UNICORN PRIVATE Sanctions compliance in the United Kingdom: which rules apply and what companies must do
In short
In the United Kingdom, sanctions are based on the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 and on regulations for each regime.
OFSI, part of HM Treasury, enforces financial sanctions, and OTSI enforces trade sanctions.
Companies must not deal with designated parties and should screen clients and suppliers against the UK Sanctions List.
Applicable rules and competent authorities
The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) is the legal basis, and each sanctions regime has its own regulations. Since leaving the EU, the United Kingdom keeps its own list, the UK Sanctions List.
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of HM Treasury, enforces financial sanctions and can impose civil monetary penalties. The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) enforces trade sanctions, the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) handles export licences and HMRC enforces the rules at the border.
Practical duties for companies
- Do not deal with funds or economic resources of designated persons and do not make them available to them.
- Screen clients, suppliers, owners and banks against the UK Sanctions List, also when it changes.
- If you are a relevant firm, report to OFSI when you know or suspect a designated person or a breach.
- Check whether your goods need an export licence from the Export Control Joint Unit.
- Keep records of the checks you carried out and of the decisions taken.
Fines and penalties
Statutory maximums we verified on the official texts:
- United Kingdom, OFSI: up to £1,000,000 or 50% of the value of the breach; criminal penalties up to 7 years in prison. (source)
Maximum amounts set by law, as published by the authorities linked, checked on October 29, 2026.
Official sources
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between OFSI and OTSI?
OFSI, part of HM Treasury, enforces financial sanctions. OTSI enforces trade sanctions, such as restrictions on the supply of goods and services.
Is the UK list the same as the EU list?
No. The United Kingdom runs its own regimes and its own list, which differs from the EU one.
What are the penalties for breaching UK financial sanctions?
OFSI can impose civil monetary penalties and breaches can also be criminal offences. The figures we verified on the official texts are shown on this page.
The program can make mistakes. The final responsibility for compliance stays with your company. Unicorn Intelligence is an information tool. Decisions and legal obligations, including sanctions compliance, due diligence and tender participation, remain with the customer.
Unicorn Intelligence checks your clients and suppliers against the sanctions lists every day.