meta_id 3029550

On March 27, 2026, Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Utenriksdepartementet) amended the Regulation on Restrictive Measures Concerning Actions Undermining or Threatening Ukraine's Territorial Integrity, Sovereignty, Independence and Stability (FOR-2014-08-15-1076). The amendment, which entered into force on the same date, significantly expands sanctions targeting Russian entities and introduces new prohibitions affecting financial services, trade, and economic operations. Key amendments include new definitions of ownership and control of legal entities, expanded restrictions on cryptocurrency asset services, and prohibitions on transactions with designated financial institutions and entities supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. The regulation introduces restrictions on liquefied natural gas imports from Russia effective September 27, 2026, with limited exceptions for contracts concluded before November 19, 2025. The amendment adds 861 new entities to the sanctions lists across multiple annexes, including Russian companies in technology, manufacturing, and financial sectors, as well as entities in third countries facilitating sanctions evasion. New provisions prohibit participation in transactions with certain ports and locks, restrict economic activity in Russian special economic zones, and impose requirements on Russian diplomats to notify authorities of travel to Norway or European Union member states at least 24 hours in advance (one business day for Norway). Additional restrictions target artificial intelligence services, high-performance computing, and commercial space-based services provided to Russia. The regulation establishes exceptions for humanitarian purposes, critical infrastructure maintenance, and certain medical and agricultural imports. The amendment also clarifies application dates for various prohibitions, with several provisions taking effect on June 29, 2026, and others on April 29, 2026. The regulation applies to Norwegian entities and individuals, and to any person within Norwegian territory. Enforcement is the responsibility of the Directorate for Export Control and Sanctions (Direktoratet for eksportkontroll og sanksjoner).