Goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in occupied territories will no longer be allowed into the Netherlands from 22 September. Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen (CDA) informed the House of Representatives of the start date. While the trade ban had already been announced, the implementation date had not previously been made public.
Last year, a majority in the House called for a national ban on the import and transit of goods from illegal settlements. Efforts to introduce a European-wide ban have not succeeded due to a lack of support among EU member states. Belgium, Spain and Ireland have already introduced similar national measures.
The settlements in the West Bank and the Golan Heights are considered illegal under international law. The United Nations has also reported that settlers have been involved in widespread violence and intimidation against the Palestinian population.
The Dutch ban applies not only to imports from illegal settlements but also to intermediary trade. Dutch companies operating abroad must comply with the restrictions. Any activities intended to circumvent the ban will also be prohibited.
The Council of State has not objected to the measure, although it raised concerns about how effectively it can be enforced in an urgent advisory opinion. The Cabinet had already acknowledged these enforcement challenges when it announced the ban two months ago.
The Council’s chief legislative adviser also noted that, to speed up the process, the Cabinet did not carry out the usual online consultation with affected parties.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
