United Kingdom: International Trade & Investment

This weekly update examines recent developments in UK sanctions policy, including amendments to general licences for Prince Group insolvency activities and Lukoil International operations, as well as new joint guidance from OFSI and OFAC comparing UK and US sanctions frameworks. The briefing also covers parliamentary research on legal mechanisms for enforcing sanctions against shadow fleet vessels in UK waters.

As the UK navigates its post-Brexit relationship with the EU, a critical question emerges: should Britain align with EU digital regulations or forge its own path? With the EU's digital rulebook facing criticism for overregulation and stifling innovation, while the UK lacks influence over rules its companies must still follow, policymakers face complex choices about convergence, divergence, and new international partnerships in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

From July 2026, vans over 2.5 tonnes operating internationally will need Smart Tachograph Version 2 equipment and must comply with EU drivers' hours rules. Will your business be affected by these new requirements, and what steps should you take now to ensure compliance and avoid enforcement action at borders?

The UK government has introduced significant changes to sanctions law and enforcement, including expanded measures targeting Russia, Iran, and global sanctions-evasion networks. Recent developments include new designations, licensing reforms, and enhanced compliance guidance affecting businesses operating in sanctioned jurisdictions.

The UK and Gulf Cooperation Council have finalized a comprehensive free trade agreement that will eliminate tariffs on 93% of UK exports worth £580 million annually.

Foreign bankruptcy and insolvency orders are not automatically enforceable in England and Wales. In most cases, recognition is the first step before a foreign officeholder or creditor can seek relief...

The UK government has introduced significant amendments to its sanctions framework through new regulations affecting end-user controls, licensing requirements, and trade restrictions. These changes expand OTSI's licensing remit and create new compliance obligations for businesses engaged in international trade, while also easing certain restrictions on Syria and providing updated guidance on export controls to Israel.

On April 22, 2026, the UK laid secondary legislation creating sanctions end-use controls (“SEUC”) to curb the diversion of certain trade-sanctioned products through non-sanctioned third countries...

The AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States raises complex legal, regulatory and strategic questions across nuclear regulation, export control, procurement structures and international law. As the defence collaboration moves from political commitment to detailed implementation, governments, industry and advisers must navigate evolving frameworks covering nuclear safety, technology transfer, industrial sovereignty and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific.