UK sanctions regime

Guidance on GOV.UK

Understand UK trade sanctions

Sanctions are restrictive measures put in place to fulfil a range of purposes. In the UK, these include complying with international obligations, supporting foreign policy and national security objectives, as well as maintaining international peace and security.

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Trade sanctions can include prohibitions on the movement of goods and technology, the provision or procurement of services related to goods and technology, and the provision or procurement of certain other non-financial services. The Export Control Joint Unit administers the UK’s system of export controls and licensing in relation to trade sanctions.

Guidance on GOV.UK

Understand trade embargoes and restrictions

An arms embargo, for example, is a prohibition that applies to the trade or activities related to military items. An arms embargo may be imposed by the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe or the UK.

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Under the Sanctions Act, arms embargoes consist of prohibitions on export, supply or delivery, making available and transfer of military items and on the provision of technical assistance, financial services and funds, and brokering services related to military items.

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Apply for UK sanctions and embargo special licences

DBT’s Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has overall responsibility for trade sanctions licensing. Licence applications can be made through the online export licensing system SPIRE.

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You can use SPIRE to apply for open general export licences (OGELs), trade control licences (OGTCLs), standard individual export licences (SIELs), open individual export licences (OIELS) and transshipment licences.