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The Export Control & Sanctions Watch Edition 28

Jul 24
5 min read

šŸ” Brussels' Biggest Squeeze Yet | Hong Kong's Sanctions U-Turn | UAE Gets the Green Light | Suppressors Switch Sides

The Export Control & Sanctions Watch

Summary:Ā The Export Control & Sanctions Watch – Edition 28Ā examines this week's most significant export control and sanctions developments affecting global trade. From the European Union's largest Russia sanctions package in four years and the United States' major export control reforms for the UAE to changes affecting Hong Kong sanctions compliance and the transfer of firearm suppressors from ITAR to Commerce controls, this edition provides practical guidance for export control, sanctions and trade compliance professionals navigating an increasingly dynamic regulatory landscape


šŸ“„ Read the latest edition here (PRO Subscription required)

Infographic on export control and sanctions watch, with customs, EU/U.S. symbols, approval forms, and a man reviewing a license.
From the EU's largest Russia sanctions package in four years and the UAE's export control upgrade to evolving Hong Kong sanctions and major U.S. export licensing reforms.

Global Export Controls Continue to Evolve

Export controls and sanctions continue to reshape international trade, requiring businesses to respond quickly to new sanctions, export licensing reforms and evolving compliance obligations.


The Export Control & Sanctions Watch – Edition 28Ā examines this week's most important regulatory developments, helping export control, sanctions, legal and trade compliance professionals understand emerging risks, strengthen compliance programmes and protect global supply chains.



šŸ‡ŖšŸ‡ŗ EU Launches Its Biggest Russia Sanctions Package in Four Years

The European Union has adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, introducing 218 new listingsĀ together with extensive restrictions targeting banks, crypto platforms, oil, logistics, drone supply chains and dual-use exports.


For organisations trading across Europe and neighbouring markets, this represents one of the most significant sanctions developments of the year.

This week's The Export Control & Sanctions WatchĀ explains:

  • The scope of the 218 new sanctions listings

  • Which sectors are now affected

  • New banking and crypto restrictions

  • Expanded dual-use export controls

  • Practical screening and compliance priorities


šŸ‘‰ Download The Export Control & Sanctions Watch – Edition 28 to access the full technical analysis.



šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø UAE Elevated to Top U.S. Export Control Tier

In a major policy shift, the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has promoted the United Arab Emirates to EAR Country Group A:5, expanding access to licence exceptions for qualifying exports, including certain military, satellite and advanced technology items.

For exporters working with UAE partners, this creates significant new opportunities while maintaining robust diversion safeguards.


This week's The Export Control & Sanctions WatchĀ examines:

  • What the new A:5 classification means

  • Which licence exceptions become available

  • Implications for AI and advanced technologies

  • Compliance actions exporters should take now


šŸ‘‰ Read this week's edition for the complete analysis.



šŸ‡­šŸ‡° U.S. Rewrites Hong Kong Sanctions Rules

The United States has ended the national emergency relating to Hong Kong, removing around 38 individuals from the SDN ListĀ while re-listing most under the Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions (NS-MBS) List.

Although many restrictions remain in place, the compliance implications have changed considerably.


This week's The Export Control & Sanctions WatchĀ explores:

  • How the sanctions framework has changed

  • Differences between SDN and NS-MBS restrictions

  • Which activities are now permitted

  • Immediate screening considerations


šŸ‘‰ Download this week's edition for the full guidance.



šŸ”‡ Suppressors Move from ITAR to Commerce Controls

The United States has announced the transfer of firearm suppressors from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)Ā to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)Ā under Commerce jurisdiction.

Although the changes take effect later this year, exporters should begin preparing now.


This week's The Export Control & Sanctions WatchĀ explains:

  • Which products are affected

  • The new ECCN classifications

  • Transition timelines

  • Practical compliance planning


šŸ‘‰ Read The Export Control & Sanctions Watch – Edition 28 for the complete technical analysis.



Overview of What We Cover in The Export Control & Sanctions WatchĀ This Week

Topic

Why It Matters

EU Russia Sanctions

Largest EU sanctions package in four years with 218 new listings.

UAE Export Controls

UAE promoted to Country Group A:5, expanding licence exception opportunities.

Hong Kong Sanctions

New NS-MBS listings change sanctions screening requirements.

Iran Procurement Network

New OFAC SDN designations require immediate counterparty screening.

Russia Drone Supply Chain

Six new EU sanctions target electronics supporting drone warfare.

UK DRC Sanctions

Eight new UK sanctions designations affecting DRC-related trade.

ITAR to EAR Transition

Firearm suppressors move to Commerce jurisdiction.

EU Circumvention Judgment

Court broadens interpretation of sanctions circumvention.

OFSI General Licence

Updated UK arbitration licence requirements.

OFAC FAQ

Clarifies Venezuela earthquake-relief payment rules.

This is the value of The Export Control & Sanctions Watch—delivering practical export control and sanctions intelligence that enables organisations to remain compliant, reduce regulatory risk and respond quickly to rapidly changing international trade measures.



Summer Break Notice

As a reminder to our readers, The Export Control & Sanctions WatchĀ will publish its final edition before the summer break on 31 July 2026.

There will be no editions published between 3 August and 31 August, with publication resuming on 1 September 2026.


We look forward to returning after the break with the latest developments in export controls, sanctions and international trade compliance.



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Author

Ann Karen | Head of Growth – Customs Manager Ltd

Updated:Ā 24 July 2026



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