The UK imposes new sanctions against Russia.

UK tightens sanctions on Russia as global coalition strengthens

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a gathering of international leaders in early March. The result was a four-point plan and the establishment of the so-called ‘Coalition of the Willing’—a group of nations committed to working with Ukraine to defend against Russian aggression. One of the primary strategies in this coalition is increasing economic pressure through sanctions. The UK's latest measures align perfectly with this approach.

Additionally, Starmer’s government has introduced a domestic ‘Plan for Change’, outlining ambitious yet achievable goals. The UK is asserting its strength, believing that peace must be secured through resilience. These new sanctions serve as a demonstration of its commitment.

UK's latest sanctions: Cutting revenue and cracking down on war profiteers

On 24 February, the UK imposed over 100 new sanctions targeting individuals and entities that continue to support Russia’s invasion. The main objectives include:

• Cutting off revenue streams that fuel Putin’s illegal war
• Disrupting military supply chains
• Targeting third-country entities that assist Russia
• Cracking down on kleptocrats—individuals who exploit political power for personal gain

More specifically, these sanctions affect:

• Suppliers and manufacturers of machine tools, electronics, and dual-use goods for the Russian military
• North Korean state officials
• Russian entities and 14 newly sanctioned kleptocrats
• Financial institutions supporting Russia
• Ships transporting Russian oil as part of the so-called ‘shadow fleet’

Guidance for exporters: UK issues new guidelines to combat sanctions evasion and strengthen enforcement

To ensure these sanctions are effective, preventing evasion and circumvention is crucial. Russia has developed sophisticated tactics to bypass restrictions, making strict enforcement essential. To address this, the UK government has released a guidance document for exporters, helping them identify and prevent sanction violations. The document includes:

• A list of high-risk goods prone to circumvention, based on the ‘Common High-Priority List’ (CHPL).
• Red flags indicating potential evasion, such as products that do not align with a buyer’s business or suspicious transactions.
• Recommendations for enhanced due diligence and compliance procedures.
• Additional resources to help businesses manage risks and meet compliance obligations.

The UK government continues to implement and enforce sanctions while providing support to Ukraine. Additionally, the guidance issued for exporters outlines clear steps to comply with these measures and mitigate the risk of sanctions evasion.

How our full-service customs support helps you navigate sanctions compliance

With the UK’s sanctions against Russia evolving, ensuring compliance is more crucial than ever. As a full-service customs provider, we offer expert advice to help businesses stay aligned with the latest UK regulations.

Our team provides tailored support in risk assessments, restricted goods classification, and due diligence to help you avoid penalties. We also assist with third-country trade compliance and supply chain adjustments. Stay secure and compliant with our comprehensive services, ensuring your operations run smoothly amidst changing sanctions.