Norway tightens Belarus sanctions with expanded crypto, payment and export controls

OSLO, October 1, 2026 — Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has amended its restrictive measures targeting Belarus and its involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, with the changes taking effect Oct. 1.

The amended regulation broadens financial restrictions affecting Belarusian nationals, residents and Belarus-established entities. Norwegian implementation prohibits providing crypto-asset services, certain payment services and electronic money to covered persons and entities. It also maintains a restriction on accepting deposits exceeding 100,000 euros per credit institution from specified Belarus-linked customers. Exemptions apply to certain European Economic Area and Swiss nationals and residents.

The measures also prohibit Belarusian nationals or residents from directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding governing-body positions in entities providing crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services, subject to the regulation’s exemptions.

Trade controls are strengthened through restrictions covering military goods, dual-use products and technology that could contribute to Belarus’ military or technological capabilities. The rules include licensing requirements where Norwegian authorities have informed an exporter that sensitive goods destined for a third country may ultimately be intended for Belarus or for use there.

Exporters relying on certain humanitarian, medical or pharmaceutical exemptions must identify the exemption in customs declarations and notify the competent authority when it is first used for a recipient in Belarus. The regulation also contains revised transitional deadlines for contracts affected by the expanded restrictions.

Norway identifies Tolletaten, relevant anti-money laundering supervisory authorities and Økokrim as competent authorities for provisions adapted from the European Union sanctions framework.

The measures form part of Norway’s broader policy of aligning, with national adaptations, with European sanctions targeting Russia and Belarus. The Norwegian government has said such measures are intended both to restrict resources supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and to reduce opportunities to circumvent sanctions through Belarus.