On 28 March, 2018, the Federal Council adopted restrictive measures, namely an arms and repressive goods embargo and financial and travel sanctions, against Venezuela (Ordinance on Measures against Venezuela). It bans the sale, supply, export and transit to Venezuela of arms and goods which can be used for internal repression. A similar ban also applies to equipment, technology and software that can be used to monitor and intercept internet and telephone communications. Furthermore, assets have been frozen and entry and transit bans have been issued for listed natural persons, companies and organisations. These measures are currently directed against seven Venezuelan ministers and high-ranking officials. Assets frozen under the measures must be reported to SECO without delay. By adopting the Ordinance, Switzerland is aligning itself with the EU sanctions against Venezuela. The measures enter into force at 6pm CET on 28 March.
