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Report Highlights Offences and Penalties in New Sanctions Instrument
A report has been published outlining the offences contained in a new sanctions instrument, which aims to maintain existing sanctions measures following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
Background
The instrument will replace the EU’s Guinea sanctions regime, identifying various offences including contravention of principal prohibitions and attempts to circumvent those prohibitions. The report explains why these offences are necessary and outlines the prescribed penalties for each.
Instrument Structure
The report details the following parts of the instrument:
- Part 2: Designation Criteria
- Sets out the criteria against which a Minister may make a decision to designate individuals, entities, or organizations as subject to travel bans or asset freezes.
- Part 3: Financial Sanctions Measures
- Freezes designated persons’ funds and economic resources.
- Part 4: Immigration Measures
- Banning travel to or through the UK.
- Part 5: Exceptions and Licenses
- Provides for exceptions and licenses that may apply in respect of prohibitions under the regime.
Public Consultation
A public consultation was held on the Sanctions Act, which received over 30,000 responses. The main concerns raised have been taken into account in the drafting of the instrument.
Guidance and Review
Guidance will be published on gov.uk before the instrument comes into force, and an impact assessment has concluded that the introduction of the instrument will overall reduce uncertainty for businesses and not result in significant costs or impact.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office emphasizes that these regulations apply to all businesses, including small businesses, and that exemptions would provide a route for circumvention or evasion of sanctions. The instrument will be reviewed regularly under the Sanctions Act, with an annual report laid before Parliament.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Palan Suchak at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 4628 or email Sanctions.SIs@fco.gov.uk.