New Zealand, sanctions

The sanctions of New Zealand against Belarus: Wellington's contribution.

The Russia Sanctions Act 2022, subsequently extended also to Belarus.

📅 Timeline of New Zealand measures

• March 2022
  First package of sanctions against high-ranking Belarusian officials and members of Lukashenko's government.
  Travel restrictions and asset freezes provided for.

• April–May 2022
  Extension of measures to state-linked banks and companies.
  Export block on technology and dual-use industrial goods.

• 2023
  Strengthening of lists of individuals and companies affected, with particular attention to defense and security sectors.
  Introduction of stricter controls to prevent triangular trade through third countries.

• 2024
  Coordinated updates with G7 allies, with new measures against strategic banks and companies in Minsk.
  A permanent sanction regime is formalized applicable until the end of the conflict in Ukraine.

• 2025
  The measures remain in force and are periodically updated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

🔎 Content of New Zealand sanctions

1. Personal sanctions

   • Asset freeze and entry ban for government officials, military personnel and entrepreneurs close to Lukashenko.

   • Inclusion of members of the presidential family.

2. Economic and trade restrictions

   • Import block on petroleum products, fertilizers and other strategic raw materials.

   • Export prohibition of high-value-added goods and technologies, particularly in the electronic and mechanical sectors.

3. Financial sector

   • Freezing of bank assets linked to institutions controlled by the regime.

   • Prohibition for New Zealand companies and citizens from engaging in commercial relations with sanctioned entities.