Guidance

Embargoes and sanctions on the Republic of Guinea

Information on embargoes on the Republic of Guinea, and how to apply for an export licence.

This guidance was withdrawn on

This is because EU restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea and the arms embargo on Guinea were lifted in April 2014.

Find out more about sanctions, embargoes and restrictions.

Overview

This guide contains information about embargoes and sanctions on the Republic of Guinea, 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.

Governments worldwide control the export of goods depending on the nature and destinations of the proposed export. The export of strategic goods and technology are controlled for various reasons including:

  • concerns about internal repression, regional instability and other human rights violations
  • concerns about the development of Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • foreign policy and international treaty commitments including as a result of the imposition of European Union (EU) or United Nations (UN) trade sanctions or arms embargoes
  • national and collective security of the UK and its allies

Export control updates

If you intend to export to Guinea 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.

Arms embargo lifted, transit controls remain

On 14 April 2014 the EU Council adopted Council Decision 2014/213/CFSP, amending Decision 2010/638/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea and lifting the arms embargo on Guinea that was imposed by EU Council Common Position 2009/788/CFSP, as amended by Council Decision 2013/515/CFSP.

This change was implemented in the UK through the Export Control (Democratic Republic of Congo Sanctions and Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) Order 2015 (Statutory Instrument 2015 No. 1546.). This Order was laid before Parliament on 20 July 2015 and came into force on 11 August 2015.

Article 10 (a) of this Order removed Guinea from the list of ‘embargoed destinations’ in Part 2 of Schedule 4 to the Export Control Order 2008 (Statutory Instrument 2008 No. 3231). Article 10 (c) (i) inserted Guinea into the list of destinations subject to transit control for category B goods in Part 4 of that Schedule.

Applying for an export licence to the Republic of Guinea

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 Criteria for UK and EU Arms Exports. 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.

In applying and using any licence, exporters should be aware of their responsibilities. Read 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.

Other restrictions on the Republic of Guinea

The Republic of Guinea is also subject to other sanctions including a travel ban and assets freeze.

You can view a current list of asset freeze targets designated by the United Nations (UN), European Union and United Kingdom, under legislation relating to the Republic of Guinea.

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

Official Journal of the EU on the Europa website

Published 10 September 2012
Last updated 24 February 2016 + show all updates
  1. Updated to reflect the fact that the arms embargo on Guinea has been lifted.

  2. Included links to financial sanctions content on GOV.UK

  3. First published.