On Jun. 26, 2024, UK OFSI extended the duration of license INT/2023/2711256 for Syria Humanitarian by six months; license now expires on Feb. 14, 2025 at 11.59pm.
On Feb. 15, UK OFSI updated on steps to facilitate aid flow to Syria.
UK OFSI, UK Export have issued licenses to make it easier for aid agencies to operate and facilitate earthquake relief efforts without breaching Syria Assad regime sanctions.
The two new general licenses remove the need for individual licence applications.
Follows UK GVT Dec. 2020 extended Syria sanctions to all GB territories, see #93785.
Licenses
UK remains committed to holding the Assad regime accountable, UK sanctions rules already contain robust provisions for humanitarian efforts, licenses will help further.
UK OFSI general license INT/2023/2711256 authorizes activities that would otherwise be prohibited by asset freeze for specified groups/organizations and service providers.
UK Export general trade license extends protection of current humanitarian exception to petroleum prohibitions for UK-funded persons to all those conducting earthquake relief efforts in Syria and Turkey, those delivering specified activities, service providers.
There are notification and record keeping requirements attached to UK Export license.
UK OFSI added new license to list of its general licenses, UK Export updated its list of notices to exporters to add the new notice, and list of open general export licenses.
Effectiveness
Both licenses are valid for 6 months from date of issue, and expire Aug. 15, 2023.
Jun. 2023 Revoked, New License
On Jun. 30, 2023, UK OFSI issued revised general trade license replacing the general trade license issued on Feb. 15, 2023, which was due to expire on Aug. 31, 2023.
New license is effective from Jun. 30, 2023 and will remain in force until it is revoked.
Jun. 30, 2023 Notice to Exporters
On Jun. 30, 2023, UK Export issuedNotice to exporters 2023/11: General Trade Licence Syria Sanctions revised to advise of the revised general trade license.
Identical to previous licence, with exception that it will remain in force until revoked.
Jul. 2023 Extended License INT/2023/2711256
On Jul. 4, 2023, UK OFSI updated general license INT/2023/2711256 on delivery of earthquake relief efforts in Syria and Turkey; license now expires on Feb. 14, 2024.
Feb. 2024 Extended License
On Feb. 6, 2024, UK OFSI extended the duration of general license INT/2023/2711256Syria Humanitarian by six months; license now expires on Aug. 14, 2024 at 11.59pm.
Jun. 2024 Extended License
On Jun. 26, 2024, UK OFSI extended the duration of license INT/2023/2711256 for Syria Humanitarian by six months; license now expires on Feb. 14, 2025 at 11.59pm.