On October 30, 2024, the Federal Council decided to approve the sanctions imposed by the EU against Belarus on June 29, 2024. These measures correspond to those taken by the EU and then by Switzerland against Russia.
As stated in the Federal Council's press release, Switzerland implemented EU restrictions into its legislation, which prohibit investments in Belarus's energy sector, the purchase and import of gold, diamonds, coal, and crude oil from Belarus. It is also prohibited to sell and export luxury items, goods intended for oil refining and natural gas liquefaction, aviation fuel and fuel additives, and maritime shipping goods to Belarus.
Some existing bans, including the ban on dual-use goods, were also extended to transit through Belarus. As with the sanctions against Russia, exporters are now contractually obliged to prohibit the re-export to Belarus of certain goods from third countries used in equipment employed in the war against Ukraine.
However, Switzerland did not support some restrictions. For example, the clause stating that companies must ensure their branches in third countries must comply with the sanctions.