Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of mechanisms available to support UK small and medium-sized enterprises in recovering outstanding commercial debts from overseas entities that are subject to UK sanctions.

This question was answered on 13th July 2026
The Government keeps the implementation and effectiveness of its sanctions regimes under review, including through cross-government work on sanctions implementation and enforcement, and regular engagement with industry. The recent review of the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 made targeted changes to the licensing provisions which enables the satisfaction of pre-existing legal and commercial obligations. This supported a more tailored domestic approach by responding directly to the needs of UK businesses.

Businesses can check whether a person or entity is subject to UK sanctions by consulting the UK Sanctions List. FCDO - UK Sanctions List Search - GOV.UK

Where recovery of a commercial debt involves an overseas person or entity subject to UK sanctions, businesses must ensure that any action taken complies with UK sanctions law. In some circumstances, businesses may require a licence from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, where financial sanctions are engaged, or from the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation where trade sanctions activity falls within its remit.

It is for businesses to ensure compliance with UK financial sanctions and manage their sanctions risk appropriately, including when seeking to recover outstanding commercial debts.