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The Swiss Federal Council has imposed additional sanctions on Belarus, joining the restrictive measures adopted by the European Union on April 23, 2026. They enter into force on September 19, the Swiss government said.
Swiss authorities explained the decision by citing Belarus’s continued support for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The new measures further align Switzerland’s sanctions regimes against Belarus and Russia.
The list of products prohibited from being supplied to Belarus has been expanded. It now includes laboratory, hygienic and pharmaceutical glassware, certain high-performance lubricants and additives, chemical compounds, natural rubber and various rubber products.
The restrictions also apply to detonating cords, detonators and electric detonators, abrasive materials, bolts, nuts, rivets and other iron and steel products, cast metal products, welding materials and industrial tractors with an engine power of more than 130 kW. Agricultural and forestry tractors are not included in this product category.
Switzerland has also expanded the list of goods prohibited from being imported from Belarus. The restrictions cover salt, crushed stone and other road construction materials, lime, iron ore, metallurgical waste, silicon, ammonia, certain chemical compounds and rubber products.
The import ban also covers dressed fur skins, certain types of platinum, copper and copper alloys, nickel and aluminum waste and products, as well as molybdenum, magnesium and cobalt. These measures affect, among others, Belarus’s chemical, metallurgical and mining industries.
In the financial sector, direct and indirect transactions involving the Belarusian digital ruble are prohibited, as is support for its development. The restrictions apply to transactions with cryptocurrency service providers registered in Belarus and platforms that allow crypto assets to be exchanged or transferred.
In addition, Swiss individuals and legal entities are prohibited from providing security management services to the Belarusian state, state bodies and companies, as well as entities acting on their behalf. The ban also covers technical, brokerage and financial assistance related to such services.
Services directly related to tourism in Belarus have also been restricted, including the activities of travel agencies, tour operators and tour guides. The measures do not ban private travel to the country.
Some measures are aimed at protecting Swiss companies from legal claims related to compliance with sanctions.
The document adopted on September 18 does not list any new individuals or Belarusian enterprises. It introduces sectoral restrictions and expands the lists of prohibited goods, financial transactions and services.
The amendments were made to Switzerland’s ordinance on measures against Belarus.