International sanctions

Our customers send mail around the world every day. However, a number of countries and international organisations, including the United Kingdom and the European Union, impose certain restrictions, also known as sanctions, on what you can send to certain individuals, organisations or countries.

Sanctions can take many forms but are generally aimed at preventing certain goods, services, finance and knowledge being supplied to particular recipients.

It is your responsibility to check whether the item you wish to post breaks any sanctions rules. If you break the sanctions rules, we can deal with your postal items in a number of ways including disposing of them. You may also face investigation by the relevant authorities.

 
Where can I find out more information?

If you are sending mail from the United Kingdom, the UK Government’s dedicated sanctions website http://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-sanctions provides useful information, including links to relevant information, published by the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU).

The Government’s website includes information on:

 
Countries that are subject to sanctions

Over recent years these countries have included those listed below. However, the list changes and you should check a country’s status before posting an item.

Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Burma (Myanmar), China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Republic of Guinea (Conakry), Guinea- Bissau, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, North Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Russia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine (Crimea/Sebastopol) and Zimbabwe.

For countries subject to sanctions, there are specific restrictions in place on sending certain types of goods. These are often goods that can be used for military or dual use purposes. If you are posting items to any sanctioned country you must make sure you are allowed to send the item.

 
Individuals and organisations that are subject to sanctions

The UK Government maintains a list of individuals and organisations (for example, banks or utility companies or terrorist organisations) that are subject to sanctions, recognised by the UK (which includes sanctions originating from the EU and the UN).

It is generally prohibited to have dealings with these “designated” individuals and organisations, for example, sending money or goods to them. They are often individuals and organisations linked to, or based in, the countries mentioned above. However, they may be based anywhere in the world, including the UK. You should seek specialist advice if you wish to post items to a designated individual or organisation.

The list of designated individuals and organisations can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-sanctions-consolidated-list-of-targets

Please note that none of the above is intended as legal advice and is not be seen as an exhaustive description of the sanctions rules that may apply to you, or the items you are posting.