Democratic Republic of the Congo

New Zealand implements the UN Security Council’s sanctions concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the United Nations Sanctions (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Regulations 2004.

Sanctions were imposed concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2004 by resolution 1533(external link) and extended over time.

United Nations Sanctions (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Regulations 2004

New Zealand's sanctions regulations(external link) came into force on 20 December 2004, and amendments to the regulations 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 people or entities in the DRC.

Arms embargo

The regulations prohibit the direct and indirect export of arms from New Zealand to the DRC (with some exceptions). The regulations also prohibit loading or carrying such arms onto a ship or aircraft, and other transactions or dealing with arms that are intended for the DRC (see regulations 4-11).

If you (or the New Zealand Government) 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 transferring, selling, or otherwise dealing with any property (including assets, money or securities) that is owned or controlled by a designated person or entity(external link) or a person or entity acting on their behalf (see regulations 12A-12C).

Training and assistance

The regulations prohibit providing any financial or other assistance, financial resources, financial services, advice or training related to military activities to any person in the DRC (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 unless entry or transit would be consistent with the UNSC’s determinations (see regulation 12D).

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