Search Results

🔒 19th EU Sanctions Package on Russia | Operation SMOKEHAZE | Singapore Mule Account Crackdown | EU Delists in Burundi & Guinea-Bissau | OFAC Fentanyl Network Action Edition 31-2025 - Week 39-2025 Period Covered: 19 September 2025 - 25 September 2025 Published: 26 September 2025

Master Export Control & Sanctions: Stay ahead in compliance with expert insights on export controls, sanctions, AML, and more. Subscribe for updates and a free 7-day trial! Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes, Stay Fully Compliant, and Protect Your Business The Export Control & Sanctions Watch is the essential weekly update magazine for Export Control & Sanctions Professionals 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. Risk-Free Trial: Test It Today Subscribe now and enjoy a FREE 7-day trial! Access one edition for free—no payment is required for the first seven days. Gain exclusive insights, timely updates, and expert guidance risk-free. How To Sign Up 👉 Visit www.customsmanager.info  to subscrib e and start your free trial

🔒 Automatic subscription payments can look unfamiliar. Learn how Customs Manager Ltd handles chargebacks and prevents unnecessary hassle.

Date of last Update: 24 september 2025 1. Introduction 1.1 These Terms and Conditions govern the use of the Trade Intelligence Service ("the Service") provided by Customs Manager Ltd ("the Company"). By subscribing to or using the Service, you agree to comply with these terms. 1.2 The Company reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of any changes. 2. Websites 2.1 Customs Manager Ltd operates two websites: www.customsmanager.org and www.customsmanager.info . 2.2 The dedicated website for trade intelligence services is www.customsmanager.info . 2.3 By using and/or submitting an order through these websites, you signify your understanding of and agreement to these Terms and Conditions and the Customs Manager Ltd Privacy Policy. If you disagree, please discontinue using our websites immediately. 3. Online Ordering of Our Services 3.1 Submitting Your Order By placing an order through www.customsmanager.info , you offer to subscribe to or purchase selected trade intelligence services, such as weekly updates, paywall-free access to expert blog entries, and free or discounted services (e.g., bespoke advisory, consultancy, training, and customs clearance). We will confirm receipt of your order as soon as possible; however, this does not confirm acceptance of your offer. Customs Manager Ltd will email you separately to confirm or decline your order. The Company reserves the right to accept or reject any order. If you do not receive confirmation, please get in touch with us through our support channels. 3.2 Contract Formation No contractual obligations arise until Customs Manager Ltd confirms acceptance of your order. Any resulting contract is between you and Customs Manager Ltd for the relevant trade intelligence services. 3.3 Use of Personal Data Any personal data collected while using www.customsmanager.info will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available on www.customsmanager.org . Your details, including name, address, and payment information, will be securely stored for subscription purposes. By placing an order, you consent to receiving service-related communications via email, including order confirmations and occasional surveys. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time. 4. Pricing and Payment 4.1 Pricing Unless stated otherwise, all prices on www.customsmanager.info exclude applicable taxes and fees, which may be added at checkout. By purchasing any of our paid plans, you acknowledge that taxes may be automatically added to the checkout amount for all online transactions, regardless of your location or legal requirements. You agree that any taxes, once paid, cannot be refunded. If a pricing error occurs, the Company will contact you to confirm whether you wish to proceed with the purchase at the correct price. A service fee may be charged by the payment processing provider, which is outside the control of Customs Manager Ltd. Prices can be modified anytime, although we will undertake best efforts to notify you of price changes as early as possible. 4.2 Payment Methods Payments can be made securely via credit card, debit card, or PayPal on www.customsmanager.info . Where payment by invoice is requested, immediate access to the paid plan will not be provided. Access will only be granted once the payment has been received and processed. All transactions are encrypted using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology for security and compliance with PCI DSS standards. 4.3 Subscription and Payment Terms The service offers free and paid subscription plans detailed on the website. Payments must be made in full and in advance unless otherwise agreed. The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate access if payment is not received. No refunds are provided for any payments made, especially when cancellations occur before the agreed-upon subscription's full term ends. 4.4. Chargeback At Customs Manager Ltd, a chargeback occurs when funds from a customer’s credit card payment are returned, typically because the customer does not recognize the payment or believes goods or services were defective, not as described, or not delivered. Chargebacks create administrative burden, incur fees, and excessive occurrences can lead to changes in payout policies, additional verification steps, or account suspension. The Companyhas a chargeback policy requiring a ratio of 1% or fewer and proactively prevents chargebacks by monitoring upcoming payments, clearly communicating subscription renewals (including that annual PRO subscriptions may appear as “WIX” on statements), offering open customer communication, and requiring written acknowledgment of terms and chargeback policies. All unjustified chargebacks will be disputed with supporting documentation such as proof of delivery, invoices, customer communications, photos, terms and conditions, and rebuttal letters. Each chargeback is handled case by case, documented, and monitored until resolved, ensuring transparency, professionalism, and protection of both the Company’s accounts and customer relationships. Find out more about Chargeback 5. Service Description 5.1 Customs Manager Ltd- Trade Intellgience Serivces provides access to customs, export control and sanctions updates, reports, and analysis for the European Union, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. 5.2 Customs Manager Ltd. offers a free e-mail newsletter, called "The Monday Mandate" and three paid plans which offer access to our weekly deep-dive, PDF "Magazines". 5.3. Weekly updates are provided through the following publications: The Customs Watch EU & UK : Covers customs regulations and trade policy for the EU and UK. The Export Control & Sanctions Watch : Focuses on global export controls, sanctions regimes, and compliance requirements. The Customs Watch USA : Provides insights into U.S. customs regulations and enforcement trends. 5.5. All content provided by Customs Manager Ltd, including articles, updates, training materials, and communications, is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax, compliance, or other professional advice. No action should be taken based on this content without seeking appropriate independent professional guidance. Customs Manager Ltd expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from reliance on the content. 5.6.Weekly updates are issued within seven days (Monday to Sunday), except during August and the last two weeks of December. The Company may define additional blackout periods at its sole discretion. 6. User Obligations 6.1  Subscribers are required to provide and maintain complete, accurate, and up-to-date registration and account information at all times. Any false, incomplete, or misleading information may result in suspension or termination of access. 6.2  Users are strictly prohibited from copying, reproducing, distributing, transmitting, publishing, or reselling any content or materials from the Service without the Company’s prior written consent. Unauthorized use will be treated as a material breach and may result in legal action. 6.3  Subscriptions are personal, non-transferable licenses granted solely to the named individual subscriber. Sharing login details, granting access to, or otherwise distributing content to non-subscribers is strictly prohibited and constitutes grounds for immediate suspension or termination. 6.4  Subscribers must use the Service in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. Any unlawful, fraudulent, or abusive use will result in termination and may be reported to the relevant authorities. 7. Intellectual Property 7.1  All content, materials, and information provided through the Service remain the sole intellectual property of Customs Manager Ltd and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other applicable intellectual property laws. 7.2  Subscribers are granted a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, and non-transferable license to access and use the content strictly for personal or internal business purposes in accordance with these Terms. 7.3  Any unauthorized copying, reproduction, modification, distribution, transmission, resale, or public display of the content, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited and constitutes a material breach of these Terms. 7.4  The Client expressly acknowledges and agrees that all copyright, ownership, and proprietary rights in the content belong to Customs Manager Ltd, unless otherwise expressly attributed to third-party sources. 8. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability 8.1 The Company makes no warranties regarding the information's accuracy, completeness, or reliability. The information provided on www.customsmanager.info is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The interpretation and application of laws may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Accordingly, this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining professional legal or other expert advice tailored to your specific situation. The Company strongly recommends consulting with a qualified professional before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided. 8.2. The Company shall not be held liable for any decisions made or actions taken by any party in reliance on the information contained in this document or any other document or online resource provided by The Company 8.3. The Company is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on the Service. In particular, The Company disclaims any liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, revenue, business opportunities, or data, even if the Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages. 8.4. The Service may include links to third-party websites, for which the Company assumes no responsibility. While Customs Manager Ltd makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, users are solely responsible for exercising their own judgment and discretion when relying on such information. 9. Termination, Cancellation and Refund Policy 9.1 Cancellation terms depend on the subscription period, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. 9.2. Upon cancellation, you will only be charged for the current billing period, and no further charges will occur once the period ends. 9.3. Cancellation is done through the subscriber's online account. 9.4 The Company reserves the right to terminate access if a user violates these Terms and Conditions. 9.5. The Company may offer a free trial period. If you do not cancel within the free trial period, we assume you wish to move to a paid plan and will process your payment and convert your free trial into a paying contract. 9.6 Unless cancelled within the required timeframe, your subscription will automatically renew for the next subscription period, and the applicable charges will be applied to the payment method stored in your account. You acknowledge and agree that the charge may be processed by our payment provider, WIX, and not directly by Customs Manager Ltd. 9.7 In the event that you request a chargeback with your credit card provider due to non-recognition of an automatic renewal charge, you acknowledge and agree that if you have not cancelled the subscription in accordance with the above Terms, you are herewith instructing your bank to void any such chargeback request and process the payment as originally planned. 9.8. Where you are entitled to a 14-day 'cooling-off' period during which you may cancel your subscription and receive a full refund, please note that where you access our digital content before the end of the 14-day cooling-off period, you agree to waive this right. By subscribing to a paid plan with us, you acknowledge that you waive your right to a cooling-off period, and we will begin delivering the content to you immediately. 9.9. The cooling-off period does not apply to plans with durations shorter than 14 days. Please note that, as a general rule, we do not offer refunds once a purchase is made. Therefore, we encourage you to carefully review all details before entering your payment information to ensure you are comfortable with your subscription. 10. Invoices 10.1 Invoices for monthly or annual subscriptions shall only be issued upon request, in order to minimize administrative costs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is important to note that such a request will not grant immediate access to the paid plan. Access will only be granted once payment has been received and processed. 10.2 Invoices will be issued at the end of the month for the subscription that has occurred during the current month. 11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction 11.1 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of England and Wales. 11.2 Any dispute arising from or in connection with these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. 12. Contact Information For any queries or concerns relating to the Service, please contact: Customs Manager Ltd 66 Long Lane, London, EC1V 8AZ Email: info@customsmanager.org Website: www.customsmanager.info

🔓 Simplify UK import, export, and transit with expert advice, customs clearance, training, and trade intelligence services. Navigating the complexities of international trade can be challenging, especially in the post-Brexit landscape. UK businesses engaged in import and export need reliable support to ensure compliance, efficiency, and strategic growth. At Customs Manager Ltd, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to simplify global trade and empower businesses to thrive in the evolving customs environment 1. Customs Consultancy and Advisory Understanding the intricacies of customs regulations is crucial for any business involved in international trade. Our consultancy services provide expert guidance on: Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):  Maximizing benefits and minimizing tariffs. Duty Savings:  Identifying opportunities to reduce import costs. Tariff Classifications:  Ensuring accurate product classifications to avoid penalties. Compliance Strategies:  Developing robust systems to meet regulatory requirements. Our team of seasoned professionals offers personalized advice tailored to your business needs, helping you navigate the complexities of customs and trade regulations with confidence. Arne Mielken explains what it takes to be a customs professionals 2. Customs Clearance Services Efficient customs clearance is essential to avoid delays and additional costs. We handle the complete customs clearance process for: Imports and Exports:  Managing declarations and ensuring compliance with UK regulations. Transit Movements:  Facilitating smooth transitions for goods moving through the UK. Northern Ireland (NI) Movements:  Navigating the unique requirements for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. By partnering with Customs Manager Ltd, you gain access to a single point of contact with decades of expertise, ensuring efficient and compliant customs operations 3. Training and Education Empowering your team with knowledge is key to maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. Our training services include: Webinars and Live Online Sessions:  Covering topics such as customs procedures, export controls, and sanctions compliance. On-Demand Training Modules:  Flexible learning options to suit your schedule. CPD Accredited Programs:  Continuous professional development to keep your team updated with the latest industry standards. Equip your staff with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of global trade effectively 4. Trade Intelligence Services Staying informed about changes in customs regulations, export controls, and sanctions is vital for strategic decision-making. Our trade intelligence services provide: Regulatory Updates:  Timely information on changes that impact your business. Compliance Alerts:  Notifications about new or amended laws and regulations. Strategic Insights:  Analysis to help you adapt and plan effectively. By subscribing to our trade intelligence services, you ensure that your business remains agile and compliant in a dynamic global trade environment. What Is "The Monday Mandate"? The Monday Mandate  is a weekly newsletter published by Customs Manager Ltd., designed to keep UK and international trade professionals informed about the latest developments in customs, trade compliance, and logistics. It delivers concise, actionable insights to help businesses navigate the complexities of global trade. Key Features: Weekly Updates:  Receive timely information on changes in customs regulations, export controls, sanctions, and other trade-related topics. Expert Analysis:  Benefit from in-depth analysis and commentary from experienced professionals in the field of customs and global trade. Practical Guidance:  Access practical tips and strategies to enhance compliance and efficiency in your trade operations. How to Subscribe: To subscribe to The Monday Mandate , visit www.customsmanager.info and look for the subscription option. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trade intelligence delivered directly to your inbox every week. Why Choose Customs Manager Ltd? Expertise Across Jurisdictions:  We offer comprehensive support in the UK, EU, and US, ensuring seamless operations across borders. Tailored Solutions:  Our services are customized to meet the unique needs of your business. End-to-End Support:  From consultancy to clearance, training, and intelligence, we provide a full spectrum of services to support your global trade activities. Ready to Simplify Your Global Trade Operations? Partner with Customs Manager Ltd to navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence. Visit our website at www.customsmanager.org  to learn more about our services and how we can support your business's growth in the global marketplace.

🔒 Learn when EU & UK businesses need a supplier’s declaration, what to include, and how to avoid penalties for incorrect origin claims.

🔒 The Electronic Trade Documents Act lets UK businesses use electronic bills, receipts, and letters with the same legal status as paper. Let's explore.

🔒 Even non-U.S. companies can trigger U.S. sanctions – here’s how. In today’s compliance landscape, it's no longer enough to just “not be American.” U.S. sanctions compliance  reaches far beyond U.S. borders, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)  has built a powerful enforcement machine ready to target anyone – from California to Copenhagen – if they step out of line. Whether you're a compliance officer , consultant , or export manager , understanding how OFAC defines jurisdiction , enforces primary  and secondary sanctions , and calculates penalties  is essential. This blog is your go-to guide for understanding who’s really at risk , and what you can do to stay off the SDN list. 🧠 Top Tip 1 : Our weekly free newsletter covers sanctions and export controls. Simply drop your e-mail at www.customsmanager.info 🧠 Top Tip 2 : We offer a low-fee subscription service for export controls & sanctions professionals to stay always in the know. Visit www.customsmanager.info  to learn more. Key Questions Covered in This Blog What is the difference between an OFAC designation and a sanctions enforcement action? What are the main OFAC lists, and what do they mean for businesses? What is a “U.S. nexus” and how does it create sanctions risk? Can non-U.S. companies be penalized under U.S. sanctions? How does OFAC determine penalties and decide when to prosecute? What factors can mitigate or aggravate OFAC enforcement actions? “You don’t need to have a U.S. office to face U.S. sanctions. A single dollar transaction, routed via New York, can get you blacklisted.” — Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager Ltd Abbreviations Used In This Blog OFAC : Office of Foreign Assets Control (U.S. Treasury) SDN List : Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List IEEPA : International Emergency Economic Powers Act DOJ : U.S. Department of Justice OFSI : UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation 📞 Fancy a Call? Book a free expert consultation on sanctions enforcement risks at www.customsmanager.org  → Book Expert Call 📬 Get Weekly Game-Changing Updates with Export Control & Sanctions Watch Sign up at www.customsmanager.info  to receive crucial updates on new OFAC actions, EU measures, UK listings, and trade compliance advice — every week. What is the difference between an OFAC designation and a sanctions enforcement action?

🔒 UK ETDA Digital Parity | France Abolishes Regime 42 | ICS2 Road & Rail Chaos? | EU Customs Reform | EUDR Updates | PEM updates| HMRC Guidance on guarantees   Edition 33 - Week 39/2025 Period Covered: 15 September 2025 – 22 September 2025 Published: 23 September 2025   Collegues,

🔒 Ensure compliance with the latest UK financial sanctions for high-value traders. Vital guidance to assist you in understanding new reporting obligations and avoiding penalties. Trader reviews financial plans amidst luxury, aligning strategies with new UK sanctions compliance to mitigate penalties. Financial sanctions are a key tool for the UK government, shaping national security and foreign policy. These sanctions are designed to combat threats such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and human rights violations. For businesses engaged in high-value trading, particularly those involved in luxury goods and art markets, these sanctions can have serious compliance implications. Since 14 May 2025, the UK has introduced new reporting requirements that will affect high-value dealers and art market participants (AMPs). As someone who’s been guiding professionals in the world of export controls and sanctions for over 20 years, I can tell you that these changes are not just regulatory hurdles – they’re crucial for ensuring the integrity of your business operations and avoiding severe penalties. Top Tip 1:  You can break down a paywall by becoming a Premium plan subscriber. Top Tip 2:  For personalized updates and advice on how these changes could affect your business, sign up for email alerts at www.customsmanager.info . Key Questions Covered in This Blog What are the new UK financial sanctions rules for high-value traders? How do these rules impact businesses dealing in luxury goods, art, and alternative investments? What are the most common sanctions evasion techniques in the high-value trade sector? What compliance measures should businesses implement? What are the reporting obligations under the new rules? What penalties apply for non-compliance? Downloads & Resources Available for Premium Plan Subscribers OFSI Guidance on High-Value Trade Due Diligence Procedures & Art Market Participants "Financial sanctions are not just a regulatory burden; they are a critical tool to protect global security. Compliance is not optional – it’s a necessity for all high-value traders.– Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager Ltd Abbreviations Used In This Blog OFSI  – Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HMRC  – His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs AMPs  – Art Market Participants DBT  – Department for Business and Trade OTSI  – Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation Fancy a Call? Need expert advice on financial sanctions compliance? Book a free consultation at www.customsmanager.org . Get Weekly Game-Changing Updates with Export Control & Sanctions Watch Stay ahead of sanctions changes with our expert magazine. Sign up for email updates at www.customsmanager.info . New UK Financial Sanctions Rules for High-Value Traders UK Financial Sanctions: Key Guidance for High-Value TradersThis image highlights the importance of understanding and complying with the latest UK financial sanctions regulations, featuring symbols of authority and justice, such as the Union Jack, scales, and a gavel. Businesses operating in high-value sectors have reporting obligations. This includes: High-Value Dealers  – Businesses engaged in trading goods with cash transactions of €10,000 or more. Art Market Participants (AMPs)  – Firms registered with HMRC, dealing in or storing artwork valued at €10,000 or more.

🔓 Top 5 Sanctions Compliance Mistakes Costing Companies Millions Even the most seasoned compliance teams can overlook subtle risks. These aren't just minor oversights—they're blind spots that can lead to multimillion-dollar fines, operational disruptions, and lasting reputational damage. In this blog, we delve into five hidden compliance risks that have cost companies dearly and provide actionable strategies to safeguard your business. Free Video: Watch and Learn  Think Your Sanctions and Export Control Processes Are Foolproof? Think Again - here are Top 5 Sanctions Compliance Mistakes That Cost Companies Millions 📺 Watch our YouTube video for free:   5 Hidden Sanctions Compliance Risks This short video exposes mistakes that even seasoned experts overlook—from missed screenings to misclassified exports—and provides practical strategies to protect your business. Here is what the video discusses 1. Inadequate Denied Party Screening The Risk: Many companies rely on basic screening lists and automated checks—but even seasoned teams miss matches if they don’t screen every layer, including banks, agents, and indirect parties. Real-Life Example: A Swiss-based financial firm settled with OFAC for $3.7 million due to processing transactions involving sanctioned entities without proper screening of all intermediaries. Tip: Expand your screening to cover all intermediaries, validate against multiple official lists, and audit regularly. Automated tools help, but human oversight is critical. 2. Misclassification of Dual-Use Technology The Risk: Misclassifying products or software that could have civilian and military applications can result in severe penalties and shipment delays. Real-Life Example: RTX Corporation paid $200 million in fines for improper exports of classified defense goods due to internal compliance failures. Tip: Request official government classifications when in doubt, maintain technical documentation, and train staff regularly on dual-use definitions. 3. Ignoring Indirect Supply-Chain Exposure The Risk: Sanctions risk extends to third-party vendors, subcontractors, or embedded components from sanctioned entities. Real-Life Example: TE Connectivity was fined $5.8 million for exporting technology components to Chinese entities tied to the military, due to overlooked third-party exposure. Tip: Audit suppliers and subcontractors, include compliance clauses in contracts, and map your supply chain to identify hidden risks. 4. Missing a Top-Down Compliance Culture The Risk: Compliance programs often fail when leadership treats them as a checkbox exercise. Real-Life Example: Herbert Smith Freehills was fined £465,000 for breaching sanctions on Russia, partly due to local staff bypassing processes without top-level enforcement. Tip: Integrate compliance into leadership KPIs, promote awareness company-wide, and communicate risks and successes regularly. 5. Failure to Monitor a Rapidly Changing Landscape The Risk: Sanctions and export control rules evolve constantly, and outdated guidance can result in fines or delays. Real-Life Example: Deutsche Bank paid $258 million in penalties after handling transactions that evaded sanctions due to poor monitoring and outdated compliance measures. Tip: Establish a living compliance program with continuous monitoring, assign regulatory watch responsibilities, and review processes quarterly. Protect Your Business With Expert Support Sanctions Consultancy Services: Our team of trade compliance advisors helps you identify hidden risks, build robust programs, and implement industry-leading processes. Tailored recommendations ensure your business avoids costly mistakes. Find out more: Our Export Control Consultancy & Advisory Services Our Sanctions Consultancy & Advisory Services Sanctions Training Programs Explore live and on-demand courses covering export controls, sanctions, customs clearance, dual-use classification, HS codes, duty relief schemes, and AEO/CTPAT certification under U.S., EU, and UK regulations. Our Export Control & Sanctions Training Stay Up-to-Date: Subscribe to our Trade Intelligence / Customs Watch newsletter for legal updates, expert commentary, and weekly summaries of new customs and sanctions developments. Keep your team informed and your business protected. About Trade Intelligence Insight on Sanctions Insights on Export Controls Weekly Professional Legislative Monitoring of Export Controls & Sanctions Latest Editions of the Export Control & Sanctions Watch (Our Weekly Update Magazine) Take Action Today: ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you don't miss a single video ✅ Book a Free Expert Sanctions Call - www.customsmanager.org ✅Explore our tailored sanctions training programs at www.customsmanager.org/events ✅ Subscribe to our free newsletter at www.customsmanager.info

🔒 US Export Controls and Sanctions apply even outside the US. A German software now agreed to pay up - big time!