EU exempts US and Qatar from Russian gas ban verification checks

Friday 30 January 2026 - 15:10

By: Dakir Madiha

EU exempts US and Qatar from Russian gas ban verification checks

The European Union is set to waive additional origin checks for gas imports from the United States, Qatar, Norway, Great Britain, Algeria, and Nigeria as it rolls out a new enforcement system to phase out Russian gas supplies. This move, outlined in a draft document from the European Commission and reported by Reuters, targets suppliers deemed low-risk for mixing Russian gas into their exports. Criteria for these exemptions include countries that have banned Russian gas themselves or lack infrastructure to receive it.

To enforce the ban, the EU plans a prior authorization process requiring importers to submit proof of the gas's country of origin to customs authorities at least five days before a shipment arrives. The six exempted nations would skip this step, streamlining procedures for reliable partners and helping maintain market supply during the transition away from Russia. A Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the draft, noting it could still change before official release.

This regulatory push comes as the EU strengthens alternative supply routes developed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Data from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, cited by Reuters, shows Norway and the United States as the bloc's top gas suppliers in 2025, with Russian volumes sharply reduced compared to pre-war levels.

EU member states approved the legally binding plan this week, aiming to end all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. The timeline bans Russian LNG under long-term contracts from January 1, 2027, and pipeline gas from September 30, 2027, with limited flexibility for storage and supply security needs, according to S&P Global. Hungary and Slovakia, which opposed the measure, plan to challenge it at the EU's top court, claiming it threatens their energy security and lacks unanimous support. Violations could trigger fines of at least 40 million euros or a percentage of global annual turnover.