UK court fines company for unlicensed exports of controlled chemicals

A UK magistrates’ court has fined Carbosynth Ltd over £4,200 for the unlicensed export of controlled chemicals, in a case brought by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (‘HMRC’). The chemical producer made unlicensed exports of certain dual-use chemicals – R-(-)-3-quinicludinol, 2-(diethyamino) ethanethiol and benzillic acid – contrary to The Export Control Order 2008 and the EU Dual Use Controls (Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009).

The chemicals were exported to destinations including Japan, India, South Korea, Israel, the US, Germany and Canada. Military List chemicals 1,2,4-butanetriol and decaborane were also exported.

The UK prosecution follows the announcement last week that Belgian authorities are acting against three Flemish chemical companies – AAE Chemie and handling agents Anex Customs and Danmar Logistics – for exporting chemicals to Syria without a licence over a two-year period.

For Notice to Exporters 2018/10 see:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-201810-hmrc-prosecutes-company-for-unlicensed-exports