On October 26, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) published the draft Special Provisions on the Protection of Chinese Trade Secrets, introducing a new sanctions tool targeting foreign infringement of Chinese trade secrets. Once finalized, the rules would authorize MOFCOM to impose sanctions on foreign companies, organizations and individuals where such infringement harms, or poses an actual threat to, China’s sovereignty, security or development interests. MOFCOM may initiate investigations before imposing sanctions, and third parties…
On 23 July 2026, the European Council adopted its 21st package of Russia sanctions as well as additional measures targeting Belarus. The package concentrates on sectors with the greatest impact on Russia’s war economy, including energy, shipping, gold, financial services (including crypto), trade, and the Russian military-industrial complex. Key elements include a full-year suspension of the oil price cap adjustment, a new tool allowing transaction bans on named refineries that process Russian crude (listing one…
On 25 June 2026, the UK’s Export Control Joint Unit (“ECJU”) introduced a new Open General Export Licence for dual-use items (“Dual-Use OGEL”) intended to simplify licensing requirements for UK exporters of dual-use items by providing a single, streamlined licensing process for exports to certain low-risk destinations. The Dual-Use OGEL entered into force immediately upon its publication. The Dual-Use OGEL consolidates two existing licences (the EU Member States Dual-Use OGEL and General Export Authorisation (GEA)…
On 19 May 2026, the UK Government published the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/543) (the “Amendment Regulations”), introducing numerous amendments to the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the “Regulations”). The Amendment Regulations introduce certain new trade prohibitions and expand existing controls across the Russia sanctions regime. The Amendment Regulations come into force on 20 May 2026 and, in short, include: Supplementing this, the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (“OTSI”) issued…