UK adds humanitarian exemption for Syrian oil in amended sanctions guidelines

The United Kingdom’s Export Control Joint Unit (‘ECJU’) has amended its guidelines for trade sanctions on Syria, clarifying a humanitarian exemption on the purchase and transport of crude oil and petroleum products in Syria.

The exclusion, published on 9 March, applies to public bodies and legal persons or entities that receive funding for humanitarian relief. In order to benefit from the exemption, they must be purchasing or transporting petroleum for the sole purpose of providing humanitarian relief and assistance to the local population, the amended ECJU guidelines advise.

The revised guidance also provides information on when to apply for a licence.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202006-syria-trade-sanctions-guidance-amended/notice-to-exporters-202006-syria-trade-sanctions-guidance-amended