Hong Kong enacts Haiti sanctions update

The Marine Department of the Government of Hong Kong has issued a note updating its regulations to reflect recent United Nations resolutions regarding Haiti.

These amendments primarily focus on prohibiting certain actions related to arms supply, financial support, and individual mobility.

Amendments to the Principal Regulation: The Amendment Regulation modifies specific sections of the principal Regulation. It is important to note that these amendments took effect on February 23, 2024.
Prohibition on Arms Supply: One key aspect of the amendments is the prohibition against supplying, selling, transferring, or transporting small arms, light weapons, or ammunition to Haiti. This measure aims to control the flow of arms into the country, contributing to efforts to maintain peace and stability.
Financial Restrictions: The Amendment Regulation also introduces measures to restrict the provision of funds, financial assets, or economic resources to certain individuals or entities in Haiti. This includes making such assets available to or for the benefit of designated persons or entities, as well as dealing with economic assets belonging to or controlled by them.
Entry Restrictions: Additionally, the Regulation imposes limitations on the entry into or transit through the HKSAR by certain individuals. This aspect likely targets individuals subject to sanctions or restrictions imposed by the United Nations in connection with Haiti.
Duration of the Regulation: The Amendment Regulation specifies that the relevant provisions of the principal Regulation will remain in force until midnight on October 18, 2024. This indicates a temporary nature to the regulations, subject to potential extension or modification based on further developments or UN resolutions.
Compliance Obligations: Shipowners, ship managers, ship operators, and masters of Hong Kong registered ships are obligated to comply with these regulations. Ensuring adherence to these measures is crucial to avoid any potential legal or regulatory consequences.
Information Accessibility: The Marine Department provides detailed information regarding the Amendment Regulation on its website, offering resources for stakeholders to understand and navigate the regulatory framework effectively.

This note was published on 27 March 2024.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):