Terrorism Act 2000
What this means for your business
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 39 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
What you must do
39 compliance obligations under this legislation — 32 can result in imprisonment.
Offences and prohibitions 38
Assault or obstruct a counter‑terrorism financial investigator
51 weeks imprisonmentIf you physically assault a counter‑terrorism financial investigator who is carrying out their statutory powers, or if you deliberately resist or block them while they are exercising those powers, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in the Magistrates' Court you can be sentenced to up to 51 weeks in prison and, for an assault, an unlimited fine (for obstruction the fine is capped at £1,000). The same maximum penalties apply in Northern Ireland with shorter custodial limits.
Collect or possess information useful to terrorism
15 years imprisonmentIf you (or anyone in your business) collect, record, possess or view any document or electronic record that could be useful to someone planning a terrorist act, you are committing a criminal offence. The offence can be tried either in the Crown Court or, for less serious cases, in a Magistrates' Court. On conviction you could face up to 15 years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Commit terrorist bombing abroad
Unlimited fineIf you or your company carry out a terrorist bombing or any other act of terrorism outside the United Kingdom, and that act would be an offence if it had been done in the UK (for example using explosives, biological or chemical weapons), you can be prosecuted. The offence applies even though the conduct occurred abroad. Conviction can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Direct a terrorist organisation
life imprisonmentIf you, or anyone acting on your behalf, direct the activities of a group that is involved in terrorism, you commit a criminal offence. The offence applies no matter what level of control you have over the group’s actions. On conviction in the Crown Court you face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Disclose information that could prejudice a terrorism investigation
2 years imprisonmentIf you work in a regulated sector (for example, a financial services firm) and you reveal information that you obtained through your business about a terrorism‑related disclosure, or you tell others that a terrorism investigation is being considered or carried out, and that disclosure is likely to prejudice the investigation, you commit an offence. On conviction you can be sentenced to up to three months in prison and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction, or up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine on indictment.
Disclose or interfere with information relating to a terrorist investigation
5 years imprisonmentIf you knowingly share, tip‑off or tamper with material that could prejudice a police terrorist investigation – or the follow‑up investigation from a disclosure under sections 19‑21B or 38B – you can be prosecuted. Conviction can lead to up to five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine if tried in the Crown Court, or up to six months’ imprisonment and the standard‑maximum fine if dealt with summarily.
Elicit, publish or communicate info about armed forces or police useful to terrorists
15 years imprisonmentIf your business or anyone acting for you tries to obtain, attempt to obtain, publish or share personal information about a member of the armed forces, intelligence services or a police constable that could help a terrorist, you commit a criminal offence. The offence is triggered by the act of eliciting or communicating such information. On conviction you face up to 15 years in prison and an unlimited fine, or a shorter term and fine if dealt with in a magistrates’ court.
Facilitate retention or control of terrorist property
14 years imprisonmentIf your business arranges, or is involved in, any scheme that helps another person keep or control terrorist property – for example by hiding it, moving it out of the UK, transferring it to nominees or any other method – you commit a criminal offence. A defence is only available if you can prove you had no knowledge and no reasonable reason to suspect the property was linked to terrorism. Conviction can lead to an unlimited fine and up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Facilitate terrorist financing outside the UK
If you (or your business) do something abroad that would be a terrorist‑financing offence under sections 15‑18 of the Terrorism Act if it were done in the UK, you are committing an offence. A conviction can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment, the exact maximums being set by the Act’s general penalty provisions.
Fail to comply with a disclosure order
51 weeks imprisonmentIf a person is served with a written notice under a disclosure order and does not do what the notice requires – such as answering questions, giving information or producing documents – they commit an offence. On conviction in the Magistrates’ Court the penalty can be up to 51 weeks in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Fail to comply with peace‑preservation regulations or orders
6 months imprisonmentIf you or your business disregard a regulation or an order made under section 96 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – for example, rules intended to keep public order – you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in a magistrates' court you could be sentenced to up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Fail to comply with search requirement or obstruct a search
2 years imprisonmentIf you (or your employees) do not follow a lawful requirement from an authorised officer during a search of premises, or you deliberately try to block or frustrate that search, you commit an offence. Conviction can lead to up to two years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. The case may be tried in either the Crown Court or the Magistrates' Court, depending on the severity.
Fail to disclose suspected terrorism information
5 years imprisonmentIf, in the course of your business or employment, you suspect that someone has committed a terrorism offence (sections 15‑18) and you base that suspicion on information you received through your work, you must tell a police officer (or authorised NCA officer) as soon as reasonably possible. Not doing so – unless you are a legal adviser with privileged information or the info came from a regulated‑sector business – is a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to up to five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine, or a shorter term and a fine on summary conviction.
Fail to disclose terrorism‑related information
10 years imprisonmentIf you know or believe you have information that could materially help prevent a terrorist act or assist the police in catching someone involved in terrorism, you must tell a constable as soon as reasonably practicable. Not doing so is a criminal offence. On conviction you can face up to 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine (or up to six months imprisonment and a fine on summary conviction).
Fail to disclose terrorism‑related information in regulated sector
5 years imprisonmentIf anyone working in a business that falls within the regulated sector (e.g., financial services) knows or reasonably suspects that a terrorist offence has been or is being committed, and the information comes to them through their work, they must report it to the police or a nominated officer as soon as possible. Failing to do so – without a reasonable excuse – is a criminal offence, carrying up to five years’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine on indictment (or up to six months and a fine on summary conviction).
Fail to obey police cordon order
3 months imprisonmentIf a police officer tells you or your staff to leave a cordoned area, move a vehicle, or stop access and you do not comply, you commit a criminal offence. The offence can be prosecuted in the Magistrates' Court and carries up to three months' imprisonment, a fine of up to £2,500, or both.
Fail to provide required customer information to a terrorist investigation order
Unlimited fineIf a financial institution does not supply the customer information that a constable or counter‑terrorism financial investigator demands under a disclosure order for a terrorist investigation, the institution commits a criminal offence. On conviction the institution faces an unlimited fine (level 5 on the standard scale). Individual officers who consent to, connive in, or neglect the breach can also be prosecuted and face up to six months’ imprisonment plus a fine.
Fail to stop a vehicle when required
6 months imprisonmentIf a police officer exercising stop‑and‑search powers tells you or your driver to stop a vehicle and you do not comply, you have committed an offence. A conviction in the Magistrates' Court can lead to up to six months' imprisonment, an unlimited fine (level 5 on the standard scale), or both. This applies to any business that operates vehicles and could be stopped by the police.
Fail to stop a vehicle when required under the Terrorism Act
6 months imprisonmentIf a police officer exercising powers under the Terrorism Act orders you to stop a vehicle and you do not comply, you have committed an offence. A conviction can lead to up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. The case will be dealt with in the Magistrates' Court.
Fail to stop or answer questions from a terrorism officer
Unlimited fineIf a police officer or member of the armed forces stops you to ask about your identity, movements, or what you know about a recent explosion or similar incident, you must stop and answer. Refusing to stop, refusing to answer, or giving an incomplete answer is a criminal offence. On summary conviction you face an unlimited fine, but no imprisonment.
Incite another to commit terrorism abroad
life imprisonment imprisonmentIf you encourage, persuade or otherwise incite someone to carry out a terrorist act overseas – an act that would be murder, wounding with intent, poisoning, using explosives or damaging property in a way that endangers life if it happened in England and Wales – you commit an offence. On conviction you face the same penalties as the underlying terrorist offence, which can include unlimited fines and up to life imprisonment.
Incite terrorism abroad (Scotland)
Unlimited fineIf you encourage or persuade anyone to carry out a terrorist act outside the UK that would be murder, serious assault or reckless conduct causing injury if it happened in Scotland, you commit an offence. The penalty you face is the same as if you had committed that underlying violent offence yourself in Scotland, which can include long‑term imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
Incite terrorism abroad that would be an offence in Northern Ireland
life imprisonment imprisonmentIf you encourage or persuade someone to carry out a terrorist act outside the United Kingdom, and that act would amount to murder, wounding with intent, poisoning, using explosives or endangering life by damaging property if it happened in Northern Ireland, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction you face the same penalties as if you had carried out the underlying offence yourself – which can include an unlimited fine and a life‑time term of imprisonment. The offence can be tried in the Crown Court.
Interfere with anti‑terrorism works or equipment
6 months imprisonmentIf you or your business intentionally messes with, damages or otherwise obstructs work being carried out under the powers of sections 91 or 92 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – for example equipment, vehicles or other things used by the authorities – you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in a magistrates’ court you could be fined (unlimited amount) and/or jailed for up to six months.
Interfere with road‑closure works or equipment
6 months imprisonmentIf you or your business obstruct, tamper with, or carry out bypass work within 200 m of a road‑closure order – or keep equipment for such work, or allow someone else to do so – you commit an offence under the Terrorism Act. On conviction you face an unlimited fine and/or up to six months’ imprisonment. The case will be heard in a magistrates’ court (summary trial).
Invite, receive or provide funds for terrorism
10 years imprisonmentIf you or anyone acting for your business invites, accepts, or gives money or other property that you know, or have reasonable cause to suspect, will be used for terrorist activities, you commit a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to an unlimited fine and up to ten years’ imprisonment, with the case potentially heard in either a Magistrates’ Court or a Crown Court.
Make funds available for terrorist use
10 years imprisonmentIf your business (or you personally) arranges for money or other property to be provided to someone, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect it will be used for terrorism, you are committing a criminal offence. On conviction you face an unlimited fine and up to 10 years in prison.
Make insurance payment in response to terrorist demands
If an insurer pays out under a policy for money or property that has been handed over because of a terrorist demand – and the insurer knows or has reasonable cause to suspect this – the insurer (and, where relevant, its directors or managers) commits a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to unlimited fines and possible imprisonment.
Obstruct police document examination
2 years imprisonmentIf you deliberately block or hinder a police officer or member of the armed forces when they are examining documents under the Terrorism Act, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction you could face up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine, or, on summary conviction, up to six months imprisonment and a fine.
Obtain compensation by deception
5 years imprisonmentIf you (or your business) lie, mislead or withhold material facts to receive compensation – or a larger amount of compensation – for damage caused by a terrorist act, you commit a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to up to five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine, whether tried in the Crown Court or, for less serious cases, in a magistrates’ court.
Park vehicle where prohibited or refuse police order to move
3 months imprisonmentIf you or someone in charge of a company vehicle parks in a place that a terrorism‑related prohibition or restriction (under section 48) applies, you commit an offence. The same applies if the vehicle is left there and you fail to move it when a constable in uniform tells you to. On conviction you face a fine up to £2,500 and, for the failure‑to‑move breach, up to three months’ imprisonment, tried in the magistrates’ court.
Possess items for terrorist purposes
15 years imprisonmentIf you or your business hold an article and there is reasonable suspicion that it is intended for planning, preparing or carrying out a terrorist act, you are committing an offence. On conviction you can face up to 15 years in prison and an unlimited fine if tried in the Crown Court, or up to six months in prison and a fine up to the statutory maximum if tried in the Magistrates' Court.
Provide or receive weapons training for terrorism
life imprisonmentIf your organisation gives instruction or training in making or using firearms, explosives, radioactive material, or chemical, biological or nuclear weapons – or if it receives such training or invites others to receive it – you are committing a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act. On conviction you could face life imprisonment or an unlimited fine in the Crown Court, or up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine in the Magistrates' Court.
Provide unlicensed security services for reward
5 years imprisonmentIf you supply or offer security‑guard services for payment without holding a licence (or without acting on behalf of a licence holder), you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in the Crown Court you can be jailed for up to five years, fined an unlimited amount, or both. A magistrates’ court can also try the case, with a maximum sentence of six months and an unlimited fine.
Support a proscribed terrorist organisation
14 years imprisonmentIf your business invites, expresses support for, arranges, manages or speaks at a meeting that supports a proscribed terrorist group, you commit a criminal offence. The offence can be tried in either the Crown Court or the Magistrates' Court. On conviction you face up to 14 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine (or up to six months and the statutory maximum fine on summary conviction).
Use or possess money/property for terrorism purposes
10 years imprisonmentIf your business uses money or other property to support terrorism, or holds money/property when you intend it to be used for terrorism (or have reasonable cause to suspect it may be), you commit a criminal offence. Conviction can lead to an unlimited fine and up to ten years’ imprisonment.
Wear, display or publish material suggesting support for a proscribed terrorist group
6 months imprisonmentIf you or anyone on your premises wears clothing, displays an item, or publishes a still or moving image that could lead a reasonable person to suspect you are a member or supporter of a banned terrorist organisation, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction you face up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both, and the police can seize or require the removal of the offending item (subject to limited exemptions).
Wilfully obstruct a terrorist investigation search
3 months imprisonmentIf you or someone acting for your business deliberately blocks or interferes with a police search carried out under a terrorist investigation (e.g. refusing entry, hiding or destroying material), you commit a criminal offence. On conviction you face up to three months in prison, a fine of up to £2,500, or both.
Reporting and filing 1
Respond to terrorist‑related disclosure requests and send required notifications
Unlimited fineIf a police officer or another authorised person asks you for information because they suspect terrorist financing or the use of terrorist property, you must give them the information they request. Before you do, you must send a notification that explains the request and states that you are disclosing under the Terrorism Act. Keep a copy of the request, your notification and the information you provide as evidence.
Penalties for non-compliance
39 penalties under this legislation. 32 can result in imprisonment. 33 carry an unlimited fine.
Assault or obstruct a counter‑terrorism financial investigator
Unlimited fine and/or 51 weeks imprisonment
Collect or possess information useful to terrorism
Unlimited fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Disclose information that could prejudice a terrorism investigation
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Disclose or interfere with information relating to a terrorist investigation
Unlimited fine and/or 5 years imprisonment
Elicit, publish or communicate info about armed forces or police useful to terrorists
Unlimited fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Facilitate retention or control of terrorist property
Unlimited fine and/or 14 years imprisonment
Fail to comply with a disclosure order
Unlimited fine and/or 51 weeks imprisonment
Fail to comply with peace‑preservation regulations or orders
Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment
Fail to comply with search requirement or obstruct a search
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Fail to disclose suspected terrorism information
Unlimited fine and/or 5 years imprisonment
Fail to disclose terrorism‑related information
Unlimited fine and/or 10 years imprisonment
Fail to disclose terrorism‑related information in regulated sector
Unlimited fine and/or 5 years imprisonment
Fail to stop a vehicle when required
Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment
Fail to stop a vehicle when required under the Terrorism Act
Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment
Incite another to commit terrorism abroad
Unlimited fine and/or life imprisonment imprisonment
Incite terrorism abroad that would be an offence in Northern Ireland
Unlimited fine and/or life imprisonment imprisonment
Interfere with anti‑terrorism works or equipment
Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment
Interfere with road‑closure works or equipment
Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment
Invite, receive or provide funds for terrorism
Unlimited fine and/or 10 years imprisonment
Make funds available for terrorist use
Unlimited fine and/or 10 years imprisonment
Obstruct police document examination
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Obtain compensation by deception
Unlimited fine and/or 5 years imprisonment
Possess items for terrorist purposes
Unlimited fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Provide or receive weapons training for terrorism
Unlimited fine and/or life imprisonment
Provide unlicensed security services for reward
Unlimited fine and/or 5 years imprisonment
Support a proscribed terrorist organisation
Unlimited fine and/or 14 years imprisonment
Use or possess money/property for terrorism purposes
Unlimited fine and/or 10 years imprisonment
Wear, display or publish material suggesting support for a proscribed terrorist group
Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment
Fail to obey police cordon order
Fine up to £2,500 and/or 3 months imprisonment
Park vehicle where prohibited or refuse police order to move
Fine up to £2,500 and/or 3 months imprisonment
Wilfully obstruct a terrorist investigation search
Fine up to £2,500 and/or 3 months imprisonment
Direct a terrorist organisation
life imprisonment
Commit terrorist bombing abroad
Unlimited fine
Fail to provide required customer information to a terrorist investigation order
Unlimited fine
Fail to stop or answer questions from a terrorism officer
Unlimited fine
Incite terrorism abroad (Scotland)
Unlimited fine
Respond to terrorist‑related disclosure requests and send required notifications
Unlimited fine
Facilitate terrorist financing outside the UK
Penalty applies
Make insurance payment in response to terrorist demands
Penalty applies
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Sections and provisions
204 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 12
- s.4 Deproscription: application.
- s.21C Disclosures to the National Crime Agency
- s.21CB Section 21CA: disclosure requests and notifications
- s.23B Forfeiture: supplementary provisions A court in Scotland
- s.47AD Publication of code
- s.47AE Effect of code powers
- s.47AC Alteration or replacement of code
- s.47AA Code of practice relating to sections 43, 43A , 43C and 47A
- s.49 Exercise of power.
- s.88 Examination of documents: procedure. it
- s.104 Police powers: records.
- Schedule 3 The Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission
Offences and penalties 47
- s.11 Membership.
- s.12 Support.
- s.13 Uniform and publication of images.
- s.15 Fund-raising.
- s.16 Use and possession.
- s.17 Funding arrangements.
- s.17A Insurance against payments made in response to terrorist demands
- s.18 Money laundering.
- s.19 Disclosure of information: duty.
- s.21A Failure to disclose: regulated sector
- s.21D Tipping off: regulated sector
- s.22 Penalties.
- s.36 Police powers.
- s.38B Information about acts of terrorism
- s.39 Disclosure of information, &c.
- s.51 Offences.
- s.54 Weapons training.
- s.56 Directing terrorist organisation.
- s.57 Possession for terrorist purposes.
- s.58A Eliciting, publishing or communicating information about members of armed forces etc
- ... and 27 more offences and penalties
Powers 42
- s.3 Proscription.
- s.22F Code of practice about certain information orders
- s.23 Forfeiture: terrorist property offences
- s.23A Forfeiture: other terrorism offences and offences with a terrorist connection
- s.34 Power to designate.
- s.37 Powers.
- s.42 Search of premises.
- s.43 Search of persons.
- s.43A Search of vehicles
- s.43E Seizure and retention of items found in search under section 43C or 43D
- s.48 Authorisations.
- s.53 Port and border controls.
- s.58C Section 58B: designated areas
- s.63C Terrorist attacks abroad on UK nationals, residents and diplomatic staff etc : jurisdiction
- s.65 Scheduled offence: interpretation.
- s.67 Limitation of power to grant bail.
- s.68 Bail: legal aid.
- s.72 Time limits for preliminary proceedings.
- s.73 Time limits: supplementary.
- s.79 Restricted remission.
- ... and 22 more powers
Definitions 32
- s.1 Terrorism: interpretation. terrorism the government
- s.14 Terrorist property. terrorist property
- s.20 Disclosure of information: permission.
- s.21CF Sections 21CA to 21CE: interpretation Disclosure request Nominated officer Relevant undertaking
- s.21H Interpretation of sections 21D to 21G financial institution relevant professional adviser
- s.21B Protected disclosures
- s.21ZA Arrangements with prior consent authorised officer
- s.22B Information orders external request authorised NCA officer corresponding disclosure requirement
- s.22A Meaning of “employment” employment
- s.32 Terrorist investigation. terrorist investigation
- s.33 Cordoned areas.
- s.40 Terrorist: interpretation. terrorist
- s.41 Arrest without warrant. relevant evidence
- s.43B Terrorist offenders released on licence: arrest without warrant pending recall decision terrorist offender relevant period restricted release provision
- s.43C Power to search terrorist offenders released on licence search condition
- s.43D Search of premises of offender released on licence for purposes connected with protection from risk of terrorism relevant offender justice relevant force
- s.47A Searches in specified areas or places specified driver
- s.52 Interpretation. disabled person’s badge driver parking
- s.55 Weapons training: interpretation. biological weapon radioactive material chemical weapon
- s.63A Other terrorist offences under this Act: jurisdiction United Kingdom national United Kingdom resident
- ... and 12 more definitions
Exemptions 18
- s.6 Further appeal.
- s.10 Immunity.
- s.21CE Section 21CA: supplementary
- s.21 Cooperation with police.
- s.21E Disclosures within an undertaking or group etc
- s.21ZB Disclosure after entering into arrangements
- s.21CD Limitations on application of section 21CC(2) and (3)
- s.21F Other permitted disclosures between institutions etc
- s.21ZC Reasonable excuse for failure to disclose
- s.21CA Voluntary disclosures within the regulated sector
- s.21G Other permitted disclosures etc
- s.22C Statements
- s.22E Supplementary
- s.66 Preliminary inquiry.
- s.113 Transitional provisions.
- s.123 Orders and regulations.
- Schedule 4 Forfeiture Orders
- Schedule 6A ACCOUNT MONITORING ORDERS