Sanctions Exemptions and Licenses Issued by UK Government
The British government has established a framework for issuing exemptions and licenses related to financial and trade sanctions to promote national security and prevent serious crime in the UK and abroad.
Financial Sanctions
Individuals or organizations designated under the financial sanctions regulations may apply to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) for licenses to use their frozen funds or economic resources. The licenses can be granted for specific purposes, including:
- Basic needs
- Professional fees
- Extraordinary expenses
- Prior obligations
The UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee plays a crucial role in this process. OFSI may need to notify or seek approval from the committee before issuing a license, which may lengthen processing times and, in some cases, prevent licenses from being issued.
Trade Sanctions
In addition to financial sanctions, trade sanctions licenses can be granted for specific activities that would otherwise be prohibited under the regulations. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has overall responsibility for these licensing decisions, which are made on a case-by-case basis to ensure consistency with international law obligations and the purposes of the sanctions regime.
Grounds for granting trade sanctions licenses include:
- Supplying small arms and ammunition to UN-authorized missions or security units operating under the command of the Haitian government
- Applications approved by the UN’s 2653 Sanctions Committee
It is essential to note that licenses may not be granted automatically, and individuals should not assume they will receive one. In fact, engaging in activities prohibited by trade sanctions without a valid license can result in serious consequences.
Immigration Sanctions
Regarding immigration sanctions, the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2653 provides an exemption from travel bans where entry or transit is necessary for the fulfillment of a judicial process. The 2653 Sanctions Committee may also grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons or to further the objectives of peace and stability in Haiti.
Obtaining More Information
Individuals seeking more information on these sanctions and licenses can visit the UK government’s website, which provides guidance on how to apply for a license and submit an export declaration. The site also offers resources on traveling to the UK and applying for a visa.
For updates on trade sanctions and other relevant information, individuals can sign up for Notices to Exporters or subscribe to OFSI’s e-alert service, which provides notifications of changes to the consolidated list of financial sanctions targets.
Remember that licenses may not be granted automatically, and engaging in activities prohibited by trade sanctions without a valid license can result in serious consequences. It is essential to carefully review the guidelines and regulations before applying for a license or engaging in any activity related to financial or trade sanctions.