TITLE: Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amends Sanctions and Measures Against Iran Regulation
BODY:
On May 11, 2026, Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Utenriksdepartementet) amended the Regulation on Sanctions and Measures Against Iran, effective immediately. The amendment incorporates European Union (EU) Regulation 267/2012 on restrictive measures against Iran into Norwegian law, with adaptations to reflect Norway's status as a non-EU state.
The regulation establishes comprehensive prohibitions on trade, financing, and financial services related to Iran across multiple sectors. Key restrictions include bans on exporting goods and technology listed in designated annexes to Iranian persons, entities, and organs; prohibitions on importing crude oil, petroleum products, petrochemical products, and natural gas from Iran; and restrictions on financial transactions with Iranian credit and financial institutions. The regulation also prohibits providing technical assistance, financing, and financial services related to sanctioned goods and activities.
The amendment introduces detailed provisions governing money transfers between financial institutions in Norway and Iranian entities, establishing thresholds for prior notification and authorization requirements. It restricts new banking relationships, correspondent banking arrangements, and representative offices in Iran. Additionally, the regulation imposes prohibitions on providing insurance and reinsurance services to Iran and Iranian entities, with limited exceptions for obligatory insurance.
The regulation applies to all persons, entities, and organs within Norwegian jurisdiction and those subject to Norwegian law. Competent authorities, including the Directorate for Export Control and Sanctions (Direktoratet for eksportkontroll og sanksjoner), administer enforcement and grant exemptions where specified conditions are met. The amendment incorporates multiple annexes detailing prohibited goods, technology, and materials, with specific provisions addressing nuclear materials, dual-use equipment, and key sector equipment related to oil and gas production and refining.
REFERENCE:
Lovdata. "Forskrift om endring i forskrift om sanksjoner og tiltak mot Iran." FOR-2026-05-11-809. Accessed May 15, 2026. https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2026-05-11-809