The Treasury advises that on 20 May 2026 the UK will amend the Russia Sanctions Regime using the following statutory instrument:
The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.
UK Sanctions provisions have effect on the Isle of Man by the Sanctions (Implementation of UK Sanctions) Regulations 2019, which are made under the Sanctions Act 2024. The provisions will apply to the Isle of Man from the same date as the UK.
The statutory instrument introduces new export prohibitions aimed at restricting industrial products used to support Russia’s economic development and military capabilities. This includes the following goods:
- Items sanctioned by the EU: including certain types of industrial chemicals, metals and machinery. The chemicals and metals have potential battlefield use, for example, titanium oxide may be used in missile systems manufacturing
- Goods recommended for sanction by the Government of Ukraine: including additional forms of metals and articles of carbon fibre. Carbon fibre goods are frequently used in the manufacture of drones
- Chemicals used in riot control agents: expanding the list of chemicals and chemical precursors, specified by name and CAS numbers, as these may be used in riot control agents or other goods for internal repression
- Goods related to emerging technologies: components, technology and materials which are related or ancillary to quantum, AI, semiconductor and engineering biology technologies. These export prohibitions are intended to limit Russia’s ability to develop technologies with potential strategic applications critical to their military industrial complex and overall economic growth
New import prohibitions are introduced, including:
- The ban of the importation into the UK and Isle of Man of refined oil and oil products derived from Russian origin crude, when processed in third countries
- A ban on the import, acquisition, supply or delivery of uranium
- A ban on the supply or delivery of Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) by ship, whether shipped from Russia to third countries or between third countries
Additional prohibitions on providing certain financial and trade services are also introduced. These include:
- Providing or procuring certain services in relation to specified ships
- The provision of technical assistance, funds and financial and brokering services connected to import/export bans
- Chartering or operating specified ships
- Construction services (as described in new paragraph 6A of Schedule 3J) to persons connected with Russia
A person must not directly or indirectly acquire, or purport to acquire, a ship or aircraft (which is subject to a direction) from, or for the benefit of a designated person or a person connected with Russia.
Targeted exceptions have been included to mitigate the potential risks arising from these prohibitions.
The imposed sanctions are intended to encourage the Russian Government to cease its invasion of Ukraine and other actions that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence. These measures form part of the UK’s ongoing response to Russian aggression and demonstrate its commitment to deploying all available tools. To maximise their effectiveness, the UK continues to align its trade sanctions closely with international allies as far as possible.
Further information can be found in the Explanatory Memorandum which accompanies the UK Regulations.
Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempt to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.
