlich EU), müssen eventuell bestehende Exportbeschränkungen beachtet werden.
The latest customs information for your daily work – exclusively for members.
The UK is no longer a member of the EU, which means that the EU's export controls for third countries apply here. Although they are rarely a problem, formal restrictions and procedures must still be complied with.
There are also EU export controls for business with the USA. Although they are rarely a problem, formal restrictions and procedures must still be observed.
Vertiefter fachlicher Einblick und wertvolle Anregungen für die Exportkontroll- und Sanktionsprüfungs-Praxis in Unternehmen.
With the 22nd Ordinance amending the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance (AWV9 of October 29, 2025, the German export lists (goods lists) were amended, among other things. The amendments came into force on November 1, 2025.
With Amendment Regulation No. 2025/2003, the updated version of the EU Dual-Use Goods List in accordance with Annex I to EU Regulation No. 2021/821 was published in the Official Journal of the EU on November 14, 2025. It entered into force on November 15, 2025.
In 2025, Beijing tightened its export controls on rare earths — first in April, then with an expanded set of measures in October. These developments have had a significant impact on the mechanical engineering industry.
On October 23, 2025, the EU also published and implemented its 19th sanctions package against Belarus. These are two amending regulations that extend the Embargo Regulation No. 765/2006.
On October 23, 2025, the EU published and implemented its 19th sanctions package against Russia. It consists of 3 amending regulations, which amend or extend the Embargo Regulations No. 833/2014 and No. 269/2014.
The Russian central bank is keeping interest rates high while growth is stagnating and inflation is not abating. Stagflation is looming - with structural problems, war and sanctions in the background.
The EU has updated the content of one of its two embargo regulations against Sudan. Among other things, two new companies have been added to the blacklist.
The EU has updated the content of two of its embargo regulations against Iran. For the third Iran embargo regulation, a completely up-to-date consolidated text version is once again available.
On July 18, 2025, the EU published its 18th sanctions package, which also includes measures against Belarus. It includes two amending regulations. Some of the tougher sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
On July 18, 2025, the EU published its 18th sanctions package against Russia. The measures (2 amending regulations) all come into force on 19.07.2025. Some of the tightened sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
On May 29, 2025, more than 50 industry experts met at the VDMA China Management Meeting at ebm-papst in Shanghai to exchange views on current topics such as intelligent manufacturing and export controls.
The new Chinese export controls on rare earths and some products made from them are increasingly becoming a massive problem. China cannot keep up with issuing the export licenses that are now required.
We always report on changes to major embargoes or embargo changes with significant relevance for mechanical and plant engineering at short notice. Here is an overview of less relevant embargo changes since January 2025.
The tabular VDMA overview "Country-related embargoes" makes it easy to find out which countries are currently subject to EU embargo measures and what the current status of the embargo texts is.
With effect from May 29, 2025, the EU has largely, but not completely, lifted its sanctions against Syria. This is in response to the change in US policy towards Syria announced by President Trump in Saudi Arabia.
New VDMA Austria Working Group Export Control
The EU provides consolidated versions of its sanctions regulations. In the case of the Russia sanctions, the consolidated legal texts have now been updated to the 16th sanctions package.
On May 20, 2025, the EU published its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The measures (5 amending regulations) all come into force on May 21, 2025. Some of the tightened sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
The EU's 16th sanctions package against Russia and Belarus has been somewhat lost in the excitement surrounding US President Trump. But there are new risks and details that VDMA members have to deal with.
Russia is trying by all means to covertly procure sanctioned goods in the EU. This creates a risk of unintentionally becoming involved in sanctions violations. VDMA Foreign Trade provides tips on how to react to this.
Mechanical engineering is one of the world's strongest export industries. Almost every company is involved in customs-related processes when exporting machines, spare parts, or complete systems.
The VDMA offers events on current foreign trade topics, on the web and live on site.
The European Commission's database "Market Access Database" has been replaced by the new database "Access2Markets" as of 01.12.2020.
Different procedures apply for proving preferential origin when trading with countries that benefit from preferential treatment. Older EU agreements rely on authorized exporters, while newer agreements use the REX system.
Export control is sometimes underestimated, sometimes overestimated. VDMA members can get advice and help from the VDMA to identify and comply with export restrictions and avoid unnecessary expense.
The VDMA foreign trade team supports member companies in the internationalization of mechanical and plant engineering - practical, direct and competent in all questions concerning foreign business.
