Sanctions Screening Process in New Zealand: A Tool to Influence Foreign Governments and Individuals
New Zealand has joined the global effort to impose sanctions on countries that threaten peace, have harmful policies, or fail to cooperate with international law. As a United Nations Member State, our country is bound by the UN Security Council’s decisions and implements sanctions through regulations made under the United Nations Act 1946.
What are Sanctions?
Sanctions are a common tool used to influence foreign governments and individuals to change their behavior. The UN Security Council can impose sanctions in response to a threat to international peace and security, and New Zealand implements these sanctions quickly by creating regulations.
Independent Sanctions Legislation
In addition to implementing UN sanctions, our country has standalone legislation that allows us to impose sanctions independent of the UN Security Council in response to military actions by countries such as Russia in Ukraine. These sanctions are aligned with those imposed by like-minded countries and aim to pressure Russia to change its course and limit its ability to finance and equip the war on Ukraine.
Other Measures
New Zealand can also impose other measures, including:
- Travel bans on individuals entering our country
- For example, we have introduced travel bans on individuals associated with the Lukashenko regime in Belarus following the 2020 election and on Myanmar’s military leaders in response to the 2021 coup.
Compliance is Key
It is essential for New Zealanders to comply fully with regulations that implement UN sanctions, as a breach of these regulations is a criminal offense. Anyone contemplating doing business with sanctioned countries should obtain independent legal advice first to ensure compliance.
Current Sanctions Regimes
New Zealand has regulations implementing various UN sanctions regimes, including those targeting:
- Mali
- Libya
- Somalia
- North Korea
- Iran
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Central African Republic
- Yemen
- Guinea-Bissau
- And others
Export Controls
In addition to complying with sanctions regulations, exporters may also need to obtain separate approval to export strategic goods or controlled chemicals under the New Zealand Export Controls regime. More information on export controls can be found on our website.
Conclusion
The sanctions screening process in New Zealand is a critical tool for promoting international peace and security while protecting our country’s interests. By understanding how these regulations work, businesses and individuals can ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.