Aktualisierte Sanktionsmeldung: Haiti
Executive Summary
The Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (WBF) has published an update to Annex 2 of the Ordinance on Measures concerning Haiti (SR 946.231.139.4), dated December 16, 2022, aligning Switzerland's sanctions regime with recent UN Security Council decisions. This matters for Swiss financial institutions as it mandates immediate screening against potentially updated lists of designated persons and entities, reinforcing asset freezes, travel bans, and an expanded arms embargo to address Haiti's instability. Non-compliance risks FINMA enforcement actions under anti-money laundering and sanctions frameworks. #
What Changed
- - Annex Update: The amendment modifies the annex to the Haiti Ordinance, likely incorporating additions to the UN Sanctions List, such as new designated individuals or entities involved in destabilizing activities like illicit natural resource exploi
- Sanctions Renewal and Expansion: Reflects UNSC Resolution 2752 (2024, adopted October 18, 2024) and subsequent renewals (e.g., Resolution 2794 (2025)), renewing travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes for one year while broadening the arms emb
- Swiss Implementation: FINMA oversees enforcement via SECO's sanction ordinances; updates require alignment with UN lists for asset freezing and prohibitions on dealings with designated parties.
Suggested Considerations
- Screen Immediately: Check client databases, accounts, and transactions against the updated SECO/UN Haiti Sanctions List for new designations; freeze assets/economic resources without prior notice.
- Cease Prohibited Activities: Halt dealings (direct/indirect) with designated parties, including financial services, brokering, technical assistance, or transfers related to military goods/technology.
- Report Findings: Notify SECO/FINMA of matches or frozen assets, providing additional compliance details; maintain records for audits.
- Update Policies/Systems: Revise sanctions screening tools, train staff, and monitor for "connected persons" under updated definitions.
- License Checks: Apply for exemptions only if explicitly available (e.g., humanitarian); no dealings without approval.
Key Dates
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – Immediate asset freeze obligations apply "without delay" upon list updates, with FINMA's enforcement type indicating potential fines or reputational damage for lapses; matters due to Haiti's volatility driving frequent UN changes, risking secondary sanctions exposure for Swiss firms with international ties.
Who is Affected
References
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.
Summary
Das Eidgenössische Departement für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung WBF hat eine Änderung des Anhangs der Verordnung vom 16. Dezember 2022 über Massnahmen betreffend Haiti (SR 946.231.139.4) publiziert.