A concerning gap in EU sanctions is potentially leading the UK construction sector to inadvertently use Russian aluminium.
- UK-based European Aluminium warns that aluminium slabs, ingots, and billets from Russia remain unsanctioned by the EU.
- The UK has imposed sanctions on Russian metals, yet loopholes allow imports through the EU, undermining efforts.
- With Russia’s aluminium exports generating significant revenue, industry leaders urge tighter EU controls.
- UK government enforcement agencies are urged to strengthen measures against sanction breaches, with evidence to be reported to HMRC.
A potential loophole in current EU sanctions could inadvertently allow Russian aluminium to be used within the UK construction sector. UK-based European Aluminium has flagged this ongoing issue, highlighting that aluminium slabs, ingots, and billets, which account for a substantial portion of Russian imports to the EU, remain unsanctioned. The construction industry is thus at risk of unknowingly incorporating these materials through indirect import routes facilitated by existing regulatory gaps.
Despite the UK government’s extensive sanctions programme, which has seen almost 1,800 sanctions imposed on Russian individuals and companies since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, certain materials continue to penetrate the market. Foreign secretary Lord Cameron announced additional measures earlier in the year aimed at the Russian metals trade. However, European Aluminium warns that these efforts are undermined by the EU’s failure to sanction specific forms of aluminium that are extensively exported by Russia.
European Aluminium reports that over the past two years, Russia has accrued more than €3.5 billion from aluminium exports to the EU. This economic contribution to Russia’s capabilities is troubling for the industry as it seeks to avoid funding the ongoing conflict. Calls for tighter restrictions within the EU are growing, with UK firms seeking assurance that they are not inadvertently supporting adversarial actions through their supply choices.
The situation is mirrored in other sectors as well, with the UK’s prior ban on Russian timber imports highlighting persistent challenges. Despite these measures, products such as Russian birch and larch continue to enter the UK market. Timber Development UK noted the continuous import flow, attributing it to minimal actions by certain market participants.
In response, the UK government has reiterated its commitment to stringent economic sanctions and established the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation. This body is designed to fortify enforcement against trade breaches and ensure that any sanction circumvention is addressed as a criminal offence. Officials urge stakeholders to report any evidence of breaches, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to maintain the integrity of the sanctions regime.
Efforts to close sanction loopholes are critical to prevent Russian influence on the UK market.
