Knowledge base
The most commonly checked CN codes covered by EU sanctions against Russia
Updated: 26 June 2026
Among the categories most often covered by EU sanctions against Russia are iron and steel products (Chapters 72 and 73), machinery and electronics (Chapters 84 and 85), crude oil and oil products (2709, 2710), gold (7108) and luxury goods. Below we show where these categories are written into Regulation 833/2014 and how to verify a specific code.
Steel and steel products, Chapters 72 and 73
Iron and steel products are one of the broadest sanctions categories. It covers headings from Chapter 72, for example 7207 (semi-finished products of non-alloy steel) and 7208 (flat-rolled products), and from Chapter 73, for example 7304, 7305 and 7306 (tubes and pipes). The basis here is, among others, Article 3g and the related Annex XVII of Regulation 833/2014.
Because of the prefix rule, when checking tube 7304 11 00 you also look at the parent heading 7304. After matching the code you open the relevant article in EUR-Lex, check the direction (most often an import ban) and the cut-off date.
Machinery, electronics and dual-use goods, Chapters 84 and 85
The second large group is machinery and electrical equipment, for example 8471 (automatic data-processing machines), 8537 (boards and control panels) or numerous headings from Chapter 85. Many of them appear in Annex XXIII linked to Article 3k, that is the list of goods that strengthen Russian industrial capacity.
Goods with potential military or dual use are subject to additional, stricter control regimes. That is why, with electronics, it is especially important to read the whole article with its definitions and exemptions, rather than stopping at the code match.
Oil, fuels, gold and luxury goods
On the commodity and energy side, crude oil and oil products from headings 2709 and 2710 and gold from heading 7108 appear most often. Luxury goods above a value threshold are included in Annex XVIII linked to Article 3h, regardless of the exact code, if they exceed the indicated value.
Each of these categories has its own logic of direction and exceptions. Oil and fuels is an area with elaborate mechanisms, including price caps, so treat the tool result as guidance and confirm it in the text of the act.
How to verify a specific code
Whatever the category, the procedure is the same: establish the full CN code, check it and its parent heading in the tool, read the regime, annex and article, then confirm the result in the consolidated version of the regulation on EUR-Lex and in TARIC. Finally record the date and version of the act in a report.
The list of categories above is an orientation map, not a closed catalogue. The scope of goods changes with each sanctions package, so you always check the current status of a single code rather than relying on a general impression that an industry is or is not covered.
Frequently asked questions
Is all steel from Russia subject to a ban?
Most iron and steel products from Chapters 72 and 73 are covered, under Article 3g and Annex XVII of Regulation 833/2014, but the scope and cut-off dates differ between headings. Always check the specific CN code and its parent heading.
Where do I look for luxury goods?
In Annex XVIII linked to Article 3h. Many items are covered only above a certain value threshold, so both the CN code and the value of the goods matter.
Does this overview replace checking the code?
No. It is an orientation map of categories. What is binding is the status of the specific CN code in the current version of the regulation, which you verify in the tool and confirm in EUR-Lex.
More in the knowledge base
- How to check whether goods are subject to EU sanctions, step by step
- CN code and sanctions: how to read the annexes to Regulation 833/2014
- Exemptions and derogations in the sanctions against Russia, when trade is allowed
- Goods sanctions vs screening of persons and entities, how they differ
- Exporter obligations after the 2025 amendment (end-user statement)
- Penalties for breaching sanctions in Poland (up to PLN 20 million)
- CBAM versus EU sanctions, how they differ and why you check both
Informational content based on EU regulations (833/2014, 765/2006) and the act of 13 April 2022 (Journal of Laws 2022 item 835). It does not constitute legal or customs advice. The binding source is the text of the act in EUR-Lex and the decision of the customs authorities. In case of doubt, consult an adviser.