An executive order "Prohibiting Certain Transactions with and Suspending Entry into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders with Respect to Iran and Syria" ("FSE E.O.") by the President of the United States was issued on the 1st May extending further the impact of US sanctions against Iran and Syria. This order strengthens the US Treasury's ability to tackle foreign individuals and entities determined to have violated US sanctions on Syria or Iran.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has, through a recent marine notice, updated the reporting requirements that currently exist as adopted through the MARPOL convention.
This updated flowchart provides guidance on compliance with sanctions against Iran following the EU Council Regulation of 23rd March 2012. It references both US and EU sanctions arrangements and offers answers in the context of trading to and from Iran, or with Iranian parties outside the country.
Enhanced sanctions against Iran
29/03/2012
The EU's formal Regulation implementing the enhanced sanctions against Iran proposed in January this year has now been issued. The position of shipowners in respect of the ban on transport of Iranian crude, petroleum products and petro-chemical products is largely unchanged from the EU Decision of 23 January. However, the position of insurers and reinsurers has been relaxed somewhat in response to strong lobbying from the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) over the past two months.
The EU Council has now agreed a Regulation to implement enhanced sanctions against Iran, including a ban on transport of Iranian crude, petroleum products and petro-chemical products, as was expected in the light of the EU Decision of 23 January. There is now an exception to the insurance ban, for third party and environmental insurance, although only up until 1 July for crude oil and petroleum products and only until 1 May for petro-chemical products. It is not clear whether the position will be reviewed again before those dates.
Circular 4/12: Sanctions regimes
22/02/2012
Further sanctions impact shipping
09/02/2012
Further material published on the Club website this week highlights the EU Council decision on the 23rd January that prohibits the import, purchase or transport of crude oil, as well as petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. A set of FAQs from the International Group's Sanctions Working Group is among the resources that are available to assist Members.
On 23rd January the EU Council published a Decision which prohibits the import, purchase or transport of crude oil, as well as petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. It also prohibits the provision of insurance relating to their transport.
Update and Overview of Syria Sanctions
02/02/2012
Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 provides a comprehensive regulation overview of the various goods, services and activities in respect of Syria which are currently subject to sanctions. Issued on 18 January 2012, a PDF of the regulation is attached here. An outline of the key items and activities where compliance with EU sanctions is required is set out in the section "Update on sanctioned goods, services and activities as at 18th January 2012" below.
Iran and Syria - Sanctions Update
27/01/2012
The latest sanctions against Iran have been much publicized and are set against a backdrop of Iranian officials threatening to escalate the situation further by blocking the Strait of Hormuz
New Year changes
05/01/2012
Despite the extended Christmas and New Year break, the Knowledge & Developments section of our website provided new information through that period. In addition to the frequent news bulletins on implementation of spill response contractor arrangements in China, there have been loss prevention updates on US west coast air emission controls and our own circular on an SGM for incorporating rule changes into the 2012 Club Rules & Bye-Laws.
This pdf document "Interim guidance to UK flagged shipping on the use of armed guards to defend against the threat of piracy in exceptional circumstances" sets out the UK government's policy on the use of armed guards onboard UK ships and the exceptional circumstances under which their use may be considered.
The EU Council Decision 782/2011 has enhanced the sanctions against the current regime in Syria to counter the movement of both armaments and energy commodities to that country. An additional decision 1244 has extended the list of named parties against whom these sanctions apply.
EU Council Regulation 1245 has extended the list of parties in Iran subject to sanctions.
LP NEWS - Algeria - port of Bejaia paralyzed
01/12/2011
The publication of the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report on Iran has prompted a fresh round of sanctions against Iran. The White House and U.S. Treasury took a series of actions yesterday to increase pressure on Iran. The biggest impact for the shipping industry would seem to be the new petroleum sector sanctions under Executive Order 13590, which are aimed at non-U.S. persons that provide support to Iran's energy sector. This briefing note also includes information on the UK's Financial Restrictions (Iran) Order 2011.