UK Agency Publishes Tips for Reporting Trade Sanctions Breaches
The U.K.'s Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation published guidance this week on reporting suspected sanctions violations, including what kind of information such reports should include and who should submit them.
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OTSI said it has "already received a large number of breach reports" since the agency was launched in October 2024, adding that financial services firms, legal service providers and money service businesses may have a "legal obligation to report suspected breaches of trade sanctions."
Those reports should include contact details, details of the suspected "breacher," details of other parties involved and any supporting documents, such as "emails, contracts or other papers that help explain the situation. The more you can share, the better."
OTSI added that a useful report also clearly states how the activity is connected to the U.K.; includes "simple, honest details" and a clear narrative; details which rule or rules may have been broken; and says whether the reporter plans to inform other government authorities. The reports shouldn't include "information that lacks a clear connection to the UK," OTSI said. "However, if you are uncertain, it is better to report than not."
Reports should keep "things simple and clear. Use plain English. Tell us what you know. We would rather get a short report than nothing at all."