Collection

UK sanctions relating to Afghanistan

This page provides guidance on the UK’s sanctions regime relating to Afghanistan

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Export Control Joint Unit and Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation
• Published: 15 September 2020
• Last updated: 9 February 2022 — See all updates

The Afghanistan sanctions regime

The Afghanistan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 came fully into force on 31 December 2020. They put in place sanctions measures to ensure the UK continues to meet its obligations under the United Nations sanctions regime relating to Afghanistan. UN sanctions were initially imposed in 1999, in response to the actions of the Taliban, including providing sanctuary and training for international terrorist groups.

These regulations have replaced, with substantially the same effect, relevant existing EU legislation and related UK regulations.

The Afghanistan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which implemented United Nations Security Council Resolution 2615, came into force on 28 January 2022. The statutory guidance has been updated to reflect the new regulations.

Those persons who are designated under this regime are included on the UK sanctions list.

Find out more about other UK sanctions regimes.

Contact details

For further information on financial sanctions: contact the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation [email protected] or subscribe to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation’s e-alerts

For further information on trade sanctions: contact the Export Control Joint Unit Helpline on 020 7215 4594 or email [email protected] or subscribe to the Export Control Joint Unit’s notices to exporters

For further information on transport sanctions: contact the Department for Transport on [email protected]

For general information on sanctions: contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Sanctions Directorate on [email protected]

Documents

The Afghanistan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020

An explanatory memorandum accompanies the regulations, providing further information on their provisions.

Section 18 of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 in relation to criminal offences: report

• Afghanistan sanctions: guidance
  • 5 December 2024
  • Statutory guidance

Published 15 September 2020
Last updated 9 February 2022 + show all updates

1. 9 February 2022

   Added a link to The Afghanistan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 which came into force on 28 January.

2. 31 December 2020

   The UK's sanctions framework has changed.

3. 15 September 2020

   First published.