The Council of the EU on March 12 extended the sanctions regime for those that threaten the sovereignty of Ukraine for another six months, until Sept. 15. The sanctions apply to over 2,100 individuals and entities.

The U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation on April 10 amended its general sanctions license allowing for the winding down of interactions with Turkish shipping companies Active Denizcilik and Beks Ships. OFSI removed the language barring funds or economic resources from being made available "for the benefit of any designated person."

The European Commission on April 10 released an updated report on "significant state-induced distortions" in China's economy, the Directorate-General for Trade announced. The report will allow EU industry to "use the most up-to-date information on the Chinese economy and on specific circumstances of the market" when filing antidumping petitions.

The U.K. on April 10 updated its guidance on export controls covering military goods, software and technology by adding language to the section concerning disclosures and violations. The section stresses the importance of voluntary disclosures, and if an "irregularity" is found during a compliance audit carried out by the government, the "compliance inspector will have informed" the country's revenue and customs agency, "and you are strongly advised to do the same.

The EU is launching an investigation on Chinese government subsidies awarded to suppliers of wind turbines destined for Europe, European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said April 9. She said the probe will focus on the “conditions for the development of wind parks in Spain, Greece, France, Romania and Bulgaria.

The Council of the EU on April 8 formally approved a provisional deal reached between the council's presidency and the European Parliament to "renew the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports" to the bloc until June 5, 2025, the council announced (see 2403200028). The regulation next must be confirmed by the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade and the European Council prior to entering into force June 6.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sanctioned seven people and 86 entities, according to an unofficial translation of a notice released April 4. The notice said the parties were being sanctioned to "support proposals made by the Security Service of Ukraine," and added that the country's foreign affairs ministry should "inform the competent authorities of the European Union, the United States of America and other countries about the application of sanctions and raise the issue of introducing similar restrictive measures before them."

The European Commission on April 2 updated 19 of its Russia sanctions FAQs related to services for the Russian government and entities.

The U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation on April 2 released a blog post covering compliance with financial sanctions in the maritime sector. The agency listed six tips to stay compliant with the sanctions, including understanding your "counterparties" and conducting "thorough due diligence." OFSI also called for "robust compliance policies and procedures" and to invest in "technology and screening tools." Companies should also conduct "ongoing training and awareness programs," stay informed about new sanctions and create environments for "collaboration and information sharing."

The U.K. High Court of Justice last week said it has jurisdiction to hear a nearly $10 billion dispute between Russian aircraft companies and the owners, lessors and financing banks of those aircraft leased to Russia.