The Department of Internal Affairs issued a reminder to reporting entities on New Zealand’s current sanctions on Iran, highlighting both existing restrictions and the requirement to register before engaging in business with Iran. The notice references the “snapback” sanctions implemented on 18 October 2025 under the United Nations Sanctions (Iran) Regulations 2025, which impose obligations on any person in New Zealand and on New Zealand citizens and entities operating internationally that are conducting or intending to conduct business with Iran. It also points to the compulsory registration scheme introduced on 1 February 2026, requiring New Zealand persons and entities to register with the New Zealand Sanctions Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade before undertaking any business activity with Iran, and reiterates the need to file a Suspicious Activity Report where activity is suspected to involve sanctions circumvention or evasion.
Department of Internal Affairs 2026-03-30
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs reminds reporting entities of Iran snapback sanctions and mandatory MFAT registration
The Department of Internal Affairs reminded reporting entities of New Zealand’s current sanctions on Iran, including “snapback” measures under the United Nations Sanctions (Iran) Regulations 2025 applying to New Zealand persons and entities domestically and abroad. It highlighted the compulsory scheme requiring them to register with the New Zealand Sanctions Unit before any business activity with Iran, and reiterated obligations to file Suspicious Activity Reports where sanctions circumvention or evasion is suspected.