On 20 July 2023, HM Government published its annual report on the UK strategic export controls (the “Annual Report”) for the reporting period January to December 2022, a day after its presentation to Parliament. The Annual Report provides a summary on the UK export controls and licensing regime, and reports on key statistics for the reporting period. Below, we have summarised some key takeaways. Standard Individual Export Licences In 2022, the ECJU processed 17,204 Standard…
On 20 June 2023, the UK enacted additional amendments to The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“Russia Regulations”) through The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 (the “Amendment”). The Amendment makes two principal changes to the Russia Regulations by: expanding the “purpose” for which the Russia Regulations are imposed to include the promotion of compensation payment for damage, loss or injury suffered by Ukraine; and expanding the definition of “non-government controlled…
On 9 June 2023, the EU Council published draft legislation introducing EU-wide criminal penalties and stricter enforcement for the evasion of EU sanctions. The EU Council’s press release explains that it has settled its position on the terms of new legislation to align criminal offences and penalties across the EU, before commencing negotiations with the European Parliament on its finalisation. Currently, Member States are not obligated to criminalise sanctions circumvention, however, once finalised, Member States…