UK sanctions licensing: which body to contact
The UK DBT has published guidance on applying for trade sanctions licences. The guidance directs applicants to identify the correct licensing body responsible for their activity and submit applications to the appropriate team. This is procedural guidance for businesses seeking authorisation to conduct activities related to UK trade sanctions regimes.
Photo: Antonius Ferret / Pexels# UK Sanctions Licensing Application Procedure
The UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has released guidance on how to apply for a trade sanctions licence, effective 23 April 2026. The guidance helps applicants navigate the UK's trade sanctions licensing system by identifying the correct regulatory body and submission process.
"Find out which body is responsible for licensing your activity, and send your application to the correct team."
— UK DBT guidance
The UK operates multiple trade sanctions regimes affecting different jurisdictions and activities. Applicants for sanctions licences must first determine which regulatory body oversees their specific activity before submitting an application.
For many UK sanctions activities, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) within HM Treasury handles licensing. However, depending on the nature of the activity, other bodies may be responsible—including the DBT itself for certain trade-related sanctions, or specialist arms-control teams for activities involving restricted goods or technologies.
The guidance emphasises the importance of contacting the correct team to avoid delays in processing. Misrouting applications can result in rejection or significant processing delays, particularly for time-sensitive trade activities.
Shippers and freight forwarders operating in or exporting from the UK must ensure they have appropriate licences before moving goods to or from sanctioned jurisdictions or engaging with sanctioned entities. Failure to obtain required sanctions licences can result in criminal penalties and civil liability.
What this means for shippers
If your business involves UK-origin goods or UK-based operations, you must verify whether your destination, counterparty, or commodity is subject to UK trade sanctions. Before shipment, identify the correct licensing body and apply for authorisation where required. Refer to the UK sanctions guidance for detailed regime information and licensing requirements specific to your trade route and product.
