Norwegian Government to establish new agency for export control and sanctions
Press release | Date: 11/07/2023 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘The Norwegian business sector is contending with an increasingly complex situation when it comes to sanctions and the regulation of exports, particularly as a result of the war against Ukraine. The control of exports of strategic and sensitive goods, technology and knowledge has become more important. This has led to a growing volume of cases. The Government has therefore decided to establish a separate government agency to dedicate more resources to efforts relating to implementing sanctions and export control. These efforts are essential for our security,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun the process of establishing a new subsidiary agency to specifically deal with tasks in the area of export control and sanctions, including case processing, issuing of export licenses and provision of guidance and advice. The aim is for the new agency to be up and running in 2024. Details relating to the new agency’s name, location, and organisation will be clarified in the time ahead.
‘The work in this area is already difficult due the security situation, and this is further compounded by the emergence of new technologies,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.
The implementation of sanctions against Russia and Belarus and the increasing focus on export control have led to a huge rise in the number of applications and requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
‘There is a great need for help and follow-up, particularly in the business and academic sectors. The purpose of establishing a new agency is to be able to provide better guidance and process applications more quickly,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.
Sanctions legislation and control of exports are currently dealt with in different sections of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Consolidating these activities into a subordinate agency will make it easier to recruit specialised personnel and further expand expertise. The Ministry will retain responsibility for policy design and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will continue to have the constitutional responsibility for these key areas.
More information about the new agency will be made available in connection with the Government's budget process in the autumn.
More information about Norway’s export control system can be found here: Export control