UK Sudan sanctions: updated statutory guidance
The UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has published statutory guidance on the Sudan sanctions regime, outlining its purposes, scope, and prohibitions. The guidance applies to persons and entities subject to UK jurisdiction engaged in trade with Sudan or Sudanese entities. Shippers and traders must review this guidance to ensure compliance with asset freezes, trade prohibitions, and reporting obligations; non-compliance carries civil and criminal penalties.
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels# UK Sudan Sanctions: Updated Statutory Guidance
The UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has published statutory guidance for the Sudan sanctions regime on 1 May 2026. This guidance sets out the legal framework, purposes, scope, and key prohibitions applicable to all persons and entities operating under UK jurisdiction.
Scope and Purposes
According to OFSI, the Sudan sanctions regime is designed to:
- Address the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan
- Target designated persons and entities involved in destabilising activities
- Prevent the provision of financial services and goods to sanctioned parties
The regime applies to UK persons (individuals and entities incorporated or domiciled in the UK) and to all persons within UK territory, regardless of nationality.
Key Prohibitions
The statutory guidance confirms that the Sudan sanctions regime prohibits:
"Making funds, economic resources, or financial services available, directly or indirectly, to designated persons or entities."
This includes trade in goods and services with Sudan or Sudanese persons and entities where those entities are on the UK sanctions list. Shippers must verify that neither their supplier, freight forwarder, nor ultimate consignee appears on the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation's Consolidated List before arranging shipments.
The guidance also sets out obligations to:
- Report financial transactions or attempted transactions involving designated persons within a reasonable timeframe
- Conduct know-your-customer (KYC) and sanctions-screening checks before entering into commercial relationships
- Maintain records of compliance measures
Who Is Affected
The regime affects:
- E-commerce merchants and exporters shipping goods to Sudan or Sudanese entities
- Freight forwarders arranging transport of goods to the region
- Financial institutions and payment processors
- Any intermediary in the supply chain handling cargo destined for a designated person or entity
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violation of the Sudan sanctions regime can result in:
- Civil penalties of up to £20,000 or 5% of turnover (whichever is higher) per breach
- Criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment
- Seizure of goods and funds
OFSI maintains a Consolidated List of designated persons and entities, which is updated regularly. The full guidance is available on the UK government website.
What this means for shippers
Before shipping to Sudan or any Sudanese entity, screen all parties—buyer, seller, freight forwarder, and consignee—against OFSI's Consolidated List. Failure to do so exposes you to civil and criminal liability. Update your compliance procedures immediately and audit recent shipments to the region. /sanctions-screen
