UK ISIL/Al-Qaida sanctions guidance: key prohibitions for shippers
The UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has published statutory guidance on the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida sanctions regime. The guidance covers the purposes, scope, and prohibitions under UK law for entities and individuals designated under these regimes. Shippers and freight forwarders must screen all parties to international transactions—consignees, consignors, freight agents, and beneficial owners—against the consolidated UK sanctions list to ensure they do not engage in prohibited dealings with designated persons or entities.
Photo: Optical Chemist / PexelsThe UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) published statutory guidance on 1 May 2026 setting out the legal framework, purposes, scope, and prohibitions of the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida sanctions regime.
Scope and key prohibitions
The guidance establishes a comprehensive sanctions regime targeting ISIL, Al-Qaida, and associated entities and individuals. The regime prohibits:
- Dealing in funds or economic resources belonging to or controlled by designated persons, or making funds/resources available to them
- Financial services that would facilitate such dealings
- Making available goods or services that could support designated persons
- Arranging or facilitating any of the above activities
Who must comply
The sanctions obligations apply to all persons and entities operating in the UK, as well as UK persons and entities operating anywhere in the world. This includes:
- Shippers and freight forwarders arranging carriage of goods
- Exporters and importers
- Banks and payment processors
- Insurance and logistics providers
- Anyone arranging or facilitating trade transactions
Screening and due diligence requirements
Shippers must conduct sanctions screening on:
- The consignor and consignee
- Beneficial owners and controllers of the trading parties
- Freight agents, customs brokers, and intermediaries
- End-users of shipped goods
- Any other party to the transaction
Screening must be conducted against the UK consolidated sanctions list (available via OFSI's online tool) before entering into or proceeding with any transaction.
Exceptions and licensing
Certain activities may be permitted under a specific license issued by OFSI, but no activity should proceed on the assumption of an exemption without prior written authorization.
What this means for shippers
You must screen every consignor, consignee, and intermediary against the UK sanctions list before processing any shipment. Failure to detect a designated party exposes you to criminal liability and civil penalties. Implement automated screening at order intake and before shipment release. If you identify a match or cannot verify a party's status, stop the transaction and contact OFSI immediately. Do this today—not after a violation occurs.
