asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the allegations on the BBC News 24 programme “Our World” on 29 June on imports of gems and timber of Burmese origin, they will consult other European Union member states on monitoring imports covered by the sanctions introduced on 10 March; and whether those sanctions cover imports processed in or transferred through third countries. [HL4530]

We have no evidence that EU sanctions on Burma are being circumvented, but will reiterate the need for all member states to carefully monitor their implementation. Article 2 of Regulation 194/08 prohibits the import of goods listed in its Annexe 1 if such goods originated in Burma/Myanmar or have been exported from Burma/Myanmar. This includes goods entering the EU via third countries.