Guidance

Financial sanctions: guidance

Information on the approach OFSI takes to financial sanctions including sector and regime specific guidance, as well as information on monetary penalties for breaches of financial sanctions.

• From: HM Treasury and Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation
• Published: 29 May 2013
• Last updated: 4 January 2021, see all updates

Documents

Financial sanctions: general guidance

PDF, 1.39MB, 40 pages

Monetary penalties for breaches of financial sanctions: guidance

PDF, 400KB, 32 pages

Libya guidance

PDF, 4.35MB, 5 pages

Guidance for the charity sector

PDF, 742KB, 10 pages

Guidance for the import and export sector

PDF, 980KB, 10 pages

Maritime guidance

PDF, 320KB, 12 pages

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Russia guidance

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/892741/OFSI_-_Russia_guidance_-_June_2020.pdf

Details

General guidance

The general guidance document includes information regarding:

• businesses’ obligations to financial sanctions regulations
• OFSI’s processes for licence applications and breach reports

Monetary penalty guidance

The guidance on monetary penalties outlines OFSI’s processes for issuing monetary penalties for financial sanctions breaches, including:

• the case assessment process
• penalty calculation process
• procedural rights

Libya guidance

Financial sanctions guidance for the Libya (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

Guidance for the charity sector

The guidance for the charity sector helps clarify what activity may be permitted under an OFSI licence and how to apply. It also promotes various sources of information and advice available to charities and NGOs.

Guidance for the import and export sector

The guidance for the import and export sector helps clarify how financial sanctions differ from trade sanctions, including how to apply for a licence from OFSI and DIT.

Maritime guidance

Financial sanctions guidance for entities and individuals operating within the maritime shipping sector.

Russia guidance

Guidance for the financial and investment restrictions in Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

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If you can’t find the information you need, OFSI’s helpline and email service may be able to help you. Contact details are available on OFSI’s homepage.

Published 29 May 2013
Last updated 4 January 2021 + show all updates

1. 4 January 2021

   Updated with Libya guidance

2. 31 December 2020

   Updated to reflect end of EU Exit transition period

3. 27 July 2020

   Updated with 'Maritime guidance'

4. 31 January 2020

   Updated with 'Financial sanctions: general guidance'

5. 6 June 2019

   Added Russia guidance

6. 21 May 2018

   Updated with latest version of 'Monetary penalties for breaches of financial sanctions: guidance'

7. 10 May 2018

   Updated with FAQ guidance for the import and export sector

8. 5 March 2018

   Updated sections 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 in 'Financial sanctions: general guidance'

9. 19 October 2017

   Updated to include Charity FAQ

10. 5 October 2017

    Updated quick guide to fix broken hyperlink

11. 15 September 2017

    Updated with the OFSI quick guide on key information regarding the obligations of businesses and individuals in relation to financial sanctions.

12. 25 August 2017

    Updated to improve clarity of information displayed

13. 14 August 2017

    Updated monetary penalties PDF – cover picture added

14. 8 August 2017

    Updated to bring the monetary penalties guidance document together with the general guidance.

15. 3 April 2017

    Added link to OFSI's guidance on the imposition of monetary penalties.

16. 3 April 2017

    Guidance updated to reflect the publication of new guidance on the imposition of monetary penalties

17. 12 December 2016

    New section 4.4 added making clear that OFSI expects all designated persons planning to visit the UK to possess an appropriate licence to support themselves legally while in the country.

18. 4 April 2016

    Updated guidance

19. 20 January 2016

    FAQs updated to reflect the latest notice Iran (Nuclear Proliferation): economic and financial sanctions relief under the JCPoA

20. 14 August 2013

    updated FAQs doc

21. 29 May 2013

    First published.