Guidance

General Trade Licence: Maritime Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) - Japan

The General Trade Licence for the maritime transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Japan authorises UK businesses to carry out certain activities prohibited under Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (‘the Russia Regulations’)

• From: Department for Business and Trade and Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation
• Published: 1 October 2026

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General Trade Licence: maritime transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) - Japan

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General trade licence: maritime transportation of LNG - Japan

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Details

On 20 May 2026, the UK introduced trade sanctions prohibiting the involvement of UK businesses in the maritime transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).   

From 1 January 2027, these sanctions will extend to trade under long-term contracts concluded before 17 June 2025.  

Japan is a close partner and an important contributor to international support for Ukraine. We are issuing this general licence to ensure the continued energy security of Japan while it reduces its reliance on Russian energy. Supporting diversification away from Russian energy strengthens long-term pressure on Russia’s energy sector. 

This is not a loosening of existing sanctions. The licence reflects existing arrangements and does not authorise trade with designated persons or LNG trade under new contracts. The licence is strictly targeted and time-limited, and all conditions in the licence must be met for the trade to be authorised.  

The licence only authorises UK involvement in Japanese imports of Russian LNG if:  

• the imports are from the Sakhalin-2 Project  

• they take place under a contract for the supply of LNG concluded before 17 June 2025  

• they take place between 1 January 2027, when the relevant regulations take effect, and 31 March 2028  

Users must notify the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) and keep records of each act done under the authority of the licence.  

UK sanctions continue to constrain the growth of the Russian LNG sector  

Contact OTSI with any enquiries regarding this licence

For specific queries about the sanctions regime, email  fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk

Published 1 October 2026