Notice

NTE 2026/18: Iran sanctions amendments effective from 29 September 2026

Published 8 September 2026

Introduction

The legislation for the new measures is the Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, amending the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and the Iran (Sanctions) Regulations 2023.

These measures expand and strengthen the UK’s sanctions regime against Iran, introducing new financial, trade and transport restrictions, alongside a set of new Schedules (1A to 1I) setting out controlled goods and technology. These measures aim to increase pressure on key sectors and restrict access to UK services and markets.

What has changed

Trade restrictions

The new trade prohibitions extend across key sectors, including:

• energy-related goods and technology
• gold, precious metals and diamonds
• maritime goods and technology
• natural gas
• oil and petroleum products
• petrochemicals
• sectoral software and technology

The measures go beyond exports to cover supply and delivery (including third country trade), transfers of technology, making available goods and technology, and associated ancillary services.

Financial restrictions

New financial restrictions target activity involving persons connected with Iran, including:

• prohibitions on loans, credit and investment
• restrictions on banking relationships and market access
• ban on insurance
• dealings in Iranian sovereign bonds

Transport restrictions

Transport measures introduced a strengthened shipping and aviation regime, including:

• powers to specify ships
• restrict their operation and related services
• enforce measures such as port access restrictions and detention.

The new measures also prohibit Iranian cargo aircraft landing in the UK, subject to limited exceptions.

The amendments also update the 2023 Regulations, introducing additional ship-related prohibitions, strengthening enforcement provisions and expanding Schedule 4 with additional commodity codes.

Nuclear-related measures

The amendments also strengthen existing nuclear controls by updating definitions of nuclear‑list goods and technology in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) lists and expanding the range of relevant dual-use items in Schedule 1G.

Prohibitions now extend to:

• associated technical assistance
• financial services and brokering (including indirect and third‑country activity)
• enhanced enforcement powers targeting vessels involved in nuclear‑related trade

New controlled goods schedules

The Regulations introduce Schedules 1A to 1I, which define the scope of restricted goods and technology across sectors as follows:

• Schedule 1A – Energy-related goods and energy-related technology
• Schedule 1B – Gold, precious metals or diamonds
• Schedule 1C – Graphite and relevant metals
• Schedule 1D – Maritime goods and maritime technology
• Schedule 1E – Natural gas
• Schedule 1F – Oil and petroleum products
• Schedule 1G – Other restricted goods and other restricted technology
• Schedule 1H – Petrochemicals
• Schedule 1I – Sectoral software and technology

Exporters must check whether their goods fall within these schedules.

What exporters should do

In the context of the new measures being introduced, exporters and businesses should:

• review whether goods fall within Schedules 1A to 1I
• assess exposure to sectors covered by the new prohibitions, for example, energy and software exports, maritime activities and ship-related services
• check whether activities are now prohibited or require a licence

This notice is issued for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Exporters are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable sanctions regulations.

General licences

Subject to parliamentary approval of the legislation, certain trade activities related to Shah Deniz gas field (which provides critical energy supplies to our European partners) will be permitted via a new OTSI general licence and an amended OFSI general licence.

The prospective OTSI licence can be found on GOV.UK and will enter into force on 29 September. OFSI will also amend an existing licence permitting certain financial activities related to Shah Deniz. This amendment will both be published and enter into force on 29 September.

Further guidance and support

Guidance on the scope of sanctions against Iran, including the circumstances in which licences can be granted, will shortly be updated and can be found on the Iran sanctions guidance page.

For further information on licensing, compliance and enforcement for trade sanctions, the export of goods and technology not subject to strategic export controls, associated ancillary services, and standalone services (including professional and business services), contact the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI).

Read the trade sanctions licensing guidance setting out the responsibilities of BIST’s licensing teams and who to contact with specific queries.