GOV.UK
Guidance
Embargoes and sanctions on Armenia
Information on embargoes on, and how to apply for an export licence to, Armenia.
Introduction
This guide contains information about embargoes and sanctions on Armenia, and provides information for exporters. You can find more general information here on sanctions, embargoes and restrictions, and a list of all the countries where there are current restrictions.
There is currently an arms embargo in force on Armenia, declared by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and implemented in UK law.
To export any controlled goods from the UK to Armenia, you must obtain an export licence from the Export Control Organisation (ECO).
You cannot export any controlled strategic goods without a licence. These goods include military goods, products used for torture and repression, radioactive sources and dual-use goods - commercially available goods that could be used for military purposes.
Our guidance explains the extent of the arms embargo only, how it operates, and the UK and international laws which enforce it. You can also find out how to apply for an export control licence for Armenia.
Armenia is not currently subject to further sanctions.
Export control updates
If you intend to export to Armenia you should keep yourself well informed of the current situation through the media and other information channels.
To keep informed of latest updates about arms embargoes and changes to strategic export control legislation, please subscribe to the Export Control Organisation’s Notices to Exporters.
Extent of the arms embargo on Armenia
An arms embargo is a ban on the export of ‘arms and related material’ imposed by either the UN, the EU, or the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Arms and related material covers:
- military ammunition
- weapons
- goods
On 2 July 2014, the UK refined its interpretation of the Arms Embargo as covering all goods and items on the UK Military List where this equipment could be used in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, or on the land border between Azerbaijan and Armenia (which forms a part of the UK Strategic Export Control Lists).
Additionally, some goods which are not on the UK Military List might also need an export licence. These are covered by the Military End-Use Control.
Armenia is also subject to Trade Controls under Schedule 4 Part 2 of the Export Control Order 2008. This means that the destinations are both embargoed and subject to transit control for military goods. For more information, see the guide trafficking and brokering (trade controls).
Applying for an export control licence to Armenia
Exporters can apply for an export licence for their goods. All applications will be considered by the government on a case-by-case basis in line with the provisions of the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. Read the guide on assessment of export licence applications - criteria and policy.
For details on different export licences available, see the guide on licences - export, trade control and transhipment.
When applying for a licence, you should be aware of the current licence processing times by destination. You can find details of licensing statistics on the ECO Reports and Statistics website.
In applying and using any licence, exporters should be aware of their responsibilities. For more guidance, see the guide on compliance and enforcement of export controls.
If you are unsure if your goods are controlled, you should read the guide about strategic exports: when to request an export licence.
Armenia arms embargo key legislation
The arms embargo to Armenia is covered by a number of different regulations and legislation.
UN Security Council Resolutions
There are no UN Security Council Resolutions on Armenia.
EU Legislation
There are no specific EU Regulations or Common Positions relating to Armenia.
However, you can find copies of relevant EU legislation and sanctions on the Europa website.
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Embargoes
In February 1992, the OSCE requested that all OSCE participating states should introduce an embargo on ‘all deliveries of weapons and munitions to forces engaged in combat in the Nagorno-Karabakh area’. This embargo is still in force.
Read about OSCE’s work in Armenia on the OSCE website
UK Legislation
The relevant statutory instrument for controls on Armenia is implemented in UK law through the Export Control Order 2008. In this Order, Armenia is a destination listed under Schedule 4, Part 2, which names it as a country and destination that is subject to stricter export of trade controls.
These include controls on:
- the export of strategic goods, the transfer of technology and the provision of technical assistance
- trade in goods, this covers exports from the UK and trade in military equipment between overseas countries where any part of the activity takes place in the UK
- trade with destinations under non-binding sanctions and embargoes introduced by the UN, the EU and OSCE and implemented in the UK
Further information
BIS ECO Helpline
020 7215 4594 or email: eco.help@bis.gsi.gov.uk
Subscribe to the Export Control Organisation’s Notices to Exporters
ECO performance reports and statistics on the ECO Reports and Statistics website
OSCE’s work in Armenia on the OSCE website
UN Security Council Resolutions on the UN Documentation Centre website
Published 10 August 2012