The United Kingdom is revoking and re-enacting, with expanded purposes, the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime from 15 October 2026.
Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sanctions Regulations 2026.
The Treasury advises that these changes are being enacted in the Isle of Man through the Sanctions (Implementation of UK Sanctions) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2026 (‘the Regulations’), which amend the Sanctions (Implementation of UK Sanctions) Regulations 2024 (‘Sanctions Regulations’).
The new UK Regulations expand the powers available to the UK Government to enable it to use sanctions to respond to a wider range of serious abuses and violations of international human rights law, including the right to liberty and security of persons.
In common with the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020, the types of sanctions that have effect are targeted asset freezes and travel bans. In line with the 2020 Regulations, exceptions will also apply, as well as the power for the Treasury to issue licences to permit specific activity.
Designations that had effect under the 2020 Regulations will continue to have effect under the new regime.
The Regulations make the following changes to the Sanctions Regulations:
- Revocation of the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 (‘2020 Regulations’) from Schedule 1
- Addition of the Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sanctions Regulations 2026 (‘2026 Regulations’) to Schedule 1, which replace the 2020 Regulations
- Corrects a typographical error in Schedule 2
- Provide transitional arrangements to ensure that licenses issued under the 2020 sanctions regime continue to have effect when the new 2026 regulations come into operation, and
- Ensure that any existing designated persons under the 2020 Regulations, will remain subject to sanctions under the 2026 Regulations
Revised Guidance will be published on the Sanctions and Export Control website this week.
Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempt to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.
If you require any further information or guidance, please contact the Sanctions Team on:
Telephone: +44 1624 648109
Email: sanctions@gov.im
Please note: We are unable to provide legal advice. You may need to seek independent legal advice.
