Situation in Ukraine: Federal Council amends Ordinance
Bern, 01.07.2015 - On 1 July, the Federal Council decreed additional rules on the implementation of the import ban for war material from Russia and Ukraine to cover special cases. To that end it amended the Ordinance on Measures to prevent the Circumvention of International Sanctions connected with the Situation in Ukraine. The amended ordinance comes into force at 6 pm today.
The new rules prohibit the import of firearms, their components, accessories, ammunition and ammunition components from Russia and Ukraine, which fall under the scope of the War Material Act (with regard to their export), and the Weapons Act (with regard to their import). The import of explosives, pyrotechnic devices and propellant powder for military purposes is also prohibited. Under existing legislation it was not previously possible to prevent such imports from Russia and Ukraine. The volume of relevant imports in recent years has however been negligible.
By making these specific adjustments the Federal Council is continuing its policy of ensuring that Switzerland cannot be misused to circumvent the measures imposed by the European Union.
The Federal Council will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine closely and reserves the right to take further measures.
Address for enquiries
Antje Baertschi, Head, SECO Communications
Tel. 058 463 52 75
Publisher
The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
