News item | 15-03-2022 | 15:59
The European sanctions hit Russia hard, but also have major consequences for Dutch entrepreneurs. Minister Schreinemacher for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation visited the sanctions counter of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO): ‘We see that entrepreneurs have many questions: can we still do business in Russia? And can I still pay my staff?’
In recent weeks, many Dutch entrepreneurs doing business in Russia and Ukraine have contacted the RVO sanctions counter. They can contact the Ondernemersloket Sanctions Russia for answers to their questions, current information and free advice. The sanctions counter can be reached by telephone, chat and e-mail. Answers to the most important questions can also be found on the overview page Ukraine and Russia†
Many questions about doing business in Russia and Ukraine
The sanctions counter has seen an enormous increase in the number of questions from entrepreneurs in recent weeks. For example, the counter received questions about the supply of paint, gloves and car parts to Russia. Entrepreneurs also wondered whether they could still do business with a Russian company or individual.
These are the most common questions at the sanctions desk:
Can I deliver my goods to Russia?
Due to the expansion of the list of goods that fall under export control, Dutch entrepreneurs must now thoroughly investigate whether they are still allowed to supply their products to Russia. Products such as metal, cement and fuels, as well as calculators, agricultural tools and dishwashers, for example, are no longer allowed to be sold to Russia. An overview of all goods subject to the sanctions can be found in the official sanctions.
Can I do business with a Russian company or person?
There are sanctions in place that apply to certain individuals and companies. Entrepreneurs should therefore carefully investigate whether the persons and companies with whom they do business are still allowed to do so in the European Union. An overview of all persons and companies against which the sanctions apply can be found in the official sanctions.
Can payments to and from Russia go through?
Since March 12, some banks in Russia have been cut off from the payment system SWIFT. This makes payments to these banks virtually impossible. For the time being, the Dutch Banking Association and the Payments Association of the Netherlands recommend against making payments to and from a company, organization or person in Russia.
Are entrepreneurs compensated?
Uncertainty surrounding payments, rising raw material prices, the disappearance of sales markets and logistical problems cause concerns for entrepreneurs throughout Europe.
No national compensation is currently offered, but Dutch entrepreneurs can make use of the existing RVO schemes and services. Minister Schreinemacher: ‘Together with entrepreneurs, we look for other markets and take entrepreneurs on trade missions to see whether there are other places where they can do their business.’
Contact with the sanctions counter
Entrepreneurs can contact the sanctions desk in various ways.
- Over the phone: the sanctions counter can be reached on working days from 08:30 to 18:00 on 088 042 42 42.
- Via the chat: the sanctions counter can be reached via chat on working days from 08:30 to 17:00.
- Via email: Send your question stating your company name and that it concerns sanctions via the Contact Form†
on the RVO website You can also find important information about doing business with Russia and Ukraine, such as an overview of sanctions, trade figures and answers to frequently asked questions.