Committee publication · Correspondence · 28 April 2026
Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to Sanctions End-Use Controls, 23 April 2026
From: Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls
Inquiry: The UK's trade sanctions regime
Summary
Minister of State for Trade Sir Chris Bryant announces the government's introduction of Sanctions End-Use Controls (SEUC), a new power to prevent the diversion of sanctioned goods to Russia and other sanctioned destinations through third countries. The controls come into force on 12 May 2026 and allow case-by-case licensing requirements for exports identified as having credible circumvention risk, supported by published guidance for exporters.
Key findings
- Government has legislated to introduce Sanctions End-Use Controls (SEUC) to counter Russian sanctions circumvention, effective 12 May 2026
- SEUC targets diversion of sanctioned goods and technology through third countries by subjecting at-risk exports to licensing requirements prior to export from the UK
- Licensing will operate on case-by-case basis to minimise administrative burden and allow majority of exports to proceed unimpeded
- Government has published comprehensive guidance on exports at greater diversion risk to Russia and steps businesses can take to manage compliance
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Sir Chris Bryant MP, Liam Byrne MP, Department for Business and Trade, Russia, UK
Notable line
“… when we identify a risk of diversion to a sanctioned destination, we can subject that export to further scrutiny through a licensing process and ultimately prevent …”
Key Quotes
“Russia is going to great lengths to circumvent our sanctions and obtain these goods.”
“This initiative directly targets the diversion of sanctioned goods and related technology through third countries, preventing them from reaching sanctioned destinations.”
“The licensing process will operate on a case-by-case basis, minimising unnecessary impact and targeting only those exports with credible risk of diversion.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗