Sanctions were imposed concerning the Central African Republic in 2013 by resolution 2127(external link).
United Nations Sanctions (Central African Republic) Regulations 2014
New Zealand's sanctions regulations(external link) came into force on 12 May 2014, and amendments came into force on 1 September 2022. These regulations apply to all persons inside New Zealand and to New Zealand citizens outside New Zealand.
A person breaching the sanctions regulations could be liable for up to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000. A company breaching the sanctions regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $100,000.
Some of the key restrictions in the sanctions regulations are outlined below. The following list is a summary only and is not comprehensive. We recommend that you look at the detailed regulations and obtain independent legal advice when making decisions about dealings with persons from the Central African Republic.
Arms embargo
The regulations prohibit the direct and indirect export of arms from New Zealand to the Central African Republic (with some exceptions). The regulations also prohibit loading or carrying arms to the Central African Republic on a New Zealand craft, and other transactions or dealings with arms that are intended for the Central African Republic (see regulations 4-10).
If you are required by the regulations to notify the United Nations Security Council Committee about an export or the provision of assistance or training, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at exportcontrols@mfat.govt.nz.
Asset Freeze
The regulations prohibit knowingly transferring, selling, or otherwise dealing with any property (including assets, money or securities) that is owned or controlled by a designated person or their agent(external link) (see regulations 14-17).
Training and assistance
The regulations prohibit providing any technical training or assistance related to military activities or the provision, manufacture or use of any arms to any person in the Central African Republic (with some exceptions, see regulation 12).
Travel ban
The regulations prohibit people designated by the UN(external link) from entering or transiting through New Zealand (see regulation 13).