Exemptions
The Russia Sanctions Regulations 2022 include a few exceptions for certain circumstances so you might not need to apply for an exemption.
If any of these exceptions apply to your situation, you do not need to seek an exemption:
- There are some circumstances where dealing with sanctioned persons, assets or services is allowed (all listed in regulation 12). For example, if you are owed payment due to a contract with a sanctioned person or entity before the date they were sanctioned.
- Importing luxury goods of Russian origin to New Zealand is allowed if they are personal effects. Personal effects are considered to be:
- Things accompanying you when travelling, e.g., clothing.
- Household goods as part of a consignment if you are relocating, i.e., moving to New Zealand.
- Exporting luxury goods to Russia is allowed if they are personal effects. Personal effects are considered to be:
- Things accompanying you when travelling, e.g., clothing.
- Household goods as part of a consignment if you are relocating, i.e., moving to Russia.
- Exporting prohibited items to Russia or Belarus in good faith for a humanitarian purpose is allowed.
- Humanitarian organisations carrying out their humanitarian activities is allowed.
If you are unsure whether these exceptions apply to your circumstances and would like some additional guidance, please get in touch with us at: Sanctions@mfat.govt.nz
If these exceptions do not apply to you, you can apply for an exemption from a sanction for a specified situation in relation to persons, assets, or services. This includes in relation to prohibited exports or imports, and the tariff increase for goods of Russian origin. You should apply for an exemption to any trade measure before committing to a sale or purchase agreement and before your good is presented at the border for export or import.
Amendments and revocations
You can also apply for an amendment or revocation of a regulation or a designation notice.
To apply for an exemption, amendment or revocation, please fill in all the relevant details in the application form [DOCX, 44 KB] and send it to Sanctions@mfat.govt.nz. Applications are considered by either the Minister of Foreign Affairs or Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, depending on the nature of your request.