– Sanctions are our most important means of putting pressure on the Russian regime. In this case, it is crucial that we support the EU and other countries in further weakening Russia's ability to finance the war in Ukraine, says minister foreign affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

- We know that sanctions work best when several countries agree to them. Thanks to this, we are implementing the fifth and last package of EU sanctions. We have received good Norwegian regulations to do this, says the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The updated rules take into account the sustainable management of shared fish stocks and marine ecosystems. They take into account cooperation in the field of search and rescue and our obligations under international law under the Svalbard Treaty.

- Throughout the crisis, the government made it clear that we stand together with our neighbors and the EU to ensure sanctions hit hard and effectively. We are doing what we have announced: we will close ports to Russian-flagged vessels, but still keep ports open to fishing vessels. It is important for Norway to defend fisheries cooperation in the Barents Sea and bilateral operational cooperation in search and rescue. Then we make an exception for Svalbard because Svalbard is in a special situation, says Bjørnar Skjæran, Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

It is forbidden to call ships flying the Russian flag at ports

From May 7, 2022, Russian-flagged ships are banned from entering ports. The prohibition covers ships of more than 500 gross tons that are commercially active in international traffic, yachts and certain recreational and recreational vessels. Sanctions do not apply to fishing vessels and usually do not apply to search and rescue or research vessels. The ban is being implemented for ports in mainland Norway.

- The ban on entering Russian ships at ports and the ban on road transport for Russian companies may have consequences for the flow of goods between Norway and Russia. They also have consequences for individual actors in the business environment, says Bjørnar Skjæran, Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

As fishing vessels are not covered by the port ban, the purpose of entry into the port will not be important. This means that, for example, Russian fishing vessels may end up in shipyards, provided that no other sanctions are imposed.

The new sanctions against Russia concern road freight transport

The road haulage ban will apply to transport companies based in Russia and will apply immediately. In the case of transports that started before April 29, the ban does not apply before May 7 under certain conditions.

Exceptions apply to items subject to delivery. In addition, transport companies will be able to apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for exemptions for the transport of certain goods. This applies to goods such as medical devices and agricultural products. The list of goods that can be released is provided in the regulations.

Sanctions extensions in many areas

Other sanctions that have now been introduced include:

  • extension of the list of goods subject to export control
  • restrictions on coal imports from Russia
  • prohibition on granting or granting public procurement even to Russian people physical and legal
  • restrictions on the import of goods, which are an important source of income for Russia
  • extending the ban on the sale of transferable securities denominated in euro to securities denominated in the official currencies of the EU Member States and the Norwegian krone
  • restriction of jet fuel exports
  • restrictions on the export of goods, which may in particular contribute to the improvement of Russia's industrial capacity
  • prohibition of supporting Russian public authorities and state-owned / controlled companies
  • strengthening the ban on accepting deposits from Russian persons
  • prohibitions related to trusts that favor Russian natural and legal persons.

Introduced by the government today regulatory changes are necessary to implement EU sanctions in Norway.

More information on all new sanctions can be found in the terms and conditions.

The amending provisions shall enter into force immediately

The amendment to the rules on calls at ports and freight transport will be published in Lovdata today. The amendment to the regulations including the remaining sanctions will be published on Lovdata on Monday, May 2. A consolidated version of the regulations is to appear on Lovdata on May 3.