UK Issues Sanctions Guidance for Maritime Shipping Industry

The United Kingdom issued a July 27 sanctions guidance for companies operating in the maritime shipping sector, detailing common illegal shipping practices, restrictions on trade with North Korea, Iran, Libya and Syria, and potential penalties. Similar to shipping guidance issued by the U.S. (see 2005140039), the U.K.’s version outlines red flags and common sanctions evasion practices, including ship-to-ship transfers, disabling of automatic identification systems (AIS) and false documentation. The guidance also urges U.K. companies and people to conduct due diligence, including AIS clauses in contracts, regular sanctions screening and frequent verifications of letters of credit and bills of lading. “The onus is on the organisation to ensure that it has put in place sufficient measures to ensure it does not breach financial sanctions,” the guidance said.