According to Circular No.9/2016 issued by the Department of Merchant Shipping, shipowners of vessels flying the Cyprus flag must be aware of the new consolidated EU instruments, which clarify and repeal previously issued instruments, namely EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1333 and Council Regulation (EU) 2016/44 with regards to the restrictive measures against Libya.
In brief, the prohibition is related to the transportation by ships from and to Libya , of arms and related material, including weapons and ammunition or related items including armed mercenary staff or equipment which might be used for internal repression. Exemptions to the above measure are only the arms or related material or equipment, solely used by humanitarian and development workers, or by UN personnel or associated personnel. There is an additional prohibition on the transportation, loading or discharging of crude oil from Libya unless the Department of Merchant Shipping authorizes such act.
Inspections of vessels are carried out, in accordance with the said sanctions, as per the national authorities’ requirements, whereas the provision of cargo information prior to the arrival and prior to the departure of the vessels, bound to and from Libya, is mandatory.
Special caution should also be exercised when doing business with companies incorporated in Libya or subject to Libya’s jurisdiction, and any individuals and entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, in order to prevent business that could contribute to violence and the use of force against civilians.
For more information on the European Union restrictive measures please visit: http://eeas.europa.eu/cfsp/sanctions/docs/measures_en.pdf