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Sanctions implemented by the UK

General Information

What are sanctions and what is their purpose?

Sanctions are measures which the international community targets certain countries, individuals and/or entities to coerce them into changing their behaviour so that they will no longer threaten international peace and security, abuse human rights or act contrary to international norms and/or obligations.

Different types of sanctions?

Sanctions can take the form of any of a range of restrictive/coercive measures. They can include arms embargoes, travel bans, asset freezes, reduced diplomatic links, reduction in any military relationship, suspension from international organisations, withdrawal of aid, trade embargoes, restriction on cultural/sporting links and other.

Sanctions in place for the following countries/regimes:

Who imposes them?

The United Nations (UN) Security Council under Chapter VII (Article 41) of the Charter is the responsible body to adopt measures which are binding on all UN member states.

The European Union (EU) can independently adopt sanctions in accordance with the objectives of its foreign and security policy. For example, protection of human rights, rule of law and democratic principles.

United Nations Sanctions

The UN Charter confers with the Security Council powers to decide in a manner binding for all UN members restrictive measures required in order to maintain or restore international peace and security, if there is a threat to the peace, a breach of the peace, or an act of aggression.

The use of mandatory sanctions is intended to apply pressure on a State or entity to comply with the objectives set by the Security Council without resorting to the use of force. Sanctions thus offer the Security Council an important instrument to enforce its decisions. The universal character of the United Nations makes it an especially appropriate body to establish and monitor such measures.

EU sanctions

The European Union applies sanctions or restrictive measures in pursuit of the specific objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) as set out in Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union, namely:

  • to safeguard the common values, fundamental interests, independence and integrity of the Union in conformity with the principles of the United Nations Charter
  • to strengthen the security of the Union in all ways
  • to preserve peace and strengthen international security, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, and the objectives of the Paris Charter including those on external borders
  • to promote international cooperation
  • to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

 A general statement on EU policy is found in the Basic Principles on the Use of Restrictive Measures (Sanctions) (Council document 10198/1/04).

Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

OSCE regulates the transfer of conventional arms and establishes principles governing non-proliferation.

The UK enforces an arms embargo imposed by OSCE on Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Further Information

The UK implements sanctions through UNSCR and EU Council Decisions:

The EU

The UN Security Council

UK Competent Authorities

Different government departments act as the competent authority to implement sanctions:

HM Treasury

Asset Freezing Unit

Responsibilities:

  • Freezing of funds and economic resources
  • Restrictions on transfers of funds and on financial services.

Contact:

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)

Export Control Organisation


Responsibilities:

  • Export and import restrictions
  • Restrictions on financing of certain enterprises

Contact:


Import Control Organisation

Contact:

HM Revenue and Customs

Responsibilities:

  • Restrictions on transportation

Contact:

UKBA

Responsibilities:

  • Enforce travel ban

Contact:

Contact us

The Sanctions Team
International Organisations Department
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH

Tel: +44 (0)20 7008 3163

Email: FCO Sanctions Team

Sanctions and export controls by country

Information on the countries that are under export controls and sanctions.

Strategic export controls

Measures against terrorism

Find out about the specific measures we have in place against terrorists.

UK legislation

In the UK, binding UN embargoes are implemented by prohibiting the export of goods and technology on the Military List.

United Nations Sanctions

The UN Charter allows for the use of collective measures, i.e. 'sanctions', where there is deemed to be a threat to international peace and security.

EU sanctions

Competent authorities

The European Union applies targeted restrictive measures (sanctions) against a number of third countries, entities and individuals.

Overseas Territories and Crown Dependency Legislation

   

Contact us

The Sanctions Team
International Organisations Department
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH

Tel: +44 (0)20 7008 3163

Email: FCO Sanctions Team


See also


Useful links


Related documents