UK Russia import sanctions: prohibitions now in force
The UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published Notice to Importers 2953, confirming import prohibitions under the Russia Sanctions Regulations 2019 (as amended). The notice applies to goods subject to Russia-related trade restrictions and should be read in conjunction with the statutory guidance. Importers must comply with these prohibitions or face enforcement action.
Photo: Sergey Filippov / PexelsUK Russia import sanctions take effect
The UK Department for Business and Trade has issued Notice to Importers 2953 on 19 May 2026, confirming that import prohibitions under the Russia Sanctions Regulations 2019, as amended, are now in force.
"Import prohibitions in force under the Russia Sanctions Regulations 2019, as amended."
This notice establishes binding restrictions on goods that may be imported into the United Kingdom from Russia. The precise scope of prohibited goods, permitted exemptions, and procedural requirements are detailed in the accompanying statutory guidance, which importers and customs brokers must consult in full.
The Russia Sanctions Regulations 2019 have been amended multiple times since their original enactment, each amendment expanding or clarifying the list of controlled goods, end-use restrictions, and destination-based prohibitions. Importers must ensure they are working from the latest version of the regulations and the statutory guidance to determine whether a specific shipment from Russia falls within a prohibited category.
Key considerations for affected parties:
- Scope: All goods subject to Russia-related restrictions under current UK law are covered.
- Compliance: Importers must verify the sanctions status of goods before importing; declaring sanctioned goods at the border will result in seizure and potential civil or criminal penalties.
- Guidance: The statutory guidance published alongside this notice is mandatory reading and should be consulted for product-specific prohibitions and permitted exclusions.
What this means for shippers
Any UK importer or freight forwarder receiving goods from Russia must immediately cross-check their inventory and pending shipments against the Russia Sanctions Regulations 2019 and the DBT statutory guidance. Failure to do so will result in seizure at the border and enforcement action. Review all Russian supplier contracts now and stop any non-compliant shipments before they arrive. Use our sanctions screening tool to verify supplier and product eligibility before committing to imports.
