UP TO NO GOODS: Starting Sunday the European Union will ban exports to Syria of some luxury items and "dual use" goods. The ban includes caviar, expensive shoes and clothing, gems and pearls, and pricey cars. Gas masks, certain chemicals and toxins are also banned.

DOES IT MATTER? The EU foreign policy chief said the sanctions were necessary and should not affect ordinary citizens. But some analysts think the practical impact of the ban on luxury items will be zero.

BIGGER BAN: The EU already bans arms exports to Syria and oil imports from the country.