On 23 June 2021, HM Treasury released updated guidance on financial and investment restrictions under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the “Regulations”). Whilst the guidance is substantively the same as that released in June 2020, a number of “Frequently Asked Questions” have been added to clarify interpretation of the Regulations. The Frequently Asked Questions reflect some, though not all, of the guidance previously outlined by the European Commission in relation to its interpretation…
This quarterly publication includes a variety of legal and market focused articles on current topics of interest in the world of trade finance. In this edition, we feature an article that examines the implications of the EU-UK Trade Co-Operation Agreement for businesses engaged in international trade and related financing; an article that looks at the scope of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative and its potential implications for finance documentation and the future of sovereign debt;…
Signing of the “Al-Ula Declaration” ending trade and other restrictions against Qatar As reported in our previous client update, on 5 January 2021, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, along with Egypt, signed the “Al-Ula Declaration” at the 41st GCC Summit held in the city of Al-Ula. This marks the end of a three and a half year boycott against…
The Department for International Trade has revealed in a notice to exporters that HMRC has received settlements totalling £700,368.01 for export control violations between March and September 2020.Fines of up to £211,250 were issued to exporters across 19 settlement actions for unlicensed exports of dual use goods, military goods and related activity controlled by the Export Control Order 2008. This is the highest annual total for export control fines to date.HMRC has a discretionary power…