Export Controls

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK’s commitment to global security through intensified sanctions has taken centre stage. Among the UK’s key priorities is the non-proliferation (the unintentional spreading) of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and other controlled goods.

The Environment Agency has requested that export measures be put in place to enable the identification of goods for export containing mercury where an export waiver is applied against the export prohibition.

As we step into 2025, UK exporters are confronted with a rapidly evolving global regulatory landscape, marked by increased sanctions and emerging risks tied to technological advancements. To remain compliant and competitive, businesses must navigate this intricate web. The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), a government department responsible for issuing export licenses and providing guidance on export controls, and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), which enforces financial sanctions, are intensifying their enforcement efforts. Geopolitical shifts and technological progress are also reshaping the risks faced by exporters.

Published 19 December 2024, exporters were advised that special and diacritic characters should not be used in licence applications or licence declarations. The CDS is unable to accept these particular characters at present.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued two Notices to Exporters relating to compound settlement offers issued by HMRC to UK exporters to date August 2024

The new government department, OTSI, the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation, were launched this month. OTSI’s role is to strengthen the United Kingdom’s implementation and enforcement of trade sanctions. Like the ECJU, the Export Control Join Unit and OTSI are part of the Department for Business and Trade. Part of OTSI’s priorities is to raise awareness of trade sanctions.

The DBT has issued a Notice to Exporters where they advise of an update to the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit Regulations) 2019, following a review of the professional and business services sanctions in place under Regulation 54C of the regulation.

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is updating its processes and moving to the LITE licensing platform. As part of this modernisation, new central contact details will replace direct phone numbers and emails for inquiries, ensuring more efficient responses and minimising delays.