Canada Issues Sanctions Guidance for Aerospace and Defence Sector
Canada has released new sanctions and export control guidance aimed at the aerospace and defence industry, helping companies better understand compliance obligations and manage evolving sanctions risks.
China Removes Two Lithuanian Banks from Countermeasure Sanctions List
China has officially removed two Lithuanian banks—UAB Urbo Bankas and AB Mano Bankas—from its countermeasure sanctions list, marking a step toward easing tensions with the European Union. The decision, effective April 24, 2026, follows the European Union’s move to lift sanctions on two Chinese financial institutions, prompting a reciprocal response from Beijing.
China Adds 7 EU Companies to Export Control List
China has added seven European Union companies to its export control list, marking a significant escalation in trade and geopolitical tensions. The move, announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce, restricts the export of dual-use goods—items with both civilian and military applications—to the listed firms. The entities include major defense and technology firms such as:
- HENSOLDT AG (Germany)
- FN Herstal and FN Browning (Belgium)
- Omnipol, Excalibur Army, SpaceKnow, and VZLU Aerospace (Czech Republic)
EU Renews Myanmar Sanctions Regime Until 2027
The European Union has extended its sanctions regime on Myanmar until 30 April 2027, following its annual review of restrictive measures. The decision reflects the EU’s continued concerns over the ongoing human rights violations and democratic backsliding since the 2021 military coup.
EU adopts 20th package of sanctions against Russia
The Commission welcomes the adoption by EU Member States of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The new sanctions have a strong anti‑circumvention angle and include robust energy measures, as well as the activation for the first time of the “anti‑circumvention” tool. This package also targets financial services (including crypto), trade and media propaganda, and includes further measures for the protection of EU operators. The 20th package contains the following key elements:
- Energy measures
- Financial measures
- Trade measures - The package introduces new export and imports restrictions and bans, to further disrupt and weaken Russia's military‑industrial complex
- Russia's military industry
- Anti‑circumvention measures
- Additional listings
Belarus - The package also mirrors certain provisions of the Russian regime related to trade, finance, services and legal protection of EU operators in the Belarus sanctions regime. Source
EU: New rules for trading in strategic goods
The published Act of 13 March 2026 (Journal of Laws of 2026, item 471) introduces a broad amendment to the regulations on foreign trade in goods, technologies and services of strategic importance and the rules for conducting business in the field of explosives, weapons, ammunition and military or police technologies. The amendments are aimed at fully adapting Polish law to EU regulations, in particular: Regulation (EU) 2021/821, establishing an EU dual-use control system, and Implementing Directive (EU) 2024/325, concerning the minimum marking depth of firearms and their essential components. The most important elements of the amendment include: (1) Unification of definitions and references – the provisions refer directly to the EU dual-use export control system. (2) Digitalisation of procedures – the amendment provides for the launch of the Tracker 2.0 system, which will enable the submission of applications for permits and annual reports fully electronically, which will significantly reduce the circulation of paper documents. (3) Changes in the obligations of entrepreneurs – including shortening the period of storage of documentation from 10 to 5 years and extending the validity of import certificates from 6 to 12 months. The act enters into force on 22 April 2026.
Update of EU restrictive measures against Iran
The Council of the EU adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/759, which updates EU sanctions against Iran by amending Regulation (EU) No 267/2012. The amendment is a consequence of the re-imposition of sanctions by the UN related to Iran's nuclear programme and Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/762. The new rules align the EU restrictive measures with current dual-use export control regulations by referring to Regulation (EU) 2021/821. Regulation 2026/759 m.in: (1) updates the definitions and scope of dual-use goods and technologies; (2) clarifies the prohibitions on the supply, sale and transfer of certain technologies to Iran. The regulation enters into force on 1 April 2026 and is directly applicable in all Member States.
New sanctions for cyber-attacks targeting EU countries
The Council (CFSP) adopted Decision 2026/588, which expands the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures under the EU's cyber-sanctions regime. The decision updates the 2019 list by adding two individuals and three entities responsible for serious cyber-attacks targeting EU member states. The decision enters into force on 17 March 2026.
New entries on the EU sanctions list for actions against Ukraine
The Council (CFSP) adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/614, which updates and extends the sanctions list resulting from Decision 2014/145/CFSP. Nine individuals responsible for actions undermining or threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence have been added to the list. The decision enters into force on 16 March 2026.
A new update of the EU's restrictive measures in response to Russia's hybrid actions
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/646 expands and strengthens restrictive measures in response to Russia's destabilising actions, including hybrid attacks and information manipulation. Four individuals responsible for actions undermining or threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence have been added to the list. The decision enters into force on 16 March 2026.
Japan Updates Defence Equipment Export Framework
Japan has revised its long-standing defence export regime by amending the “Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology” and related operational guidance, marking a major policy shift. The updated framework removes earlier restrictions limiting exports to non-lethal categories, allowing the export of a broader range of defence equipment, including finished and potentially lethal systems. Under the new rules, exports will still be subject to strict screening, case-by-case approvals, and end-use controls, with transfers generally limited to trusted partner countries and aligned with international obligations.
UK sanctions
Tuesday 17 March, the UK Government has designated the following 1 individual under the Isil (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida regime. Individuals designated:
| Name | Unique ID |
| Hamidah NABAGALA | AQD0391 |
UK Issues Sanctions End-Use Controls Guidance for Businesses
The UK has released new guidance on Sanctions End-Use Controls (SEUC) to help businesses comply with evolving trade sanctions requirements. Published by the Department for Business and Trade and the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation, the guidance supports companies dealing with export risks.
Polish Company Fined PLN 20 Million for Breaching EU Sanctions on Russia
Poland’s National Tax Administration has imposed a PLN 20 million (€4.7 million) fine on a Polish company for violating sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia. The company was found to have exported luxury cars to Russia, circumventing EU restrictions by routing shipments through third countries such as Lithuania and Belarus. Investigations revealed that over 100 high-value vehicles, worth approximately PLN 49 million, were supplied despite strict EU bans on exporting luxury goods to Russia. Authorities stated that the company’s management knowingly and deliberately bypassed sanctions, making this one of the most significant enforcement cases in Poland.
UK Issues New Legal Services General Licence and Updates Sanctions FAQs
The HM Revenue and Customs, through the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), has introduced a new Legal Services General Licence alongside updates to its financial sanctions FAQs. The new licence (effective 29 April 2026) replaces the previous version and allows UK legal firms and counsel to receive payments from designated persons under sanctions without requiring a specific licence, provided conditions are met.
U.S. Sanctions Iranian Missile and UAV Procurement Networks
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions targeting networks involved in supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs, intensifying pressure on Tehran’s defense supply chains. Announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the measures designate individuals, companies, and aircraft linked to procurement and transportation of weapons and components for the Iranian regime. The sanctions result in asset freezes and broad transaction prohibitions for U.S. persons dealing with listed parties, while also increasing compliance risks for global businesses.
U.S. Extends Serbian Refinery Sanctions Licence Until 16 June 2026
The United States has extended a temporary sanctions licence for Serbia’s sole oil refinery, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), allowing it to continue operations until 16 June 2026. The licence, issued by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), provides a 60-day extension, enabling the refinery to maintain crude oil imports and avoid operational disruptions.