European customs blocking holiday parcels from Russia — SHOT

European customs officials are refusing to accept New Year’s parcels from Russia, citing that “Russian goods are luxury items,” according to the Russian Telegram channel SHOT, quoted by Caliber.Az.

The problem is said to be especially acute at the borders with Germany and Austria.

One sender told the channel that she mailed a Christmas tree ornament shaped like a toy car from Moscow abroad. It sat in Austria for several weeks before being returned to Russia with a sticker indicating it was prohibited for import.

Customs authorities are now reportedly demanding documentation for all items in parcels, even receipts for sweets.

“Europeans are making good money off prohibited gifts from Russia. A fee of 18 euros or more is charged for each shipment,” the report said.

If a parcel fails to pass customs, the fee is non-refundable, some journalists say.

By Khagan Isayev