This bulletin is an update to our earlier article on implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) across the European Union and related matters of 4 February 2016 which can be found here.
Iran sanctions in UK Overseas Territories: in brief
A significant
number of EU sanctions and restrictive measures on Iran related to
its nuclear programme were lifted across the EU and other states
following Implementation Day of the JCPOA on 16 January 2016.
Through the passing of the Iran (Sanctions)(Overseas Territories)
Order 2016 on 15 March 2016 (the 2016 Iran OT Order) the relief
from sanctions under Implementation Day has been extended to the UK
Overseas Territories as of 17 March 2016.
Following the passing of the 2016 Iran OT Order, the position in
the UK Overseas Territories as regards Iranian sanctions is now
materially consistent with the position in the European Union. This
follows the amendments to Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 of 23
March 2012 as amended on Implementation Day by Council Regulation
(EU) 2015/1861 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1862
(both of 18 October 2015), which set out the sanctions regime on
Iran for its proliferation activities.
Other sanctions on Iran in the UK Overseas Territories covering
human rights abuses and terrorist finance activities remain in
place and unaffected by the passing of the 2016 Iran OT Order.
About the UK Overseas Territories
Harneys advises on the laws of various UK Overseas Territories
principally including Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and
the Cayman Islands. The Overseas Territories are dependent
territories of the UK, meaning that the UK is responsible for their
foreign relations, security and defence.
Although the UK is an EU member state the UK Overseas Territories,
excluding Gibraltar, are not. The UK implements the EU's Common
Foreign and Security Policy in the Overseas Territories through
Orders in Council such as the 2016 Iran OT Order.
A note on Bermuda
Due to constitutional arrangements between the UK and Bermuda,
the 2016 Iran OT Order and other such Orders implementing the EU
Common Foreign and Security Policy do not directly apply to
Bermuda. Instead, such Orders in Council are given effect to
through amendment of the Bermuda International Sanctions
Regulations 2013 by the Bermuda Government locally. As of 15 March
2016 the Bermuda Government has implemented 2016 Iran OT Order in
Bermuda through amendment of the 2013 Regulations.
Sanction compliance is a complex and high risk area of law.
Financial institutions in the Overseas Territories should consult
professional advisers prior to accepting Iranian clients or
undertaking trade in Iran or other countries subject to
international sanctions. Harneys is the pre-eminent law firm in
this area of law across the BVI, Cayman and Bermuda and we are
delighted to answer any questions in this regard.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.