Notice: Notice to Importers 2953: Russia import sanctions

The UK Department for Business and Trade has issued an update to Notice to Importers 2953 regarding import sanctions on Russia. The update introduces new prohibitions on various goods and expands the list of sanctioned revenue-generating items to include helium. Additionally, new regulations have been implemented concerning oil products that have been processed in third countries.

The announcement includes significant changes to the regulation of diamonds and metals. New guidance has been provided for Russian synthetic diamonds processed in third countries, alongside the introduction of a General Licence that allows the import of certain prohibited diamonds, provided they were outside of Russia before March 1, 2024. The update also clarifies evidence requirements for supply chain history, specifically noting that a verification certificate from the Diamond Office in Antwerp, Belgium, may serve as acceptable documentation.

Updates have also been made to the oversight of iron and steel products. The department provided new guidance on third-country processed iron and steel measures, including the use of a General Trade Licence for specific prohibited goods, such as certain reusable packaging produced before April 21, 2023. The scope of guidance for these measures was also expanded to include Norway and Liechtenstein.

Finally, the notice incorporates various legislative amendments, including references to the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 4 and No. 5) Regulations 2023. The documentation now includes updated instructions on trade sanctions licences, monitoring, and enforcement, as well as revised information regarding the acquisition of metals trade licences.