Dutch MoD employee found guilty of exporting aircraft parts to Russia
The Rotterdam District Court has found an employee of the Ministry of Defence guilty of breaching EU sanctions against Russia. He is a co-defendant to the unnamed company and individual convicted in October 2024 of sanctions violations. They were convicted of exporting aircraft parts to Russia via Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Türkiye and UAE, breaching the Dutch Sanctions Act and was given a suspended sentence, community service; and director disqualification for 3 years.
EU adopts 15th package of restrictive measures
The Council adopted a 15th package of economic and individual restrictive measures with the objective of further limiting Russia’s ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. The Council agreed on a significant package of 84 listings, which consists of 54 persons and 30 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The Council is adding further vessels to the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport. This measure is intended to target non-EU tankers circumventing the oil price cap mechanism or support the energy sector of Russia, or vessels that are responsible for transporting military equipment for Russia or involved in the transport of stolen Ukrainian grain. 52 vessels originating from third countries were targeted on these grounds, bringing the total of designated vessels to 79.
The Council also added 32 new entities to the list of those directly supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. They will be subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector. Some of these entities are located in third countries (China, India, Iran, Serbia and the United Arab Emirates) and have been involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions or have engaged in the procurement of sensitive items used for Russian military operations, like UAVs and missiles.Link, Link, Link, Link
EU sanctions against Belarus Regulation (EC) No 765/2006
The EU designated 26 Belarusian and Russian individuals and two Belarusian entities—including judges who issued rulings against individuals who dissented against the Belarusian government and prison officials accused of inhumane treatment of political prisoners—subjecting them to asset freezes and travel bans. Link
Export controls: Federal Council to continue internationally harmonised control lists for dual-use goods
On 13 December, the Federal Council took note of the situation regarding multilateral export controls for dual-use goods. Geopolitical tensions are making it difficult to harmonise export controls for new technologies internationally. For this reason, Switzerland’s most important trade partners have drawn up national lists. The Federal Council has instructed the EAER to make the necessary changes to the list of dual-use goods in the Goods Control Ordinance. This will bring export controls back into line with those of important partner countries of the Swiss business and scientific community. Link
EU renews DRC sanctions
The Council today renewed its restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for an additional year, until 12 December 2025. Altogether, the EU restrictive measures related to human rights violations, electoral obstruction and for sustaining the armed conflict, instability, and insecurity in the DRC now apply to 23 persons and one entity. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU member states. The EU keeps developments in the DRC under constant review, and can decide to renew sanctions, and amend the list of targeted persons, entities and bodies based on developments on the ground.
EU Commission adds new Russia sanctions FAQs
The European Commission has published new Russia sanctions answers to FAQs relating to: circumvention and due diligence and enhanced due diligence for operators manufacturing and trading with common high priority items. Link
SECO: Ordinance on Measures Connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 12 December 2024 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annexes 1, 2, 8 and 23 of the Ordinance on Measures Connected with the Situation in Ukraine. The entries concerning 135 individuals and organizations have been updated. The measures come into force at 6 pm on 13 December 2024. Link
SECO - Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Syria
On 9 December 2024 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 7 of the ordinance on measures against Syria. Three individuals have been added to the annex and the entry relating to one individual has been modified. The measures come into force at 6 pm on 10 December 2024. Link
SECO - Ordinance on Measures against Libya
The competent UN Sanctions Committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organisations. The sanctions database has been updated accordingly. Link
SECO - Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Belarus
On January 3, 2025, the reporting requirement under Article 24b paragraphs 13 and 14 of the Ordinance on Measures against Belarus (SR 946.231.116.9) comes into force. Legal entities, companies or organizations must report services or software that they provide or make available in accordance with Article 24b paragraph 6 letter a to SECO by July 31, 2025, and subsequently on a semesterly basis. The reports are to be submitted using the form 'Reporting services and software (Art. 24b para. 13 of the Belarus ordinance)', which can be found on SECO's website under the heading 'Reporting obligations – forms'. Link
Switzerland publishes report on risks of proliferation financing
The interdepartmental Coordinating Group on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (CGMF) has published a report on the latest findings concerning the risk of proliferation financing, including measures to combat it. Link
UK Guidance on open licence returns for exporters
The Export Control Joint Unit has published guidance for exporters on open licence returns. Exporters are required annually to provide details of all trades taking place under certain licences. Returns can be submitted using the SPIRE online export licensing system. Link
Ukraine: Switzerland adopts further sanctions
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in its capacity as the competent body for sanctions, has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Switzerland is thus adopting the additional sanctions decided by the EU in response to Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Belarus. The changes will take effect on 24 December. Link
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority goes digital with the Launch of the Electronic Tariff Platform
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) made a significant milestone in enhancing trade efficiency in its ongoing digitalization journey by the launch of the electronic tariff platform, which creates a simplified technology-driven Customs environment that is transparent and predictable. This innovative system was supported by the World Customs Organization under the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), Funded by the European Union.
The Launch event, held on 29 November 2024 brought together stakeholders from the private and public sectors, representatives from the business community and government officials. The new platform was described by the business community as being a game changer that offers traders a comprehensive and user-friendly online database to access accurate and up to date information on tariffs, trade agreements, and duty estimate thereby facilitating smooth international trade and minimizing errors in the work of Customs.