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Bank of Scotland Fined for Russia Sanctions Breaches

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £160,000 penalty on Bank of Scotland for breaches of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The breaches involved processing 24 payments totalling £77,383.39 to or from a designated individual's account.

OFSI Imposes £300,000 Penalty on Markom Management Limited

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £300,000 penalty on Markom Management Limited (MML) for breaching financial sanctions legislation related to the Ukraine Regulations. The penalty stems from a payment made to a designated person in February 2018.

OFSI Report on Vanquis Bank Limited Financial Sanctions Breach

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) issued a report against Vanquis Bank Limited (VBL) for breaching financial sanctions regulations. VBL failed to restrict access to a designated person's account for eight days, allowing fund withdrawal and transactions. OFSI deemed the breach moderately severe but not serious enough for a monetary penalty, opting for public disclosure.

OFSI Fines Svarog Shipping £5,000 for Sanctions Non-Compliance

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £5,000 monetary penalty on Svarog Shipping & Trading Company Limited for failing to respond to a regulatory request within the required timeframe. This action stems from a breach of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

Trade Remedies Notice: Registration of Imports of Creamy/White Limestone from Portugal

The UK Department for Business and Trade has issued a notice requiring the registration of imports of creamy/white limestone originating from Portugal. This action is taken under the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018.

Trade Remedies Notice: Registration of Hot-Rolled Steel Plates from South Korea

The UK Department for Business and Trade has issued a notice requiring the registration of imports of hot-rolled steel plates originating from South Korea. This action is taken under the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 and impacts importers and exporters of this specific steel product.

Definitive Anti-Dumping Duty on Engine Oils and Hydraulic Fluids from Lithuania and UAE

The UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty on certain engine oils and hydraulic fluids originating from Lithuania and the United Arab Emirates. This action follows a recommendation from the Trade Remedies Authority and aims to address unfair trade practices.

Definitive Anti-Dumping Duty on Excavators from China

The UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade is applying a definitive anti-dumping duty on certain excavators originating from China. This notice details the application of the duty and related reviews.

Trade Remedies Notice: Registration of Boom Lift Imports from China

The UK Department for Business and Trade has issued a notice requiring the registration of imports of boom lifts originating from China. This notice is published under the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 and takes effect on January 20, 2026.

Maritime Mutual Re-Insurance Wind Down General Licence

The UK Treasury has issued a General Licence allowing UK Insurers and Insurance Brokers to process funds related to Maritime Mutual Re-Insurance wind-down activities. This licence is granted under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and permits transactions for contracts agreed prior to February 24, 2026.

UK General Licence for Lukoil International Business Continuation

The UK Treasury has issued a general licence allowing certain business operations involving Lukoil International and its subsidiaries to continue, despite existing sanctions. This licence is effective from November 27, 2025, and expires on February 26, 2026.

PJSC Transneft Wind Down General Licence

HM Treasury has issued a General Licence for the wind-down of transactions involving PJSC Transneft, effective February 24, 2026, and expiring April 9, 2026. This licence exempts certain acts from Russia sanctions prohibitions to facilitate divestment and transaction closure.

Myanmar Humanitarian Activity General Licence

The UK has issued a General Licence (INT/2025/8257372) under the Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021 and the Global Human Rights Regulations 2020. This licence exempts certain 'Relevant Persons' from prohibitions when carrying out activities necessary for humanitarian assistance and supporting basic human needs in Myanmar.

Lukoil Bulgaria Entities General Licence Continuation of Business

HM Treasury has amended the General Licence concerning the continuation of business for Lukoil Bulgaria entities. This amendment extends the licence, allowing specified business operations to continue under certain conditions until February 13, 2026.

OFSI General Licences Update

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has updated its collection of General Licences. The latest updates, issued in February 2026, include licences related to the wind-down of Russian entities like Maritime Mutual Re-Insurance and PJSC Transneft, as well as humanitarian activities in Myanmar and continuation of business for Lukoil and Rosneft subsidiaries.

OFSI General Licence for PJSC Transneft Wind Down

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has issued General Licence INT/2026/8889196, allowing persons to wind down transactions involving PJSC Transneft. This guidance is issued under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

OFSI General Licence for Lukoil Business Continuation

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has issued General Licence INT/2025/8031092, allowing for the continuation of business operations with Lukoil International Entities under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. This licence was initially published on November 27, 2025, and updated on February 25, 2026.

Russia Sanctions: Persons Subject to Financial Restrictions

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation have updated guidance on persons subject to financial and investment restrictions under the Russia sanctions regime. The guidance lists entities like GAZPROM NEFT, PJSC SBERBANK, and VTB BANK, detailing restrictions on transferable securities and loans.

UK Financial Sanctions FAQs

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has updated its Financial Sanctions FAQs. These updates provide technical guidance and information on various sanctions regimes, including specific country measures and licensing. The latest updates include amendments and additions to existing FAQs, with the most recent changes noted on February 25, 2026.

TRA Launches Investigations into Glass Container Imports from China and Turkey

The UK's Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has launched two investigations into imports of glass containers from China and Turkey. These investigations will examine potential dumping and subsidisation practices that may be harming the UK glass industry.

Trade Remedies Authority Governance and Board Members

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has published information regarding its governance structure, listing members of its TRA Board, Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, Remuneration Committee, and Executive Committee. Key documents such as terms of reference and framework documents are also linked.

Trade Remedies Authority Digital Technology Procurement FOI Release

The Trade Remedies Authority has released a Freedom of Information disclosure regarding its procurement and use of digital and technology products. This notice provides public access to information concerning the authority's technology acquisition practices.

Trade Remedies Authority Spend Data FOI Release

The Trade Remedies Authority has released its spend data for August-September 2025 as a Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure. This notice provides links to the published data files.

TRA Executive Committee Terms of Reference

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has published updated Terms of Reference for its Executive Committee, the body responsible for performance and delivery. The document outlines the committee's strategic leadership and resource prioritisation functions.

Export Licensing Statistics Release

The UK Department for Business and Trade has released the official statistics for strategic export control licensing decisions made between October and December 2025. These statistics provide data on licence applications processed by the Export Control Joint Unit.

Export Control Joint Unit Notices to Exporters

The UK Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) publishes notices to exporters regarding amendments to licences, changes to controlled goods, and updates on legislation and sanctions. The latest updates include information on transmission issues between LITE/SPIRE and CDS, a director jailed for illegal export, and updated guidance on open licence returns.

Director Jailed for Illegal Export of Military Equipment

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced a prison sentence for a director involved in the illegal export of military night vision equipment. This notice details the prosecution outcome related to UK strategic export controls.

Export Control Compliance Training Resources

The UK's Export Control Joint Unit and Department for Business and Trade have updated their guidance on export control compliance training. The page provides links to various training resources including courses, seminars, workshops, and webinars designed to help exporters understand their obligations under UK export control legislation.

UK Sanctions Enforcement Action Case Studies and Lessons

The UK government has published a collection of case studies and lessons learned from sanctions enforcement actions taken by various bodies, including OFSI, NCA, OTSI, and HMRC. This resource aims to inform industry stakeholders about compliance requirements and potential penalties under UK sanctions regulations.

Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) Annual Report

The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) has published its first-year operational report, detailing activities from 2024 to 2025. The report outlines OTSI's powers, capabilities, operational functions, and engagement efforts, while also looking ahead to future priorities such as enhanced business support and proactive enforcement.

UK Sanctions Guidance for Businesses

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and HM Treasury have published new guidance for businesses and organisations on understanding and complying with UK sanctions. The guide outlines various types of sanctions and reporting obligations for regulated firms.

UK Sanctions List Consolidation and OFSI List Closure

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) Consolidated List of Asset Freeze Targets closed on January 28, 2026. All UK sanctions designations are now consolidated under the UK Sanctions List. This change aims to streamline sanctions information for regulated entities.

Guidance on Belarus Sanctions Trade Licence Considerations

The UK Department for Business and Trade has published guidance on considerations for granting trade sanctions licences related to Belarus. This guidance details specific conditions under which licences may be granted for military goods, technology, and related services, as well as for hydrazine imports.

Mideast War Disrupts LNG Contracts and Raises Supply Security Questions

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted LNG contracts, particularly due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Qatari facilities. This has led to record-high spot prices and is raising urgent questions about supply security and contractual performance for energy companies.

Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Lacks Authority for Reciprocal Tariffs

The Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the President authority to impose reciprocal tariffs. This decision impacts an estimated $175 billion in collected tariff revenues, raising questions about potential refunds.

COINS Act Codifies Outbound Investment Security Program

The 2025 COINS Act, signed into law on December 18, 2025, codifies the Outbound Investment Security Program (OISP). While it does not immediately alter existing regulations, it mandates substantive changes to the OISP's scope, with new Treasury Department regulations due by March 2027.

USITC Launches Investigations into China Trade Relations and Biotech Support

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched two Section 332 investigations: one examining the economic effects of revoking China's permanent normal trade relations status, and another reviewing China's state support and pricing practices in the biotechnology sector. These investigations will provide an analytical record for Congress and the administration regarding future trade and industrial policy measures targeting China.

OFAC Fines Executive $3.77M for Syria Sanctions Violations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has settled with a real estate executive for $3.77 million for violating U.S. sanctions against Syria. The executive provided managerial services to Syrian real estate companies, which OFAC deemed an 'egregious' violation.

USITC Investigates Chinese Biotech State Support and Pricing

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched an investigation into Chinese state support and pricing practices within the biotechnology sector. The investigation aims to assess the impact on U.S. industry competitiveness and market share, with a report due by January 2027.

Germany NIS2 Cybersecurity Law Implementation Deadline

Germany's implementation law for the NIS2 Directive, effective December 2025, expands cybersecurity requirements to new sectors including digital services and manufacturing. Covered entities must register with the BSI by March 6, 2026, and comply with new security and incident reporting obligations.

OCC GENIUS Act Proposal on Stablecoins

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) to implement the GENIUS Act concerning stablecoins. The proposal seeks public comment on regulatory frameworks for permitted payment stablecoin issuers, including rules on yield-bearing features and opt-out provisions for state-approved issuers. Comments are due May 1, 2026.

Court Orders Customs to Refund IEEPA Duties to Importers

The Court of International Trade has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refund International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duties to all importers. CBP must liquidate unliquidated entries and reliquidate final entries without these duties.

CIT Orders Refunds of IEEPA Tariffs on Unliquidated Entries

The Court of International Trade (CIT) has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refund tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) on unliquidated and not finally liquidated entries. This ruling benefits all importers who paid these tariffs.

UK ICO Guidance on Agentic AI and UK GDPR Compliance

The UK ICO has released a Tech Futures report analyzing agentic AI systems and their compliance with UK GDPR. The report emphasizes that developers and deployers of these systems must adhere to existing UK GDPR requirements, including those related to automated decision-making, data minimization, and accuracy.

Texas Court Requires US Domicile for Chapter 15 Recognition

The US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled in In re Siu-Fung Ceramics Holdings that foreign debtors must have a US domicile, place of business, or property to qualify for Chapter 15 recognition. This decision aligns with the Second Circuit and diverges from the Eleventh Circuit's precedent.

Ninth Circuit Expands Personal Jurisdiction Over Foreign Tech Platforms

The Ninth Circuit expanded personal jurisdiction over foreign tech companies in data breach cases in Freeman v. 3Commas Technologies OÜ. The ruling allows foreign companies with significant digital activities and knowledge of California customers to be sued in California courts, reversing a lower court's dismissal.

Importers Can Preserve Rights for IEEPA Tariff Refunds

Following a Supreme Court ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize presidential tariffs, importers can take steps to preserve their rights for refunds of paid duties. The US Court of International Trade is expected to address remedies soon, and importers have options including post summary corrections, protests, or lawsuits.

Supreme Court Invalidates Tariffs Imposed Under IEEPA

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, invalidating recent "reciprocal" tariffs and fentanyl-related country measures. The decision will reshape the tariff landscape, with the Court of International Trade and U.S. Customs and Border Protection expected to establish refund procedures for duties paid.

EU-UK Competition Cooperation Agreement Signed

The European Commission and the UK have signed a competition cooperation agreement establishing a formal post-Brexit framework for antitrust and merger enforcement coordination. The agreement institutionalizes notification, coordination, and information-sharing mechanisms but requires ratification by both parties and is not yet in force.

CRD VI Consequences for M&A Transactions

CRD VI introduces a new harmonized regime for M&A transactions in the banking sector across the EU, requiring prior notification and, in some cases, approval from competent authorities. While national transposition is incomplete, the M&A provisions are set to apply from January 11, 2026.