BMW has stopped the illegal export of its cars to Russia

The BMW Group has identified and prevented the illegal export of its vehicles to Russia, reaffirming its commitment to complying with sanctions restrictions.
BMW’s
Investigation and Actions: BMW discovered evidence of the illegal export of its vehicles to Russia. The violation was uncovered through internal controls, which allowed the company to take prompt action.

• Employee Terminations: The BMW Group announced the termination of employees responsible for the violations.
• Combating Gray Market Imports: The company is actively combating the supply of its products through illegal channels, including gray market import schemes.

The BMW press office confirmed that the ban on exporting vehicles to Russia is part of the sanctions restrictions, which the company strictly adheres to.
Gray imports: a problem in the luxury car
market Despite the sanctions, gray import schemes allow premium-class vehicles to enter the Russian market through third-party suppliers.

• Popular Brands: Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz vehicles continue to be imported into Russia via Belarus.
• Increase in Trade Volumes: According to statistics, the monthly volume of car and auto parts shipments from EU countries to Belarus rose from $50 million in January 2022 to $268 million in January 2024.

For Russian citizens, purchasing luxury cars remains affordable despite the current sanctions.
EU Sanctions: Tightening Measures
The European Union is preparing to close the last loopholes that allow Moscow to import Western cars. New sanctions against Belarus could restrict the supply of luxury goods, including cars, which would deal a serious blow to illegal channels.
The BMW Group’s
Position The BMW Group has reaffirmed its commitment to complying with international sanctions. The company continues to:

• Strengthen internal controls to prevent violations.
• Countering gray-market imports through third-party suppliers.
• Operate within legal and ethical standards, ensuring transparency in its activities.

Why is this important?

1. An example of sanctions compliance: BMW demonstrates a responsible approach to international restrictions.
2. Combating illegal schemes: The company actively cracks down on gray imports, which undermine trust in the brand.
3. Global sanctions and their impact: Tighter measures by the EU will help reduce illegal shipments to Russia.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why has BMW stopped shipping cars to Russia?
Shipments have been suspended as part of international sanctions, which the company strictly adheres to.
2. How do gray market imports affect the market?
Gray market imports allow goods to bypass official channels, which violates market rules and weakens control over shipments.
3. What measures is the EU taking to combat illegal shipments?
The European Union is preparing to tighten sanctions against Belarus to close the remaining loopholes for importing luxury cars into Russia.

Conclusion
: The BMW Group has not only identified illegal shipments of its vehicles to Russia but has also taken strict measures to prevent similar situations in the future. The tightening of EU sanctions aimed at combating gray imports plays a key role in ensuring transparency and compliance with international trade rules.