The Export Control & Sanctions Watch Edition 25
- Madni Laghari

- Jul 11, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 12, 2025
Russia Sanctions Extended | Iran’s Shadow Banking Exposed | FCA Hits Monzo | Court Annuls Syria Listing
Edition 25-2025 - Week 28-2025
Period Covered: 04 July 2025 - 10 July 2025
Published: 11 July 2025
Colleagues,
Welcome to the 25th edition of Export Control & Sanctions Watch! Based on your feedback, we are evolving our format—this edition is available both as a blog post and as a downloadable PDF. Let us know which version works best for you as we continue to refine our delivery.
Table of Contents
If You Do one Thing this Week, Do This.
How To Book A Free Expert Call
Our 4-in-1 Services
U.S. Training Announcements
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Top Story
Export Control Forum 2025: What’s Next?
Unlock the secrets to EU Export Control in 2025—discover trends, compliance essentials, and practical strategies to keep your trade risk-free.
Download Our PDF Magazine
What's In "The Export Control & Sanctions Watch" This Week

Russia sanctions extended. Iran’s shadow banking network targeted. FCA fines break records. The courts reset compliance standards. This is no ordinary summer for global trade and enforcement.
📌 In this edition:
🔹 EU extends economic sanctions on Russia—but the 18th package stalls
🔹 U.S. cracks down on Iran’s illicit oil trade, sanctioning 22 entities across three continents
🔹 UK’s FCA hits Monzo Bank with a £21 million AML fine; HMRC settles Russia export controls for £1 million
🔹 EU court annuls Syria-related sanctions for lack of evidence, raising the bar for future listings
🔹 UN renews Central African Republic sanctions; global enforcement actions and AML crackdowns intensify
💡 Why read this now?
Regulatory heat is rising fast. With enforcement actions accelerating, diverging sanctions regimes, and tighter due diligence rules, companies operating internationally are under pressure to respond—quickly and correctly.
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Headlines
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Financial Crime
EU Financial Supervisory Authorities Sign Cooperation Memorandum with AMLA
U.S. DOJ Announces Largest Health Care Fraud Takedown in History
Standard Chartered Faces $2.7 Billion Lawsuit Over 1MDB Scandal
UK FCA Fines Monzo Bank £21 Million for Anti-Money Laundering Failings
FATF 2025 Guidance – Financial Inclusion and AML/CFT – A Balanced Approach
Export Controls
Sanctions
European Union
Notice to Listed Persons – EU Restrictive Measures Regarding Ukraine (C/2025/3850)
EU Data Protection Notice for Restrictive Measures Concerning South Sudan (C/2025/3849)
EU General Court Annuls Sanctions on Hala Almaghout – Syria Regime Listings (Case T‑437/23)
European Parliament Condemns Russia’s Attacks on Ukrainian Civilians
EU General Court Confirms Syria Sanctions Listing Based on Family Membership – Kinda Makhlouf Case
United Kingdom
UK HMRC Reaches £1 Million Compound Settlement Over Russia Export Control Breaches
UK High Court Refuses to Suspend Proscription of Palestine Action as Terrorist Organisation
United States
Samsung Subsidiary Fined $14 Million for Egregious U.S. Sanctions Violations
OFAC Adds Multiple Entities to SDN List for Ties to IRGC-Qods Force
Harman International Industries Settles with OFAC for $1.45 Million Over Iran Sanctions Violations
OFAC Amends Al-Nusrah Front Listing Under Counter Terrorism Program
OFAC Imposes Sanctions on DPRK IT Workers, Cyber-Actors, and Related Entities
U.S. Sanctions 22 Entities Tied to Iran’s Illicit Oil Trade and IRGC-Qods Force
OFAC Removes Multiple Individuals and Entities from Iraq-related Sanctions Lists
OFAC Updates SDN List Entry for ENKA TRADING LIMITED – Now Also Linked to IRGC-Qods Force
OFAC Issues General License 13N – Authorizing Certain Administrative Transactions in Russia
OFAC Issues General License 40D – Authorizing Offloading of LPG in Venezuela
Insights
EU Export Controls: Change Is the Only Constant
From AI chips to dual-use drone tech, EU export controls are reshaping global trade. Find out what every compliance professional needs to know now.
Export Control & Sanctions Video of the Week
How to Export Smarter and Save Money with These Key Tips
Are you ready to take your exporting game to the next level? In this video, we’ll cover essential tips to help you streamline your export processes, save money, and avoid common mistakes that can hold your business back. From understanding Incoterms® to working with the right freight forwarders, these practical strategies are designed to make your international trade smoother and more profitable.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
❐ Understand the end-to-end export process to avoid costly delays
❐ Learn how Incoterms® can impact your risk and profit
❐ Master the paperwork for smoother customs clearance
❐ Build strong partnerships with reliable freight forwarders
❐ Gain confidence in navigating customs regulations and compliance
❐ Maximize savings by mastering origin rules and tariffs
❐ Speak the language of trade to negotiate better deals
Dates & Deadlines
Events & Conferences
July 11, 2025 – UK Sanctions Enforcement Workshop, London (Fieldfisher):Practical case studies on UK sanctions enforcement trends, high-risk sectors, and compliance best practices.
July 16, 2025 – WorldECR Sanctions Practitioners Forum, Brussels:Roundtable for compliance officers on circumvention risks, Russia updates, and global coordination.
July 17, 2025 – EU RELEX Working Party on Sanctions, Brussels:Expected to discuss new Russia sanctions, circumvention controls, and G7 alignment.
Deadlines & Compliance Dates
July 14, 2025 – UK OFSI: Expanded reporting obligations take effect for high value dealers and art market participants handling cash or art transactions of €10,000 or more.
July 15, 2025 – UK OFSI: Check for expiration or renewal of active general licenses under Russia and other country regimes.
What's Hot At Customs Manager Ltd (Export Controls & Sanctions) ?
Export-Import Kickstarter (Training)📅 Mon, Jul 21 | Virtual Online Training
This engaging and informative 1/2-day training will introduce you to exporting and importing, focusing on terms and practices through interactive exercises and activities. Ideal for those starting in importing, exporting & customs.
Jul 28, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM GMT+1
Free-For-All Live Event (Webinar)
🚀 Launching our 2025–2026 CPD Programme: 10 months of customs, export controls & sanctions training—done-for-you & up-to-date!
EU Sanctions Against Russia (and Belarus) - TRAINING
Jul 30, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM GMT+1
Virtual Online Training
Unlock expertise in EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus with our online training course. Master the fundamentals, compliance steps, and critical terms to stay updated on the latest regulatory changes. Perfect for customs managers, import/export pros,
If You Do one Thing this Week, Do This
Review and Update Your Screening Protocols Against New Sanctions Lists
Regulators in the U.S., UK, and EU have issued several new designations, removals, and sectoral updates in the past week. To avoid costly compliance breaches, ensure your company’s sanctions and export control screening systems are fully updated—especially for Russia, Iran, Syria, and new dual-use goods restrictions. Cross-check customer, supplier, and transaction lists against the latest SDN, UK consolidated, and EU restrictive measures lists.Staying current is your first line of defense—make this your priority.
Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes, Stay Fully Compliant, and Protect Your Business
In the fast-moving world of international trade, staying compliant with export control and sanctions regulations across multiple jurisdictions is a challenge. That’s why The Export Control & Sanctions Watch provides the clarity, expertise, and up-to-date knowledge you need to navigate this complex landscape effortlessly.
A Trusted Resource to Empower Your Business
Imagine confidently leading your team through global export controls & sanctions challenges, backed by a trusted resource providing the latest insights on export controls, sanctions, AML, financial crime, and more. Picture your business staying ahead of competitors, avoiding costly penalties, and adapting seamlessly to new regulations.
This is the power of The Export Control & Sanctions Watch! Delivered to your inbox weekly.
Why Subscribe?
1. Stay Compliant Across Jurisdictions
Receive comprehensive updates on export control regulations and sanctions policies in the US, EU, UK, and beyond.
2. Save Time & Reduce Risk
Our expert team distils complex regulations into actionable insights, saving you time and reducing risk.
3. Expert Analysis You Can Trust
Access in-depth articles, detailed breakdowns, and expert commentary to manage risks effectively.
4. Continuous Learning and Training
Empower your team with exclusive training and resources designed to keep them ahead of regulatory changes.
5. Targeted Updates on Sanctions
Receive tailored updates on sanctions updates, enforcement trends, and mitigation strategies.
Extensive Export Control Coverage
If you are exporting to the EU, US, or UK and handle strategic items, dual-use goods, or military items subject to export controls, staying fully up-to-date with US, EU, and UK export control laws and regulations is crucial. We provide export control updates for the EU, UK, and US, covering key regulations such as the EU Dual-Use Regulations, the UK Export Control Order 2008, the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All in one magazine - the only update you need to read.
Comprehensive Sanctions Coverage
We provide detailed updates across a wide range of sanctions topics and jurisdictions, including:
EU, UK, and US Policy & Laws
We provide updates on sanction laws, policy changes, and guidelines for the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Whether the EU is revising its unofficial sanctions guidance or the U.S. is updating EAR or USML lists, we ensure you are kept informed. We also include a link to the original update from the authorities and add an explanatory note to help you grasp the vital context.
Specific Sanctions Topics covered
We offer updates on the newest sanctions imposed by the EU, UK, and U.S. related to specific issues like human rights violations, chemical weapons, anti-corruption, counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, and cyberattacks. These sanctions are organised by "topic" and can affect individuals and entities, including businesses. You will be informed about the reasons for the sanctions and the targets involved. This is an ideal supplement to any sanctions' software you may use. You will also receive official links to the measures, enabling you to quickly access official details and saving yourself the effort of researching them yourself.
Extensive coverage of all sanctioned States.
If you are trading or potentially at risk of trading with sanctioned states, the Export Control & Sanctions Watch is an excellent supplement to any sanctions screening software you use. Reading the Export Control & Sanctions Watch provides crucial background and a thorough overview of changes to sanctions, complete with live hyperlinks and explanatory notes, so you understand who was sanctioned and why. Stay updated on the latest sanctions imposed by the EU, UK, and US affecting Russia, North Korea, Iran, Central African Republic, Myanmar, Syria, Sudan, and many others. For each, we also include a sanctions guide covering the sanctions imposed against a country by the EU, UK, and US.
What else we cover in "The Export Control & Sanctions Watch"
We also provide essential updates on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and its implications, along with comprehensive coverage of AML & Financial Crime regulations, CSDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence) updates, and various Due Diligence matters. This ensures professionals stay informed on the latest developments in anti-money laundering, financial crime prevention, due diligence practices, and forced labor legislation, providing you with the knowledge needed to navigate and comply with evolving regulatory requirements.
Access to Export Control & Sanctions Resource Hubs
Our Resource Hubs offer a wealth of insights, including thought leadership articles, how-to guides, step-by-step guides, FAQs, and more, all tailored to enhance your understanding of export controls and sanctions. This comprehensive content library is available 24/7, providing you with the expertise you need at any time. It's like having an export control professional on speed dial, offering a knowledge hub that answers all your questions and supports you in staying fully compliant with the latest regulatory changes.
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