Russia Sanctions - Guidance - MARCH 2022 - Isle of Man Government
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Russia Sanctions -
Guidance
MARCH 2022Introduction
The Treasury has issued this guidance to assist in the implementation of, and compliance with the
Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, as those Regulations have effect in the Isle of Man.
The policy of the Isle of Man Government is to maintain the implementation of international sanctions
measures in the Isle of Man in line with such measures that have effect in the United Kingdom from
time to time.
Legislation
The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 have effect in the Isle of Man by the Russia
Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0504] (“the Regulations”).
This document contains guidance on the prohibitions and requirements imposed by the Regulations.
In addition it provides guidance on best practice from complying with the prohibitions and
requirements; the enforcement of them; and circumstances where they do not apply.
Further guidance
This document should be read alongside the Financial Sanctions guidance.
Contact details for enquiries
Enquiries concerning this Notice may be made by –
Email customs@gov.im
Telephone 01624 648109
Privacy Notice
The Treasury collects information about you in order to administer taxation and carry out other
functions for which it is responsible (e.g. National Insurance, customs and excise duties, property
rates, social security benefits, state pensions and legal aid etc.), and for the detection and prevention
of crime.
Whilst that information will primarily be provided by you, where the law allows we may also get
information about you from other organisations, or give information about you to them. This may be
to check the accuracy of the information provided, prevent or detect crime or protect public funds in
other ways. These organisations may include other government departments, the police and other
agencies.
To find out more about how we collect and use personal information, contact any of our offices or
visit our website at:
https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/the-treasury/privacy-notice/
21. Prohibitions and requirements imposed by the Regulations
These Regulations impose financial, trade, shipping and immigration sanctions for the
purposes of encouraging Russia to cease actions which destabilise Ukraine, or undermine or
threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.
In order to achieve their stated purposes, the Regulations impose a number of prohibitions
and requirements. In order to enforce these, the Regulations establish penalties and
offences. These are set out in detail in the Annex.
The sanctions imposed by these Regulations apply within the territory of the Isle of Man
(IOM) and in relation to the conducts of all Island persons wherever they are in the world.
Island person includes –
(a) a British citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, a British National (Overseas)
or a British overseas citizen who is resident in the Isle of Man;
(b) a person who under the British Nationality Act 1981 (of Parliament)1 is a British
subject who is resident in the Isle of Man;
(c) a British protected person within the meaning of that Act who is resident in the Isle
of Man; or
(d) a body incorporated under the law of the Isle of Man.
The maritime enforcement powers contained in Part 10 of the Regulations apply in relation to
Manx ships in international or foreign waters, ships without nationality in international waters
and foreign ships in international waters.
It is prohibited to intentionally participate in any activities if you know that the object or
effect of them is to directly or indirectly circumvent the prohibitions imposed by these
Regulations or to enable or facilitate the contravention of those prohibitions.
If you are unclear about any aspects of the Regulations, in particular about whether action
you are considering taking could contravene these Regulations, you are advised to seek
independent legal advice.
Prohibitions and requirements for the financial and immigration sanctions contained in these
Regulations are set out below.
1.1 Designation of persons
Where the UK Secretary of State has designated a person, that designation also has effect in
the Isle of Man from the same time, and any variation or revocation of the designation will
also have effect in the Island.
When these Regulations are in force a list of those persons designated under these
Regulations and details of the sanctions in respect of which they have been designated, will
be on GOV.UK
1
1981 Chapter 61.
31.2 Financial sanctions
Asset Freeze
The Regulations impose financial sanctions through a targeted asset freeze on designated
persons and prohibitions on making funds or economic resources available. This involves the
freezing of funds and economic resources (non-monetary assets, such as property or
vehicles) of designated persons and ensuring that funds and economic resources are not
made available to, or for the benefit of, designated persons or entities, either directly or
indirectly.
More information on financial sanctions can be found in the Financial Sanctions guidance.
Other financial and investment restrictions
The Regulations prohibit a person from directly or indirectly dealing with a transferable
security or money market instrument if it has a maturity exceeding 30 days, and was issued
after 1 August 2014 by:
Sberbank, VTB bank, Gazprombank, Vnesheconombank (VEB), Rosselkhozbank
an entity incorporated or constituted in a country other than the Isle of Man which is
owned by one or more of the five banks listed above
an entity acting on behalf of or at the direction of those five banks named above or an
entity incorporated or constituted in a country other than the Isle of Man which is owned
by one or more of those five banks.
It is also prohibited for a person to directly or indirectly deal with a transferable security or
money market instrument if it has a maturity exceeding 30 days, and was issued after 12
September 2014 by:
OPK Oboronprom, United Aircraft Corporation, Uralvagonzavod, Rosneft, Transneft or
Gazprom Neft
an entity incorporated or constituted in a country other than the Isle of Man which is
owned by one or more of the six entities listed above
an entity acting on behalf of or at the direction of those six entities named above or an
entity incorporated or constituted in a country other than the Isle of Man which is owned
by one or more of those six entities.
It is prohibited for a person to directly or indirectly deal with a transferable security or
money-market instrument if it has a maturity exceeding 30 days, and was issued on or after
1 March 2022 by:
an entity incorporated or constituted under the law of the Isle of Man and owned by one
or more of the entities listed in Schedule 2
an entity acting on behalf or at the direction of the above
It is prohibited for a person to directly or indirectly deal with a transferable security or
money-market instrument if it has a maturity exceeding 30 days, and was issued on or after 1
March 2022 by:
a person connected with Russia (this is defined in regulation 19A(2), and is subject to
the exclusions in regulation 16(4D)(a))
an entity owned by such persons
an entity acting on behalf or at the direction of any of the above
4It is also prohibited for a person to directly or indirectly deal with a transferable security or
money-market instrument which was issued on or after 1 March 2022 by the Government of
Russia (as defined in regulation 6).
Loan and credit arrangements
The Regulations prohibit a person from directly or indirectly granting or entering into any
arrangement to grant a new loan or credit, with a maturity exceeding 30 days to:
the entities listed in Schedule 2
an entity which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a non-Isle of Man country
and owned by one or more of the entities listed in Schedule 2, or an entity acting on
behalf or at the direction of either that entity or an entity listed in Schedule 2
an entity which is incorporated or constituted under the law of the Isle of Man and
owned by an entity listed in Schedule 2, on or after 1 March 2022
a person connected with Russia (this is defined in regulation 19A(2), and is subject to
the exclusions in regulation 17(5))
The Regulations also prohibit a person from directly or indirectly granting or entering into any
arrangement to grant a new loan or credit to the Government of Russia (as defined in
regulation 6), on or after 1 March 2022.
Correspondent banking relationships and sterling payments
The Regulations prohibit an Isle of Man credit or financial institution from establishing or
continuing a correspondent banking relationship with a designated person if the Isle of Man
credit or financial institution knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that the
correspondent banking relationship is with a designated person.
This prohibition applies to correspondent bank accounts held by Isle of Man credit or financial
institutions in any currency.
The Regulations also prohibit an Isle of Man credit or financial institution from processing
sterling payment to, from or via, a designated person, or a credit or financial institution
(domiciled anywhere including the Isle of Man) owned or controlled by the designated
person, if the Isle of Man credit or financial institution has reasonable cause to suspect that
the sterling payment is to, from or via a designated person.
This prohibition applies to payment chains or third party payments.
Investments in relation to Crimea
The Regulations prohibit:
1. directly or indirectly acquiring, extending a participation, or acquiring any ownership
interest in land located in Crimea
2. directly or indirectly acquiring, extending a participation, or acquiring any ownership
interest in an entity which has a place of business located in Crimea (“relevant entity”)
3. directly or indirectly granting any loan or credit, entering into any arrangement to grant a
loan or credit or otherwise provide funds, including equity capital, to a relevant entity or
for the purpose of financing the relevant entity
4. directly or indirectly establishing any joint venture in Crimea or with a relevant entity
5. providing investment services directly related to the activities referred to in (1) to (4)
above.
5Provision of financial services for the purpose of foreign exchange reserve and
asset management
The Regulations prohibit an Isle of Man individual or entity from providing financial services
for the purpose of foreign exchange reserve and asset management to:
the Central Bank of the Russian Federation
the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation
the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
a person owned or controlled directly or indirectly by any of the persons above; or
a person acting on behalf of or at the direction of any of the persons above
“Foreign exchange reserve and asset management” means activities relating to the reserves
or assets of the persons listed above. Such reserves or assets include money market
instruments (including cheques, bills and certificates of deposit); foreign exchange; derivative
products (including futures and options); exchange rate and interest rate instruments
(including products such as swaps and forward rate agreements); transferable securities;
other negotiable instruments and financial assets (including bullion); and special drawing
rights.
1.3 Trade Sanctions
The Regulations impose trade prohibitions relating to:
military goods and technology (as specified in Schedule 2 to the Export Control Order
2008)
anything which falls within Annex I in Part 3, Chapter 93 of the Goods Classification
Table, other than military goods
provision of technical assistance, armed personnel, financial services or funds, or
brokering services where such provision enables or facilitates the conduct of military
activities
dual-use goods and technology (as specified in Annex I to Council Regulation 428/2009
which is retained EU law)
critical-industry goods and technology (as specified in Schedule 2A to the Regulations)
energy-related goods (as specified in Part 2 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations)
energy-related services
goods originating in Crimea
infrastructure-related goods (as specified in Part 3 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations)
services relating to a relevant infrastructure sector in Crimea
services relating to tourism in Crimea.
There are circumstances (set out in the relevant lists of controlled items) in which certain
items are not controlled, for example, when body armour or a helmet is accompanying a
person for that person’s own protection. Please check the relevant lists as applicable.
Energy-related goods and infrastructure-related goods are identified by reference to
commodity codes in the Goods Classification Table which is published as part of the Tariff of
the United Kingdom (“UK Tariff”). The UK Tariff sets out a system for the classification of
goods for importers to ascertain the applicable rate of import duty for their goods. It is this
system of classification that is used in these Regulations in order to determine whether these
goods are within scope of the prohibitions.
6Some of the listings of commodity codes in the Regulations have an “ex” before the code.
Where this “ex” appears before a commodity code this means the prohibitions in the
regulations do not apply to all of the items under that commodity code. The prohibitions will
only apply to those items that (1) would be classified under the commodity code and (2)
match the description given next to the relevant “ex” code entry in the Regulations.
For general guidance on export controls and trade sanctions, visit the Export Control Joint
Unit website (the Isle of Man imposes the same export and trade controls as the UK).
Export of goods
The concept of “export” is set out in customs legislation, but is further detailed in the
Regulations, which clarifies that “export” means export from the Isle of Man, but does not
capture where goods are removed to the United Kingdom from the Isle of Man.
The export prohibitions at regulation 22 (restricted goods) prohibit the export of certain
goods to Russia as well as exports that are for use in Russia. This means that, even if the
immediate destination is not Russia, the prohibition may still apply.
The export prohibitions at regulation 40 prohibit the export of energy-related goods for use in
Russia.
The export prohibitions in Chapter 5 (infrastructure-related goods) prohibit certain exports to
Crimea as well as exports that are for use in Crimea. This means that, even if the immediate
destination is not Crimea, the prohibition may still apply.
Exporters should check the ultimate end use of goods and may apply for a licence or contact
the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) if you know or think the items may be used in Russia or
Crimea.
Import of goods
The concept of “import” is set out in customs legislation, which clarifies in particular that
goods removed to the Isle of Man from the United Kingdom are not to be regarded as
imported, subject to some exceptions.
The import prohibition in regulation 23 covers imports that are consigned from Russia and
goods that originated in Russia. This means that even if the immediate place the goods were
shipped from was not Russia, the prohibition may still apply.
The import prohibitions in regulation 47 cover imports of goods which originated in Crimea.
This means that even if the immediate place the goods were shipped from was not Crimea,
the prohibition may still apply.
Therefore, importers should check the original place goods were consigned from and apply
for a licence or contact the UK’s Import Licensing Branch if you think the items may have
originated in or have been consigned from Russia or Crimea.
A sanctions licence is not required for imports of non-military goods covered by the
Regulations from an EU Member State which originate in or are consigned from Russia or
Crimea (as applicable). You will however have to comply with any licensing requirements that
apply in the relevant EU Member State for the original import into the customs territory of the
EU. You will also have to comply with any other licensing requirements under Isle of Man
import control legislation as applicable.
7Supply and delivery of goods
Supply and delivery prohibitions in the Regulations prohibit a person from directly or indirectly
supplying or delivering certain goods from a third country to a place in Russia (or Crimea in
respect of Chapter 5, infrastructure-related goods).
Regulation 24 (restricted goods) also prohibits the direct or indirect supply or delivery from a
place in Russia to a third country.
Regulations 24(4) and 41(4) specify that for the purposes of those prohibitions a “third
country” is a country that is not the UK, Isle of Man or Russia. Regulation 49(4) specifies
that for the purposes of that prohibition a “third country” is a country that is not the UK, Isle
of Man or Crimea.
Making available or acquiring goods and technology
Prohibitions in the Regulations (aside from those in Chapter 5) on making certain goods or
technology available (e.g. through a sale) include directly or indirectly making them available
for use in Russia or to a “person connected with Russia”. Some of the prohibitions also
prohibit directly or indirectly acquiring certain goods or technology which originate in Russia
or which are located in Russia or from a person connected with Russia.
Prohibitions in Chapter 5 on making infrastructure-related goods available include directly or
indirectly making them available for use in Crimea or to a “person connected with Crimea”.
Regulation 21 sets out when a person is to be regarded as “connected with” Russia and when
a person is to be regarded as “connected with” Crimea (and this applies where these terms
are used in other trade prohibitions in this Part of the Regulations).
Transfer of technology
Prohibitions in the Regulations on the transfer of certain technology include transfer to a
place in Russia or a person connected with Russia.
Regulation 26 (restricted technology) also prohibits transfer to persons outside the IOM/UK or
to a place outside the IOM/UK, where the transfer is from a place in Russia.
The term ‘transfer’ means a transfer by any means (or combination of means), including oral
communication and that transfer of goods on which the technology is recorded or from which
it can be derived, other than the export of such goods.
Where restricted technology is contained within a good, that good would be classified,
respectively, as a restricted good under the accompanying goods-related provisions. This
includes information contained on USB memory devices, laptops, tablets and the like.
Technical assistance
The term “technical assistance” in relation to goods or technology is defined in regulation 21,
which states that it means:
technical support relating to the repair, development, production, assembly, testing, use
or maintenance of the goods or technology, or
any other technical service relating to the goods or technology
Prohibitions apply where the technical assistance relates to certain specified goods or
technology.
8The prohibitions apply to the direct or indirect provision of such technical assistance -
to persons “connected with Russia” or
for use in Russia,
except those in Chapter 5 which apply where the provision is -
to persons “connected with Crimea” or
for use in Crimea.
This means that, even if the person to whom you are providing the relevant technical
assistance is not in or “connected with Russia” (or Crimea, for Chapter 5), the prohibition
may still apply if the goods or technology to which the technical assistance relates are for use
in Russia (or Crimea for Chapter 5). Therefore, if you are providing technical assistance you
should check whether the goods or technology may be used in Russia or Crimea, as
appropriate, and apply for a licence or contact ECJU if so.
Financial services and funds related to goods and technology
‘Financial services’ refer to any services of a financial nature in many different forms including
insurance and banking. Financial services include payment and money transmission services.
The full definition of ‘financial services’ can be found in the Regulations.
‘Funds’ means financial assets and benefits of every kind, including cash, securities and
interest. The full definition of ‘funds’ can be found in the Regulations.
Trade sanctions prohibitions on the provision of financial services and funds apply where they
relate to certain specified goods or technology.
The prohibitions in the Regulations apply to the direct or indirect provision of financial
services, and the direct or indirect making available of funds to persons connected with
Russia (or Crimea, in respect of Chapter 5) in pursuance of or in connection with an
arrangement set out in the Regulations (at regulation 28(1), 44(1) and 52(1)). This captures
arrangements where the object or effect falls into one of the prohibitions, for example the
export or import of certain goods or direct or indirect supply or delivery of certain goods.
These prohibitions also prohibit the direct or indirect provision of financial services or funds in
pursuance of or in connection with specific arrangements involving Russia (or Crimea in
respect of Chapter 5) (as set out at regulation 28(3), 44(3) and 52(3)).
Brokering services
The definition of ‘brokering services’ is set out in regulation 21, which states that it means
any service to secure, or otherwise in relation to, an arrangement, including (but not limited
to):
the selection or introduction of persons as parties or potential parties to the arrangement
the negotiation of the arrangement
the facilitation of anything that enables the arrangement to be entered into, and
the provision of any assistance that in any way promotes or facilitates the arrangement
The Regulations prohibit the direct or indirect provision of brokering services where they
relate to specific arrangements. Those arrangements are set out in regulations 29, 45 and 53.
Other service provisions
Certain other services are prohibited in the Regulations. These include the provision of certain
services which enable or facilitate certain military activities, energy-related services,
infrastructure-related services, and tourism-related services.
9As set out in regulation 30, the direct or indirect provision of the following services is
prohibited where such provision enables or facilitates the conduct of military activities carried
on or proposed to be carried on by the Russian military or any other military end-user who is
a person connected with Russia:
(a) technical assistance
(b) armed personnel
(c) financial services or funds, or
(d) brokering services in relation to an arrangement whose object or effect is to
provide, in a non-Isle of Man country any of the services mentioned in paragraphs
(a) - (c).
Provisions on energy-related services are set out in regulation 46 and prohibit the direct or
indirect provision of relevant energy services, defined as certain “specified services”
necessary for a “relevant oil exploration or production project” in Russia.
Provisions on infrastructure-related services and tourism-related services are set out in
regulation 54 and prohibit the provision of services relating to certain specified infrastructure
sectors in Crimea, or services relating to tourism in Crimea.
For general guidance on export controls and trade sanctions, visit the Export Control Joint
Unit website (the Isle of Man imposes the same export and trade controls as the UK).
1.4 Transport Sanctions
The Regulations prohibit Russian ships, and other ships specified by the Secretary of State,
from entering ports in the Isle of Man. The Regulations also confer powers on the Secretary
of State and harbour authorities to issue port barring directions to the master or pilot of a
specified ship. The Regulations provide the Secretary of State with a power to control the
movement of Russian ships or specified ships by requiring them to leave or enter specified
ports, proceed to a specified place or remain where they are.
The Regulations prohibit the registration of ships owned, controlled, chartered or operated by
designated persons or persons connected with Russia on the Isle of Man Ship Register and
confer powers on the Secretary of State to direct the Isle of Man Ship Registrar to terminate
the registration of such ships.
The Regulations also confer powers on the Secretary of State and harbour authorities to
detain Russian ships or specified ships at ports or anchorages.
Russian ships include:
a ship owned, controlled, chartered or operated by a designated person
a ship owned, controlled, chartered or operated by persons connected with Russia
a ship registered in Russia, or
a ship flying the flag of Russia
These sanctions do not apply to other ships originating from or destined for Russian ports;
ships carrying cargo to or from Russia are not within scope of the transport sanctions unless
they fall within the definition of a Russian ship or specified ship as above. These Regulations
do not apply to ships (that are not otherwise included in the Regulations) with Russian crews
or Masters, unless they are a designated person.
The Regulations also provide the Secretary of State with the power to issue a direction in
relation to the movement of British cruise ships, preventing them from entering any ports
10located in Crimea. Such a direction can be given to any master or pilot of a British ship which
is a cruise ship or to the master or pilots of a ship which is providing cruise services.
The Department for Infrastructure is ultimately responsible for the implementation of these
transport sanctions.
1.5 Immigration Sanctions
The effect of the Regulations is to impose a travel ban on persons who are designated by the
UK Secretary of State for the purposes of being made subject to immigration sanctions under
the Sanctions Act. Such persons are excluded persons for the purposes of section 8B of the
Immigration Act 1971 (as that has effect in the Isle of Man).
This means that those individuals will be refused leave to enter or remain in the UK/IOM.
Any applications they make for a visa to travel to the UK/IOM, including for transit purposes,
will be refused. Any foreign national who is subject to a travel ban under the Regulations,
and who is currently in the UK/IOM, will have their permission to stay in the UK/IOM
cancelled and steps will be taken to remove them.
If you are the subject of an immigration sanction and try to travel to the UK/IOM, carriers are
required to deny you boarding.
1.6 Information and Record Keeping
Part 8 of the Regulations places obligations on relevant firms (the definition of which is set
out in the Regulations) to report information to the Treasury about known or suspected
designated persons or about persons who may have committed an offence under specified
provisions of the Regulations. The Treasury has designated the Financial Intelligence Unit
(FIU) as the body to whom reports should be made, via THEMIS.
It also grants powers to the Treasury to request information from, amongst others, a
designated person, including powers to request the production of documents. It also
establishes offences for failing to comply with these requests (including providing false
information in respect of licences).
Part 8 also establishes information powers and record-keeping responsibilities in relation to
the trade sanctions contained in the Regulations. It provides for offences for failing to
comply with any of those requirements or intentionally obstructing an official in the exercise
of those powers.
If you have obligations or responsibilities under Part 8 of these Regulations, it is important
that you familiarise yourself with them. If you are unclear of your obligations or
responsibilities, you are advised to seek independent legal advice.
2. How will these sanctions measures be enforced?
The Regulations make it a criminal offence to contravene the trade, shipping and financial
sanctions, as well as to enable or facilitate a contravention of, or to circumvent, any of the
prohibitions in these Regulations. They also set out the penalties that apply to such offences.
In addition to the below, further details on offences and penalties can be found in the Annex.
112.1. Financial Sanctions
Breaches of financial sanctions are a serious criminal offence. Any breach of the main
financial prohibitions in the Regulations carries a maximum sentence of 7 years’ custody or a
fine (or both).
Committing an offence under regulations 70(6) or 74 (information offences in connection
with financial sanctions under the Regulations) carries a maximum sentence of 6 months’
custody or a fine (or both).
The Treasury is responsible for monitoring compliance with financial sanctions and
investigating suspected breaches.
The Treasury works with other parts of government, supervisory bodies and regulators to
consider all cases reported to it, sharing relevant information accordingly.
If you find out that a person or organisation you are dealing with is subject to the financial
sanctions detailed in the Regulations, you must immediately:
stop dealing with them
freeze any assets you’re holding for them
inform the FIU as soon as possible.
More detailed information on the Treasury’s approach to compliance and enforcement can be
found in the Financial Sanctions Guidance.
2.2. Trade Sanctions
Any breach of the prohibitions relating to the trade sanctions contained in the Regulations
is triable either way and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ custody or a fine (or
both). Any breach of the trade licensing provisions is also triable either way and carries a
maximum sentence on indictment of 2 years’ custody or a fine (or both).
The Treasury is responsible for enforcing the trade prohibitions and investigating suspected
offences.
If you discover that you have breached any of the trade prohibitions, you should report the
irregularity to the FIU as soon as possible.
You should provide:
details of the export or transaction, including dates
any relevant documents, such as export documentation and commercial invoices
details of how the breach was discovered, why it occurred and what steps you have put
in place to ensure it does not happen again.
2.3 Transport Sanctions
Any breach of the prohibitions relating to the transport sanctions is triable either way
and carries a maximum sentence of 7 years’ custody or a fine (or both).
3. Are there circumstances when I can get an authorisation or licence for a
sanctioned activity?
Licensing and exception provisions contained in Part 7 of these Regulations.
123.1 Exceptions
The Regulations set out the exceptions to some of the sanctions prohibitions which apply
within certain defined circumstances. An exception applies automatically, and does not
require you to obtain a licence issued in accordance with the Regulations.
The Regulations establish exceptions relating to financial sanctions including for the crediting
of a frozen account by a relevant institution (any such interest or other earnings will be
frozen in accordance with the relevant legislation underpinning the asset freeze). An
exception also exists from the prohibition on making funds available to a designated person,
when funds are transferred to a frozen account in discharge (or partial discharge) of an
obligation which arose before the recipient became a designated person.
There are also exceptions relating to prohibitions of loans and credit arrangements. The
exception for relevant loans consisting of a drawdown or disbursement applies to
arrangements entered into before 15 September 2014, where the loan has been made or
granted to a person listed in Schedule 2, entities owned by them and incorporated or
constituted under the law of a non-Isle of Man country, or entities acting on behalf or at the
direction of either of the above.
Where such a loan has been made or granted to an entity incorporated or constituted under
the law of the Isle of Man and owned by a person listed in Schedule 2, or a person connected
with Russia, or the Government of Russia, the exception applies to arrangements entered into
before 1 March 2022.
There are also exceptions relating to prohibitions on correspondent banking relationships.
The exception relating to aviation enables the payment of any fee or charge required to
permit an aircraft to overfly Russia or to land in or take off from Russia.
There are also exceptions relating to investments in relation to Crimea.
The Regulations set out exceptions relating to some of the trade restrictions. Regulation 61
provides for an exception to certain trade prohibitions where the act is an act dealing with an
emergency. This is defined as an act assisting with the urgent prevention or mitigation of an
event likely to have a serious and significant impact on human health or safety, infrastructure
or the environment. This exception should only be relied on where there is genuinely
insufficient time to apply for a licence to cover the activity of assisting in prevention or
mitigation of the event. The exception can only be relied upon where satisfactory justification
is received within 5 working days beginning with the day on which the act is done, and where
the activity was genuinely to deal with the emergency.
Regulation 60A provides for certain exceptions in relation to prohibitions relating to the
export of critical-industry goods in regulations 22, 24(1)(a), 25(1)(a) and (b), 26(1)(a) and
(b), and 27 and 29. This provides that prohibitions are not contravened:
in relation to any goods or technology which are:
the personal effects of a person travelling to or from Russia
of a non-commercial nature for the personal use of a person travelling to or from Russia
and contained in that person’s luggage
necessary for the official purposes of a diplomatic mission or consular post in Russia, or of
an international organisation enjoying immunities in the Isle of Man in accordance with
international law
by the export, supply and delivery, and making available/transfer of:
a consumer communication device for civilian use
a software update for civilian use
13by the provision of technical assistance, financial services and brokering services in relation
to:
a consumer communication device for civilian use
a software update for civilian use
by the removal of an aircraft from the Isle of Man to Russia:
if it travels under its own power, and;
in the case of an aircraft, it is carrying goods or passengers, or travelling from the Isle of
Man in order to undertake a return flight carrying goods or passengers; and
its removal is not for the purpose of a transfer of ownership (including any of its
component parts) or a change of operator
by the removal of any vessel to Russia:
if it is removed from the Isle of Man under its own power, and;
its removal is not for the purpose of a transfer of ownership (including any of its
component parts) or a change of operator
Regulation 62 provides for an exception in relation to prohibitions relating to the import of
goods originating in Crimea, and the provision of financial services or funds in pursuance of
or in connection with an arrangement whose object or effect is the import of goods which
originate in Crimea, where the goods have been satisfactorily certified by or on behalf of the
Government of Ukraine as originating in Ukraine.
Regulation 62A establishes an exception to regulations 11 to 15 and 18 and Chapters 2 to 6
of Part 5 (Trade) which provides that prohibitions are not contravened if conduct is
authorised by a licence which is issued under the law of the United Kingdom, the Channel
Islands or any British Overseas Territory for the purpose of disapplying a prohibition in that
jurisdiction which corresponds to the relevant prohibition.
The Regulations establish exceptions relating to some of the transport sanctions. There is an
exception for the granting of access to a port where the access is needed by a ship in the
case of an emergency or where a port entry or movement direction has been given in relation
to the ship.
The Regulations also include an exception in relation to any prohibition or requirement
imposed by the Regulations for actions which a responsible officer has determined to be in
the interests of national security, or the prevention or detection of serious crime in the
IOM/UK or elsewhere.
If you are unsure whether an exception applies in your circumstances, you are advised to
seek independent legal advice.
3.2 Licensing for financial sanctions
Where a person has been designated for the purposes of financial sanctions and had their
assets frozen, the designated person or a representative may apply for a licence from the
Treasury in order to be able to utilise their funds or economic resources (non-monetary
assets, such as property or vehicles). Schedule 5 to the Regulations sets out the purposes
pursuant to which, or for which activities, the Treasury may grant an individual licence. In
summary these are:
basic needs
reasonable professional fees for or reasonable expenses associated with the provision of
legal services
14 reasonable fees or services charges arising from the routine holding or maintenance of
frozen funds or economic resources
extraordinary expenses
pre-existing judicial decisions etc
extraordinary situations
prior obligations
diplomatic missions and consular posts
humanitarian assistance activities
medical goods and services
production or distribution of food
The following licensing grounds, set out in Part 1A of Schedule 5, apply to loans and credit:
humanitarian assistance activities
medical goods and services
production or distribution of food
diplomatic missions and consular posts
space activities
extraordinary situations
Where a person is designated for the purposes of correspondent banking and sterling clearing
prohibitions contained in the Regulations, a person or representative (on their behalf) may
apply for a licence from Treasury to allow sterling payments to, from or via a designated
person by the designated person. Part 1A of Schedule 5 to the Regulations sets out the
purposes pursuant to which, or for which activities, Treasury may grant an individual licence.
In summary these are:
basic needs – including for the provision of insolvency services
legal services
financial regulation
extraordinary situations
A person or representative (on their behalf) may apply for a licence from Treasury to allow
sterling payments to, from or via a designated person. Part 1C of Schedule 5 to the
Regulations sets out the purposes pursuant to which, or for which activities, Treasury may
grant an individual licence. In summary these are:
humanitarian assistance activities
medical goods and services
production or distribution of food
diplomatic missions and consular posts
space activities
A person or representative (on their behalf) may apply for a licence from Treasury to allow
provision of financial services for the purposes of foreign exchange reserve and asset
management to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation; the National Wealth Fund of the
Russian Federation or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. Part 1D of Schedule
5 to the Regulations sets out the purposes pursuant to which, or for which activities. Treasury
may grant an individual licence. In summary these are:
humanitarian assistance activity
financial regulation
financial stability
safety and soundness of a firm
extraordinary situation
15Licence applications can also be made for acts that would otherwise be prohibited under
regulation 18 (investments in relation to Crimea) on these 3 grounds:
consular posts
medical and educational purposes
health and the environment.
Further information on exemptions and licensing grounds can be found in the Financial
Sanctions Guidance.
3.3 Licensing for trade sanctions
Licences may also be issued for certain trade activities that would otherwise be prohibited by
the Regulations.
The Treasury is responsible for administering the licensing provisions for all trade sanctions.
In exercising these powers, the Treasury seeks and considers advice from other Isle of Man
and United Kingdom government departments.
In making decisions on whether to grant a licence to permit something which would
otherwise be prohibited under Part 5 of the Regulations, the Treasury will consider each
application on a case-by-case basis to determine whether granting a licence would be
consistent with the stated purposes of the sanctions regime and any UN or other relevant
international law obligations.
For some prohibitions there are specific activities which the UK’s Department for International
Trade considers are likely to be consistent with the aims of the sanctions. These can be found
here (section 3.3). If you think that your proposed activity falls within one of these specific
descriptions you should make this clear and explain why you believe this to be the case in
your application for a licence.
You should not assume that a licence will be granted or engage in any activities prohibited by
trade sanctions until your licence has been granted.
When you export goods, you may need to submit an electronic export declaration via the
National Export System (NES), part of the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight
(CHIEF) system. Guidance is available on how to make an export declaration
3.4 Overlap with strategic export licensing
Military goods and military technology
Please note that the export of and other trade in military goods and military technology are
also controlled under the Export Control Order 2008 and so you may also need a licence
which is valid under that legislation. This means that all licence applications relating to
military goods and military technology will also need to be considered against the strategic
export licensing criteria. A licence under these Regulations is unlikely to be granted if a
licence is refused for the same activity under the Export Control Order 2008.
The way this will work in practice is that the Export Control Joint Unit will consider an
application for a licence which relates to activities that are licensable under both these
Regulations and the Export Control Order 2008 as an application under both pieces of
legislation. This means that only a single licence application is required.
The application will be considered against the relevant licensing criteria. If a licence is
granted it will be valid under both the Export Control Order 2008 and the Regulations.
16If you import or export goods, you need to consider if financial sanctions apply to you. For
instance, where your licensable trade activity may also be making funds or an economic
resource available to, or for the benefit of, a designated person. You may need a licence
from the Treasury as well as from the UK’s Export Control Joint Unit.
Dual-use goods and technology
The export of trade in dual-use goods and technology are also controlled under the retained
Dual-Use Regulation. Authorisations under that Regulation are granted by the Treasury
under licensing powers in the Export Control Order 2008.
This means that all licence applications relating to items which are controlled dual-use goods
and technology will also need to be considered against the strategic export licensing criteria.
A licence under the Regulations is unlikely to be granted if an authorisation is refused for the
same activity under the Dual-Use Regulation.
As explained above in relation to military goods and technology, only a single licence
application will be required in relation to dual-use goods and technology which falls within the
scope of both the Regulations and the Dual-Use Regulation. If the application is compatible
with both criteria, a licence will be granted which will be valid under the Dual-Use Regulation
and the Export Control Order 2008 as well as the Regulations.
Overlap between trade sanctions and financial sanctions
If you import or export goods, you need to consider if financial sanctions apply to you. You
may need a licence from the Treasury as well as from the UK’s Export Control Joint Unit.
Transit control
Certain goods transiting the IOM/UK are still regarded as being exported when they leave the
country and are therefore subject to control. Article 17 of the Export Control Order 2008
includes a transit and transhipment exception meaning that in many situations a licence is not
required. This exception does not apply to goods destined for Russia, meaning that a licence
is required to transit goods through the IOM/UK or to tranship them in the IOM/UK with a
view to re-exportation to Russia.
3.5 Immigration Sanctions
If you are subject to immigration sanctions the Home Office may direct, on a case by case
basis, that the sanction does not apply in particular circumstances, such as for travel to, or
through, the UK/IOM for a UN sponsored meeting.
4. Further Information
Sign up to receive Notices to Exporters for updates on trade sanctions.
To receive an email alerting you to any changes to the consolidated list of financial sanctions
targets, you can subscribe to the Customs & Excise News feed
17Annex A
Table of financial sanctions offences
Type of Specific offence Relevant Maximum penalty
Sanctions prohibition
offences or
requirement
Breach of sanctions 1. Dealing with funds or 1. Reg. 11 Liable on summary
(asset-freeze etc.) economic resources owned, 2. Reg. 12 conviction -
held or controlled by a 3. Reg. 13 to custody for a term
designated person 4. Reg. 14 not exceeding 12
2. Making funds available 5. Reg. 15 months, or to a fine
directly or indirectly to a not exceeding level 5
designated person on the standard scale,
3. Making funds available for or to both.
the benefit of a designated
person Liable on conviction on
4. Making economic resources information -
available directly or indirectly to custody for a term
to a designated person not exceeding 7 years
5. Making economic resources or to a fine, or to
available for benefit of a both.
designated person
Breach of sanctions 1. Dealing with a transferable 1. Reg. 16
(other financial and security or money-market 2. Reg. 16
investment instrument if it has a 3. Reg. 17
restrictions) maturity exceeding 30 days, 4. Reg. 18
and is issued after 1 August 5. Reg. 18
2014 by (a) a person listed 6. Reg. 18
in paras 1 to 5 of Schedule 7. Reg. 18
2; (b) an entity incorporated 8. Reg. 18
or constituted under the law
of a non-IOM country, and
owned directly or indirectly
by a person in (a); or (c) a
person acting on behalf of or
at the direction of a person
in (a) or (b).
2. Dealing with a transferable
security or money-market
instrument if it has a
maturity exceeding 30 days,
and ii issued after 12
September 2014 by (a) a
person listed in paras 6 to
11 of Schedule 2; (b) an
entity incorporated under
the law of a non-IOM
country, and owned directly
or indirectly by a person in
(a); or (c) a person acting
on behalf of or at the
direction of a person in (a)
or (b)
3. Granting a new loan or
credit with a maturity
18exceeding 30 days to (a) a
person listed in Schedule 2;
(b) an entity incorporated
under the law of a non-IOM
country, and owned by a
person in (a); or (c) a
person acting on behalf of or
at the direction of a person
in (a) or (b).
4. Acquiring or extending a
participation, or acquiring
any ownership interest, in
land located in Crimea.
5. Acquiring or extending a
participation, or acquiring
any ownership interest in an
entity which has a place of
business located in Crimea.
6. Granting any loan or credit,
entering into any
arrangement to grant a loan
or credit, or otherwise
provide funds to an entity
which has a place of
business located in Crimea
or for the purpose of
financing such an entity.
7. Establishing or participating
in a joint venture in Crimea
or with an entity which has a
place of business located in
Crimea.
8. Providing investment
services for activities in reg.
18.
Circumvention etc. Circumventing directly or Reg. 19 Liable on summary
of prohibitions indirectly the prohibitions of conviction -
regs. 11-18 (Part 3 Finance) or to custody for a term
enabling the contravention of not exceeding 12
prohibitions. months, or to a fine
Breach of 1. Knowingly or recklessly Reg. 67 not exceeding level 5
requirements under providing false information on the standard scale,
Treasury licences or providing a document that or to both.
is not what it purports to be
for the purpose of obtaining Liable on conviction on
a Treasury licence information -
2. Failing to comply with the to custody for a term
conditions of a Treasury not exceeding 7 years
licence or to a fine, or to
both.
Breach of reporting 1. Failure to inform the Reg. 70 Liable on summary
obligations Treasury about knowledge or conviction -
reasonable cause to suspect to custody for a term
that a person is a designated not exceeding 6
person or has committed an months, or to a fine
offence under Part 3 of the not exceeding level 5
Regulations or regulation 67
19(finance: licensing offences). on the standard scale,
2. Failure to provide the or to both.
Treasury with information on
which the knowledge or
suspicion is based or
information by which the
person can be identified.
3. Failure to provide the
Treasury with information
about any funds or economic
resources it holds for a
designated person at the
time when it first had
knowledge or suspicion.
Failure to comply 1. Failure to provide information Reg. 74
with requests for in the time and manner
information requested under reg. 72.
2. Knowingly and recklessly
providing false information in
respect of information
requested under reg. 72.
3. Evasion of requests made
under reg. 72 or reg. 73.
4. Obstruction of Treasury
requests for information
made under reg. 72 or reg.
73.
Breach of Disclosure of information reg. 9 Liable on summary
confidential specified by the Secretary of conviction -
information State as confidential, where to custody for a term
provision knowledge or reasonable cause not exceeding 12
to suspect that the information months, or to a fine
is to be treated as confidential not exceeding level 5
on the standard scale,
or to both.
Liable on conviction on
information -
to custody for a term
not exceeding 2
years or to a fine, or
to both.
20ANNEX B
Table of trade sanctions offences
Type of Sanctions Specific offence Relevant Maximum penalty
offences prohibition or
requirement
Breach of controls on 1. 1.Exporting military 1. Reg. 21 Liable on summary
exporting goods. goods 2. Reg. 32 conviction -
2. Exporting dual-use goods 3. Reg. 40 to a penalty of
3. Exporting energy-related 4. Reg. 48 £5,000 or of
goods three times the
4. Exporting infrastructure- Offence value of the
related goods (Crimea) contained within goods whichever
Customs and is the greater, or
Excise to custody for a
Management Act term not
1986 s. 69(1) exceeding 6
Breach of controls on 1. Importing military goods 1. Reg. 23 months, or to
importing goods 2. Importing goods 2. Reg. 47 both.
(Crimea).
Offence Liable on conviction on
contained within information -
Customs and to a penalty of
Excise any amount, or
Management Act to custody for a
s. 47(1) term not
exceeding 10
years (this a
modification to
the 7 year
maximum set out
in the Customs
and Excise
Management Act
1986)
Supplying and 1. Supplying and delivering 1. Reg 25(1) Liable on summary
delivering goods military goods 2. Reg 34(1) conviction -
2. Supplying and delivering 3. Reg 42(1) to custody to a
dual-use goods 4. Reg 50(1) term not
3. Supplying and delivering exceeding 12
energy-related goods months or a fine
4. Supplying and delivering (or both).
infrastructure-related
goods (Crimea) Liable on conviction on
Making available 1. Making available military 1. Reg 25(1) information -
goods and technology goods and technology 2. Reg 34(1) to custody for a
2. Making available dual-use 3. Reg 42(1) term not
goods and technology 4. Reg 50(1) exceeding 10
3. Making available energy- years or a fine
related goods (or both).
4. Making available
infrastructure-related
goods (Crimea)
Transferring 1. Transferring military 1. Reg 26(1)
technology technology 2. Reg 35(1)
2. Transferring dual-use
21technology
Providing technical 1. Providing technical 1. Reg 27(1) Liable on summary
assistance relating to assistance relating to 2. Reg 36(1) conviction -
goods and technology military goods and 3. Reg 43(1) to custody to a
technology 4. Reg 51(1) term not
2. Providing technical exceeding 12
assistance relating to months or a fine
dual-use goods and (or both).
technology
3. Providing technical Liable on conviction on
assistance relating to information -
energy-related goods to custody for a
4. Providing technical term not
assistance relating to exceeding 10
infrastructure-related years or a fine
goods (Crimea) (or both).
Providing financial 1. Providing financial 1. Reg 28(1)
services and funds services and funds 2. Reg 37(1-4)
relating to goods and relating to military goods 3. Reg 44(1)
technology and technology 4. Reg 52(1-3)
2. Providing financial
services and funds
relating to dual-use
goods and technology
3. Providing financial
services relating to
energy-related goods
4. Providing financial
services and funds
relating to infrastructure-
related goods (Crimea)
Providing brokering 1. Providing brokering 1. Reg 29(1)
services relating to services relating to 2. Reg 38(1)
goods and technology military goods and 3. Reg 45(1)
technology 4. Reg 53(1)
2. Providing brokering
services relating to dual-
use goods and
technology
3. Providing brokering
services relating to
energy-relating goods
4. Providing brokering
services relating to
infrastructure-related
goods (Crimea)
Enabling or facilitating Providing technical Reg 30(1)
military activities assistance, armed personnel,
financial services or funds, or
brokering services where
such provision enables or
facilitates the conduct of
military activities.
Providing other Providing relevant energy Reg 46(1)
energy- related services
services
Providing other 1. Providing services relating 1. Reg 54(1)(a) Liable on summary
22services relating to the to a relevant 2. Reg 54(1)(b) conviction -
Crimea infrastructure sector in to custody to a
Crimea term not
2. Providing services relating exceeding 12
to tourism in Crimea months or a fine
Circumvention etc. of Circumventing directly or Reg. 55 (or both).
prohibitions indirectly the prohibitions of
regs. 22-53 (Trade) or Liable on conviction on
enabling the contravention information -
of prohibitions. to custody for a
term not
exceeding 10
years or a fine
(or both).
Licensing Offences 1. Knowingly or recklessly: 1. Reg.68(1) Liable on summary
(a) Providing information 2. Reg 68(2) conviction -
that is false in a to custody to a
material respect, or term not
(b) Providing or producing exceeding 12
a document that is not months or a fine
what it purports to be, (or both).
for the purpose of
obtaining a trade Liable on conviction on
licence. information -
2. Purporting to act under to custody for a
the authority of a trade term not
licence but failing to exceeding 2
comply with any years or a fine
condition contained in (or both).
the licence.
Information Offences 1. Failing to comply with 1. Reg. 77(6)
record keeping 2. Reg. 78(5)
requirements in reg. 77.
2.
(a) Intentionally
obstructing an
official in the
performance of any
of the official’s
functions
(b) Failing to produce a
register, record or
document when
reasonably required
to do so by an
official.
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