The Swiss Federal Council has adopted additional sanctions against Belarus, aligning Switzerland with measures introduced by the European Union on 23 April 2026. The new measures entered into force on 19 September 2026 and further align Switzerland’s sanctions regime concerning Belarus with its sanctions against Russia.

The new Swiss measures respond to Belarus’s continued support for Russia’s war against Ukraine and significantly broaden existing trade restrictions. Switzerland has expanded export prohibitions covering goods that could contribute to Belarus’s military and technological enhancement or industrial capacities. The list of goods and technologies prohibited from transiting through Belarus has also been extended, while additional import restrictions apply to economically significant goods generating substantial revenues for Belarus.

The new sanctions also introduce further restrictions in the financial sector. In line with the sanctions applicable to Russia, certain transactions involving crypto-assets and central bank digital currencies – including the digital Belarusian rouble – are now prohibited. Transactions with Belarus-based crypto-asset service providers and decentralised platforms are likewise restricted.

In addition, Switzerland has expanded its existing prohibition on the provision of services. The new rules prohibit the provision of managed security services to the Republic of Belarus, its public authorities and public undertakings, as well as services related to tourism activities in Belarus.

Finally, the Federal Council has introduced additional measures intended to protect Swiss companies against certain claims and their enforcement through courts in third countries.

The latest package follows the designation of two additional Belarusian companies by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research in May 2026 and represents a further step towards aligning Switzerland’s sanctions framework for Belarus with that applicable to Russia.