Ecco, Lego and Novo Nordisk are among 15 Danish companies given permission by the Danish Business Authority to continue providing services to subsidiary companies in Russia.

The companies were required to apply for permission from the Danish Business Authority, media Detailwatch reports based on a freedom of information request.

A sanction package adopted by the EU in June, the 14th since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, forbade in principle companies in the EU from selling services to subsidiaries in Russia.

Lego stopped exporting its toys to Russia shortly after the invasion in early 2022 and suspended commercial activity in the country in July of that year after ending its contracts with stores.

The company told Detailwatch that it still has an office with a small number of staff in Moscow, which it uses to monitor the market.

“To protect our global brand and intellectual property, Lego has had a small office in Russia [since ceasing sales in 2022, ed.],” it stated.

Ecco has continued to operate in Russia despite the war and EU sanctions, citing considerations for its staff in the country. It told Detailwatch its operations were sanctions-compliant and confirmed it had received the Danish Business Authority permission to continue exporting services.