New Zealand Tightens Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus

New Zealand has introduced sweeping sanctions against Russia and Belarus, targeting their military, government, and luxury goods sectors. The new regulations aim to enforce strict measures against the countries, prohibiting various activities with individuals or entities linked to them.

What is Prohibited?

The sanctions prohibit a range of activities, including:

Travel Bans: Designated individuals are barred from entering or transiting through New Zealand.
Transport Bans: Russian and Belarussian military and government-owned aircraft and ships are banned from New Zealand airspace and ports. Additionally, aircraft and ships owned, operated, or chartered by sanctioned individuals cannot enter the country.
Asset Freeze: The assets of designated individuals and entities are frozen, preventing their use in New Zealand.
Securities: New Zealanders are prohibited from dealing with securities linked to sanctioned persons.
Services: Services extended to, offered to, or received from sanctioned individuals or entities are prohibited.
Exports: A range of goods, including luxury items, oil exploration products, and certain military equipment, are banned from export to Russia and Belarus.
Imports: The importation of gold, oil, gas, coal, and certain luxury goods of Russian origin is prohibited.

Exceptions

While the sanctions are strict, there are some exceptions:

Personal Effects: Importing or exporting personal effects, such as clothing or household goods, is permitted.
Humanitarian Purposes: Exporting prohibited items for humanitarian purposes is allowed with proper authorization.
Permitted Activities: Certain activities, such as utility services, may be exempt from sanctions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Russia Sanctions Act 2022 makes it a criminal offense to breach the sanctions. Individuals can face up to seven years’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding $100,000, while entities can be fined up to $1 million.

Complying with Sanctions

New Zealanders are encouraged to self-comply with the sanctions and report any issues or suspected breaches to the authorities. The government has also provided guidance and information to help businesses and individuals comply with the regulations.

For more information on the Russia Sanctions Act 2022, including a list of prohibited activities and entities, visit [government website].