Nathalie Reid

This Practice Note explains the circumstances in which an exporter requires an export licence for controlled (or ‘strategic’) goods under the sanctions and export controls regime in the UK, overseen by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU). It explains what export controls are, what activities require an export licence, when an item is subject to export controls and explains the types of licence that are available. Finally, the enforcement of export controls is explained.

This Practice Note explains how export control breaches are investigated and prosecuted in the UK. It covers how breaches may be detected, the range of enforcement action available to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the prosecution of export control breaches and the penalties which can be imposed on conviction.

This Practice Note explains the offences for failing to comply with trade sanctions under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA 2018). It provides an introduction to the power to create offences under SAMLA 2018 and an explanation of typical scope of trade sanctions offences, information on exclusions and defences to trade sanctions breaches, including the issue of licences exempting certain activities from trade sanctions by various bodies within the Department for Business and Trade, including the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OFSI). It also explains how corporate bodies can be liable for trade sanction offences as well as the maximum sentences which may be imposed following conviction for trade sanctions offences.