BY:
SHARE:
The UK Government have announced that the OFSI Consolidated List of Asset Freeze Targets is closing. From Wednesday, 28th January 2026, the UK Sanctions List will be the only source for all UK sanctions designations.
Currently, there are two sources for UK Sanctions Designations:
- The UK Sanctions List (UKSL)
- The Consolidated List of Asset Freeze Targets (OFSI Consolidated List)
From 28th January 2026, this is changing, and a business that regularly uses both the UKSL and the OFSI Consolidated List will need to prepare for this change. In particular, this is imperative for businesses whose systems source data from the OFSI Consolidated list or rely on the “OFSI Group ID,” as these systems will need to be updated.
What is the UK Sanctions List?
The UK Sanctions List is the primary list of sanctions designations – it provides comprehensive information on those persons placed under sanctions made under the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA).
Why the move to a single list?
In response to industry feedback, which indicated that duplication of effort was happening when checking both lists, and the merger of one list would simplify checks and aid the industry.
From 28th January 2026, the UK Sanctions List will be the only source of information detailing sanctions designations published by the UK Government. From this date on, the OFSI Consolidated list will no longer be updated.
How to prepare?
Understanding the impact of the closure of this list on your business will be crucial to preparing for this change. Switching to the UK Sanctions list as the primary source of data well in advance. The UK Sanctions List is now live, enabling screening and comparison of differences between the two lists.
The ‘OFSI Group ID’ identifier is being retired
There will be a change to how newly designated persons (DPs) subject to financial sanctions are identified.
Any external systems that use ‘OFSI Group ID’ to identify DPs subject to financial sanctions will need to be updated to use the UK Sanctions List ‘Unique ID’ and ‘Sanction Type’ fields instead.
Currently, all DPs and specified ships are given a ‘Unique ID.’ Those DPs subject to financial sanctions are also given an ‘OFSI Group ID.’
From 28th January 2026, newly designated DPs subject to financial sanctions will not be assigned an ‘OFSI Group ID’ and will only have a ‘Unique ID’ as an identifier.
Further information
For specific queries about the content of this notice, please email: ofsi@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Focus On: Embargoes, Sanctions and End-Use Controls
This half-day session highlights the importance of understanding embargoes and sanctions, focusing on UK regulations and the growing sanctions on Russia. It reviews current financial sanctions managed by OFSI and the severe consequences of non-compliance, including fines, reputation loss, and criminal charges. The course emphasises the need for exporters to comply with embargoes and sanctions.
OneCall™ Email assistance as and when required; A one-call solution for all your import, export and customs enquiries. Export help. Import help. Customs help.
Stay informed about customs and international trade matters by subscribing to our OneCall™ service. This comprehensive offering includes a dedicated email helpline for support, timely practical updates direct to your inbox (Did You Know?), monthly UK Customs & Trade Briefings and access to an interactive members' area with an exclusive community for our subscribers.
International Trade Updates & Spotlight Newsletter
Subscribe to our free information emails covering international trade topics...
MORE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS...
