International sanctions

Sanctions that apply in Sweden have been adopted by the UN or the EU. Currently, around 50 countries and entities are subject to UN and EU sanctions. The ISP has been designated by the government as national competent authority for certain tasks within a number of these sanctions regimes.

The Government’s website on international sanctions provides information in English about the sanctions regimes in place, what restrictive measures they contain, as well as information about which Swedish authorities have been designated to carry out various tasks related to them. More information related to the ISP:s responsibility with regard to international sanctions can be found on the Swedish language version of this website.

Examples of restrictive measures in sanctions regimes include:

• arms embargoes
• prohibitions on equipment that could be used for internal repression
• financial sanctions, such as the freezing of assets and economic resources
• travel restrictions
• bans or licensing requirements for the export or import of certain goods and technologies
  
  

In Sweden, the international sanctions regimes are complemented by national legislation that, inter alia, defines which violations of sanctions that constitute criminal offences under Swedish law. Sweden’s national legislation consists of the new Act (2025:327) on International Sanctions. The Act has been in force since 10 June 2025 and replaces the previous national sanctions legislation.

Sanctions Regarding Russia and Ukraine 

The EU imposed sanctions concerning Russia and Ukraine already in 2014. These sanctions were significantly expanded following the Russian military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Since then, the EU has continuously extended and tightened the sanctions.

It is crucial for manufacturers, resellers, or exporters of products and components that are prohibited from being sold or exported to Russia stay continuously informed and exercise particular vigilance.

Swedish goods and technology are being redirected to companies and other entities within the the Russian military-industrial complex or that have other ties to the Russian military. In order to circumvent trade restrictions, items are often imported to Russia through networks of companies and individuals based in various third countries. It is therefore important to remain alert to attempts to circumvent the sanctions. More information on circumvention of sanctions can be found on the Swedish language version of the ISP’s website, see Mot kringgående av sanktioner

See also:

• Commission guidance note on the implementation of
  certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 833/2014
• Frequently asked questions concerning the “No re-export to Russia” clause
  and sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine
• Swedish leaflet on Russian technology acquisition