Sanctions - Central African Republic regime legislative amendments

The Treasury advises that on 6 January 2026 the Central African Republic (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/0616) (‘the Regulations’) will be amended by the following Regulations:

The Central African Republic (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025(S.I. 2025/1327)

The amendments will have effect in the Island automatically under the Sanctions (Implementation of UK Sanctions) Regulations 2024, which are made under the Sanctions Act 2024.

The Regulations are amended to ensure compliance with United Nations (‘UN’) obligations, specifically UN Security Resolution 2745 (2024) and Resolution 2789 (2025). The arms embargo has been lifted against the Government of the Central African Republic (‘CAR’); however, there are still measures in place to prevent other armed groups operating in the CAR from accessing military goods or technology, or from obtaining financial services and funds relating to such goods and technology.

• Regulations 21 to 28 of the Regulations are amended to reflect the new requirements under the UN obligations. These regulations contain the prohibitions imposed against armed groups or an associated individual operating in the CAR
  
  
• Regulation 4 of the Regulations is amended to update relevant references to all UN Security Council Resolutions
  
  
• Regulation 20 of the Regulations is amended to provide a definition of ‘armed group operating in the Central African Republic’ and a definition of an ‘associated individual’ of such a group

You are advised to review the amendments to ensure that you remain compliant with the prohibitions and restrictions in place under the Regulations.

Guidance relating to the Regulations is available. This guidance is general in nature so you should also refer to the relevant, up-to-date legislation where it is available.

Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempting to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Further Information

Further details may be found on the Sanctions and Export Control pages of the Isle of Man Government Website.

Contact details for enquiries

If you require any further information or guidance, please contact the Sanctions Team on:

Telephone: +44 1624 648109

Email: sanctions@gov.im

Please note: We are unable to provide legal advice. You may need to seek independent legal advice.