This Notice to Exporters informs UK businesses of the recent amendments to the Iran sanctions and Iran nuclear sanctions that entered into force on 29 September 2026. The changes, implemented by the UK government, reflect evolving non-proliferation priorities, evolving international coalitions, and updates to enforcement practices. Below is a concise overview of what has changed, what this means for trade and compliance, and practical steps for UK exporters.
What has changed
– Scope and designation updates: The amendments adjust the list of designated persons, entities, and sectors subject to restricted trade and asset freezes. This may include additions, removals, or modifications to existing designations, as well as changes to the description of prohibited activities or items.
– Prohibited items and activities: There is refinement of items and technologies restricted for export, transfer, or use in relation to Iran, including dual-use goods, materials, and software that could contribute to Iran’s nuclear or ballistic programmes. The amendments may broaden or clarify licensing requirements for certain categories.
– Licensing and end-use controls: New or updated licensing requirements and end-use/end-user controls are introduced. Depending on the category, exporters may need to obtain export licences, or confirm end-use and end-user assurances to proceed with transactions.
– Sanctions enforcement and penalties: The amendments align enforcement expectations, potentially expanding penalties, reporting obligations, and compliance standards. This may include enhanced due diligence, real-time screening, and post-export reporting requirements.
– General licences and licences on request: The changes could establish or modify general licences that allow certain categories of trade under specified conditions, as well as procedures for applying for licences on request for activities not covered by general licences.
What this means for UK exporters
– Review your sanction screening practices: With updated designations and controls, it is essential to screen counterparties, beneficiaries, and end-users against the revised lists before entering into any transaction.
– Reassess product classifications: Re-evaluate the classification of goods, technology, software, and services you export or re-export to ensure alignment with the amended restricted lists and licensing requirements.
– Update internal controls and documentation: Strengthen internal compliance procedures, including licensing records, end-use/end-user verification, and audit trails, to demonstrate adherence to the latest regime.
– Plan for licensing timelines: If your intended activity falls within the scope of the amended controls, identify licensing needs in advance and consider any changes to processing times or submission requirements.
– Engage with counsel or compliance experts: Given the potential complexity and risk of penalties for non-compliance, consult with specialised legal or compliance professionals to interpret the amendments in the context of your specific business activities.
Practical steps for compliance
– Map activities to the updated sanctions regime: Create a current inventory of products, technologies, and services your organisation exports or re-exports to Iran or related third countries, and cross-check against the amended sanctions lists.
– Implement enhanced due diligence: Introduce a robust due diligence process for high-risk customers, intermediaries, and supply chains, including source of funds, ultimate beneficial owners, and end-use confirmations.
– Update export controls documentation: Revise internal policy documents, employee training materials, and standard operating procedures to reflect the 29 September 2026 amendments.
– Establish a licensing workflow: If applicable, implement a clear pipeline for licence applications, including required information, timelines, and escalation paths for urgent or time-sensitive exports.
– Monitor ongoing updates: Sanctions regimes evolve regularly. Set up periodic reviews and subscribe to official notices to stay ahead of future amendments.
What exporters should do next
– Conduct a full compliance review: Assess how the amendments affect your current and planned exports to Iran or Iranian end-users, and identify any gaps in licensing, screening, or record-keeping.
– Engage with your export control team: If you have an internal compliance function, confer with them to map the revised controls to existing processes and performance metrics.
– Seek authoritative guidance: Review the UK government’s official guidance and notices related to Iran sanctions and the Iran nuclear sanctions for detailed definitions, licensing requirements, and list updates.
– Train staff: Provide targeted training for sales, procurement, logistics, and compliance personnel so they recognise revised restrictions and follow updated procedures.
In closing
The amendments that entered into force on 29 September 2026 underscore the UK’s commitment to robust export controls in relation to Iran and its nuclear programme. For UK exporters, proactive compliance is essential to avoid penalties, protect legitimate trade, and support international non-proliferation objectives. If you would like, I can tailor a practical compliance checklist tailored to your business sector and export profile, or summarise the official guidance in plain-language bullet points.
September 8, 2026 at 04:59PM
通知:向出口商的通知 2026/18:伊朗制裁修订自2026年9月29日起生效
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202618-iran-sanctions-amendments-effective-from-29-september-2026
此《向出口商的通知》告知英国企业关于伊朗制裁和伊朗核制裁的修订,这些修订已于2026年9月29日生效。


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