Belarus Turns into a "Transshipment Zone". The Lukashenko regime is isolating the country’s transport space from Europe

Source: ctv.by 

"Resolution No. 599 of the Council of Ministers of the Lukashenko regime, dated October 31, 2025, effectively formalizes the isolation of Belarus’s transport network from European carriers and creates a logistical ‘buffer zone’ on the EU–EAEU border. Belarus is turning into a ‘transshipment zone’ with controlled corridors and a system of paid permits" said Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM.

Resolution No. 599 introduces a stricter system of restrictions on the entry and operation of vehicles registered in EU countries — primarily Poland and Lithuania — within Belarusian territory. It represents an expanded version of the previous regulation (Resolution No. 247 “On the Movement of Transport Vehicles” of April 22, 2022), now clarifying logistics routes, exceptions, and permit procedures.

Key Changes and Consequences:

1. Ban on the movement of EU transport across Belarus

Entry and movement of freight trucks, tractors, trailers, and semi-trailers registered in EU countries — mainly Poland and Lithuania — are prohibited. For the first time, restrictions also apply to passenger vehicles engaged in international transport under CMR.

Exception: 

Such vehicles may move only to designated areas (logistics centers, temporary storage warehouses) for re-coupling, transshipment, or refueling, and back — strictly along the routes listed in Annex 1 to the resolution.

2. Restricted movement corridors

For Polish and Lithuanian transport, specific routes and operational zones are defined: Brest-FEZ, Brest-TLC, Bruzgi, Berestovitsa, Kamenny Log, Kotlovka, Grigorovshchina, and others.Movement is allowed only between the border checkpoint and the designated location (TLC, warehouse, waiting area, etc.).

Any deviation from these routes constitutes an administrative violation.

3. Permit-based transit system

Foreign carriers must obtain a paid transit permit from the Transport Inspectorate — 15 base units. The permit is valid for up to 90 days and issued via an automated system with registration and prepayment.This effectively makes EU–Belarus–EAEU transit paid and bureaucratically restricted.

4. Oversight and penalties

Compliance will be monitored by the Transport Inspectorate and the State Customs Committee. Violations may result in a requirement to exit Belarus via the Russian border or have the vehicle placed in temporary storage facilities (TSW). Movement is permitted only under an officially prescribed form.

5. Fuel — only of Belarusian origin

Gas stations listed in the resolution may sell fuel produced exclusively by the Mozyr Oil Refinery and Naftan. This guarantees foreign currency revenue for Belarusian refineries and limits refueling with imported petroleum products.

6. Categories of goods exempt from the ban

Exemptions apply to humanitarian aid, postal shipments, medical supplies, live animals, oversized cargo (under special permits), car transporters, vehicle recovery trucks, and empty transport returning to the EU after authorized deliveries.

7. Validity period and repeal of previous acts

Resolution No. 599 is valid until December 31, 2027. All previous documents — including Resolution No. 247 — are repealed.

"As a result of this decision by the Lukashenko government, importers and exporters from both the EAEU and EU will face longer delivery times and higher transportation costs. Belarusian refineries, which are currently struggling, will gain a guaranteed fuel market within the designated zones. At the same time, this decision violates consumer rights", noted Pavel Latushka.

He added that the regime is tightening its control over transport flows, but this move is not an act of sovereignty — it is a tool of self-isolation.

"By cutting itself off from Europe, the regime is deliberately dismantling Belarus’s sovereignty. The country loses not only income from direct trade routes but also undermines its transit status".

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