Following the United Nations' and European Union's adoption of resolutions imposing restrictive measures against Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen and the issuance of prohibition orders under Article 3(3) of the Cyprus Ships (Prohibition of Transportation) Laws 1966-1971,1 the Department of Merchant Shipping has revised its guidance to owners, operators and managers of Cyprus-flagged ships regarding restrictions on trade with the countries concerned.
Cyprus ships may not be used to procure or transport to or from the countries concerned:
- weapons, ammunition or similar goods;
- armed mercenary personnel; or
- equipment which might be used for internal repression.
There are exemptions for equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and for use by UN or similar personnel.
In the case of North Korea, the scope of prohibited dealings is much wider, extending from precious metals, jewels and luxury goods to goods that might facilitate the country's nuclear or missile programmes. Vessels bound to or from North Korea are subject to inspection and must provide additional pre-arrival or pre-departure information if visiting a port in Cyprus.
Footnotes
1 Law 26 of 1966, as amended.
Previously published by International Law Office
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