UK introduces new trade sanctions against Belarus related to aluminium import

22 May 2024, 32 mins ago

On 16 May 2024, The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) Regulations 2024 amended the Belarus Sanctions Regulations.

This amendment extends the existing import sanctions by prohibiting the import of aluminium. It also prohibits the acquisition, supply and delivery, directly or indirectly, of aluminium, as well as the provision of technical assistance, financial services, funds and brokering services relating to aluminium.

According to the Notice NTI 2952: Republic of Belarus import sanctions, the prohibition covers goods that originate in or are consigned from Belarus.

A licence may be granted for:

  • the import of aluminium, and the acquisition and supply and delivery, directly or indirectly, of aluminium if it relates to the execution of obligations arising from contracts concluded before 16 May 2024
  • the provision of technical assistance, brokering services, financial services or funds relating to aluminium if it relates to the execution of obligations arising from contracts concluded before 16 May 2024

Breaches of the import sanctions prohibitions are triable either way and may lead to imprisonment of up to 7 years or a fine (or both).

The UK has introduced new sanctions on the import of Belarusian aluminium. These measures came into effect on 16 May 2024.   

These sanctions can be found in The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, as amended.

These new measures cover the import of aluminium, as well as the acquisition and supply and delivery of aluminium, and ancillary services related to the import, acquisition, or supply and delivery of aluminium.  

Further information can be found in:  

These pages include information on the process and considerations for import licensing.

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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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