Getting started with import and export UK-wide

Trade sanctions and export restrictions

Understanding UK sanctions on 80+ countries, arms embargoes, and the criminal penalties for breaching restrictions.

Guide summary

Before exporting goods, services or technology abroad, check if UK trade sanctions apply. You must screen your customers and suppliers against the sanctions list. Breaching sanctions can lead to up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines. Report any suspected breaches to the authorities.

  • Check the OFSI consolidated list of sanctioned people and organisations
  • Screen all customers, suppliers and transactions against sanctions lists
  • Obtain a licence before exporting restricted goods to sanctioned countries
  • Report any suspected sanctions breaches to OFSI immediately
  • Criminal penalties: up to 10 years imprisonment and unlimited fines
  • Civil penalties: up to £1 million or 50% of the breach value
  • Some offences do not require proof of intent (strict liability)
  • Sanctions apply to over 80 countries, including Russia, Iran, North Korea
  • Even exports to third countries may be illegal if goods reach sanctioned destinations
On this page

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Trade sanctions and arms embargoes are legal restrictions on exporting to certain countries or entities. The UK independently imposes, updates, and lifts sanctions under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.

Breaching sanctions is a criminal offence carrying unlimited fines, up to 10 years imprisonment, asset seizure, and company director disqualification.

Types of restrictions

Arms embargoes: Complete prohibition on exporting military items, related services, financial services for military goods, and brokering military sales. Covers not just physical goods but also technical assistance and technology transfer.

Trade sanctions: Broader controls on specific goods, technology, or services to particular sectors. Russia sanctions, for example, prohibit advanced technology, dual-use items, aviation components, oil refining equipment, and critical industry inputs.

Trade controls: Even if goods don't pass through the UK, UK persons are prohibited from brokering or arranging sales between third countries when embargoes or sanctions apply.

Catch-all provision and third-country risk

Sanctions can apply to exports to non-sanctioned countries if you know or suspect goods will be diverted to sanctioned destinations or support prohibited activities. This makes end-user due diligence and supply chain transparency essential.

Financial sanctions intersection

Trade sanctions often overlap with financial sanctions. Contact Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) if financial sanctions questions arise alongside export licensing.