Bern, 25 January 2023
On 25 January, Swiss Federal Council decided to enact further sanctions against Russia. It has therefore adopted the latest measures introduced by the European Union (EU) under the ninth package of sanctions. The measures will come into force at 6pm on 25 January.
In response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and its continued destabilising actions that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and security, the EU adopted new measures against Russia on 16 December 2022 as part of a ninth package of sanctions. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) set about amending the annexes of the relevant ordinance within its competence and approved, among other things, the sanctioning of around 200 additional individuals and entities.
The Federal Council will now implement the remaining measures of the ninth package of sanctions with effect from 25 January. These include bans on services in the areas of product testing, advertising, and market research and opinion polling services, and new controls and restrictions on the export of various goods, including dual-use goods, goods for military and technological enhancement, or for the development of the defence and security sector, or goods that contribute to the enhancement of Russian industrial capacity. In addition, the export ban on goods for the aerospace industry will be extended to include engines for aircraft and drones. Likewise, new investments in the Russian mining sector will be banned.
Lastly, the Federal Council decided on a new provision with regard to the arms embargo. Switzerland can now grant exemptions from the arms embargo on demining equipment for use in Ukraine on a case-by-case basis. In issuing the export licence, steps will be taken to ensure that the material is used lawfully and for its intended purpose.
Source – Swiss Government