Estonia updates on sanctions enforcement
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) presents an overview of sanctions control activities and identified violations related to timber shipments during the first half of 2025. In 2025, the ETCB carried out a total of 618 timber shipment inspections. As a result, 23 violations were identified, also 79 shipments were immediately turned back at the border. Additional violations were discovered in shipments that were initially allowed entry but later subjected to further origin verification during customs clearance. In these cases, the actual country of origin was found to be Russia, and 39 timber shipments were returned from within Estonia.
Norway: New asset freeze guidance from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the "MFA") published an updated guidance on asset freeze measures. The guidance was originally published in 2018, and today's update adds additional guidance and reflects recent developments in legislation. The asset freeze guidance instructs natural and legal persons on how to adhere to asset freezing measures implemented in Norwegian legislation. Although the asset freeze guidance is largely aimed at financial institutions, it is also relevant for other industry operators and includes practical guidance and FAQs aimed at solving typical interpretation questions which can arise. The asset freeze guidance has been prepared in collaboration with the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority and other relevant authorities. In addition, Finans Norge, as a particularly affected industry organisation, and Norwegian humanitarian actors have given input and contributions to the guide. The new guide replaces the guide from 2018. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Russia Imposes Travel Bans on 21 Individuals
On 22 August 2025, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced travel bans targeting 21 individuals associated with UK media (Reuters, BBC or the Guardian), NGOs, consulting agencies, and expert networks, including journalist Matthew Syed and Jonathan Hall KC.
Switzerland amends Iran, Libya, Sudan and South Sudan lists
Switzerland announced the following changes effective August 19, 2025:
- Sudan Sanctions: Added 2 individuals and 2 entities to Switzerland’s sanctions list related to Sudan.
- Administrative Updates: Made administrative amendments to the sanctions lists for Iran, Libya, and South Sudan. These changes are procedural and typically reflect updates such as name corrections, clarifications, or regulatory alignments rather than new designations.
Ukraine Imposed New Sanctions Package Against Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex, Targeting Drone Manufacturers Using AI
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree enacting the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to impose sanctions against Russia’s military-industrial complex. The measures specifically target manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles employing artificial intelligence, as well as their suppliers. The restrictions apply to 39 individuals and 55 companies (43 Russian, 10 Chinese, and two Belarusian). Among them are key developers of strike and FPV drones (Zala Aero, Smart Birds, Vostok Design Bureau), electronics suppliers from China and Belarus, as well as centers engaged in developing AI solutions for drones, including Neurolab and the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies. Ukraine is working with its partners to ensure the synchronization of these sanctions across global jurisdictions. The President also signed a decree enacting the NSDC decision to amend the Regulation on the State Register of Sanctions concerning vessels and aircraft. Source: President.gov.ua
UK: Update to Simplified Procedure Value
The Simplified Procedure Value (SPV) has been updated. The update applies to the period between 29 August 2025 and 11 September 2025. For further information please see the Simplified Procedure Value Information.
UK export control authority issues new ultimate end-user screen
As part of the effort to reduce the number of queries on Ultimate End Users (including Unknown UEU), there have been ongoing DBT enhancements to the Exporter journey in the LITE application form. DBT have introduced a new section that will assist in improving clarity and usability when completing the Ultimate End User(s) section as and when required in application(s). There is a new screen for exporters to fill in. It is for situations when details of ultimate end-users are not or partly known, for example when a product is onward exported and held in stock. The new screen is called ‘Details of possible ultimate end users’. Exporters can select the country the items will go to if known. They can select more than one country. Exporters must give any other information they can about the ultimate end-user or explain why they do not have any. Source: Gov.Uk
U.S. Expands Sanctions on Iran’s Oil Network
On August 21, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department (via OFAC) added 13 entities, eight crude oil tankers, and one individual to its sanctions list in connection with illicit Iranian oil exports. This includes tanker operators and vessels flagged under Panama, Sao Tomé and Príncipe, among others. The targeted entities include Ares Shipping Limited, Comford Management, and Hong Kong Hangshun Shipping Limited, while the sanctioned vessels include Adeline G, Kongm, Lafit, among others.
U.S. Designates 4 Individuals & 2 Entities on Narcotics List
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added 4 Costa Rican individuals and 2 Costa Rican-based entities to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list for narcotics trafficking offenses. These sanctions fall under the Counter-Narcotics Trafficking Sanctions regime, demonstrating ongoing U.S. efforts to crack down on international drug networks.
U.S. Federal Court Sentences Chinese National for DPRK Export Control Violations
Shenghua Wen, a 42-year-old Chinese national residing in California, was sentenced on August 18–19, 2025 to eight years (96 months) in federal prison. The judgment was delivered by Judge Stephen V. Wilson in the Central District of California. Wen pleaded guilty on June 9, 2025, to:
- One count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
- One count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government (North Korea)
U.S. enacts new Export Control legislation
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the President signed into law: H.R. 1316, the “Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act”, which amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to require the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on applications for dual-use export licenses. This new law amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) to significantly enhance congressional oversight of certain export control activities:
Annual Reporting Mandate:
- The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) must submit detailed annual reports to Congress on license applications and authorizations for exports, reexports, or transfers subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), specifically to entities in Country Group D:5 (including China and other U.S.-arms embedded countries) that are listed on the Entity List or the Military End-User List.
Each report must include:
- The name of the applicant/organization
- Description of the item, including the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
- Details about the end-user and location
- Estimated value of the export
- Licensing decision (approved or denied)
- Submission date
- Results of any end-use checks
Source: White House
UK designates 1 person and 4 entities on Iran list
On 21 August 2025 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List on GOV.UK. This list provides details of those designated under regulations made under the Sanctions Act. A link to the UK Sanctions List can be found below. The following entries have been added to the Consolidated List and are now subject to an asset freeze: • Hossein SHAMKHANI (Group ID: 17041) • ADMIRAL SHIPPING GROUP (Group ID: 17045) • MILAVOUS GROUP (Group ID: 17044) • OCEAN LEONID INVESTMENTS (Group ID: 17043) • PETROCHEMICAL COMMERCIAL COMPANY (Group ID: 17402). Source: Gov.uk
Uk General Licence and the National Settlement Depository (NSD)
On 19 August 2025, the UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) added three new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs #162–164) to its UK Financial Sanctions FAQs, offering further clarification on the Brokerage General Licence (INT/2025/6641960) and its applicability to dealings with the National Settlement Depository (NSD) and account closures involving designated brokers. Source: Gov.UK