Croatia Strengthens Due Diligence Procedures to Enforce EU and UN Sanctions
New Law Enters into Force in Croatia
Zagreb, Croatia - The Act on Restrictive Measures has recently come into force in Croatia, introducing stricter due diligence procedures for companies operating in the country. This new law aims to enable Croatia to effectively implement complex sanctions regimes from the European Union and United Nations.
Restrictive Measures Defined
The Act outlines a range of restrictive measures that can be imposed, including:
- Restrictions on asset disposal
- Travel bans
- Economic sanctions
- Trade embargoes
- Diplomatic sanctions
Entities Under Supervision Must Comply
Entities under the supervision of key institutions such as:
- Croatian National Bank
- Financial Services Supervisory Agency
- Financial Inspectorate
- Tax Administration
must comply with the new requirements.
New Requirements for Companies
As of May 15, 2024, companies will need to:
- Adopt written policies and procedures for implementing restrictive measures
- Appoint a compliance officer
- Establish reporting channels
- Maintain data on measure applications
Failure to comply may result in significant monetary fines ranging from €4,500 to €90,000 for legal entities and €600 to €4,500 for responsible individuals.
Impact of New Regulations
The new regulations come as the European Union has imposed additional sanctions on Russia, targeting 69 individuals and 47 entities. Companies operating in Croatia must navigate these restrictions carefully to ensure compliance.
Strengthening Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Framework
The Act is a significant step towards strengthening Croatia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework. Companies operating in the country will need to adapt to the new requirements to avoid fines and reputational damage.