CJEU: treatment does not justify the export of cash to Russia

The Court of Justice of the EU ruled on Wednesday that the German customs service had the right to confiscate 15,000 euros that a woman traveling to Russia attempted to take out of the country to finance her treatment. The CJEU found that this action is in line with the cash export ban imposed under sanctions against Russia.

During the check at Frankfurt Airport, it turned out that the woman traveling to Russia had 15,000 euros in cash with her. The sanctions imposed in connection with the Russian aggression against Ukraine do not allow the export of banknotes in any currency used in EU member states to Russia; however, the woman argued that she needed the money for treatment.

According to the CJEU’s statement, it was for dental treatment, hormonal treatment at a fertility clinic, and supplementary treatment after breast surgery at a plastic surgery clinic.

German customs officials seized the cash, leaving the woman with only 1,000 euros to cover her travel expenses. Criminal proceedings were also initiated against the passenger. The German court handling the case referred a question to the CJEU on whether treatment constitutes an exception to the cash export ban to Russia. The ban does not apply to amounts necessary to cover travel expenses.

The CJEU ruled that treatment does not constitute an export necessary for the personal use of the passenger, and therefore it is not covered by the exception to the ban.

“The European Union has not restricted the right to travel to Russia; this exception is therefore intended solely to ensure that the traveler has the necessary funds for travel and stay. Meanwhile, treatment such as that considered in this case does not correspond to needs related to travel or stay,” the CJEU’s statement reads.

The final ruling in this case will be issued by the German court. (01.05.2025)