Ankara: The Netherlands will begin enforcing a ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories on Sept. 22, Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen told parliament on Tuesday. Companies attempting to bypass the restrictions will face prosecution from that date, as reported by Dutch broadcaster RTL Nieuws.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Dutch government considers the settlements in the occupied territories as violations of international law and aims to prevent trade from contributing to their continued existence. Imports from these settlements primarily include agricultural products such as avocados, dates, oranges, grapes, and fresh herbs. The ban will also extend to products from the occupied Golan Heights, known for its wine production.

The annual trade involving these affected territories is estimated to be worth tens of millions of euros, though its precise value remains undetermined. Some occupiers have reportedly evaded existing rules by labeling products as originating from Israel rather than the occupied territories.

A majority in the Dutch parliament had long advocated for a ban on imports from illegal settlements, with the previous government pledging last summer to take action. The current government announced the measure in May and sought an urgent opinion from the Council of State. Berendsen confirmed that the opinion did not necessitate changes to the sanctions decree, allowing the measure to take effect in September.

A policy has been in place since 2006 discouraging Dutch companies from engaging in business that contributes to the construction or maintenance of settlements, and this will also remain in effect. The Netherlands joins a growing number of EU countries implementing national restrictions as member states remain divided over an EU-wide ban. Belgium approved a similar import ban on July 18, while Spain and Slovenia have also adopted such measures. Ireland's parliament passed its own prohibition on July 15.