Can We Ship It? Navigating Export Controls, Sanctions and Licensing Risk

International trade compliance has become increasingly complex as organisations face expanding sanctions regimes, export control restrictions, dual-use goods regulations, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. What was once considered a specialist issue for defence contractors now affects manufacturers, technology companies, logistics providers, financial institutions, professional services firms, and exporters operating across global markets. A failure to identify licensing requirements or sanctions exposure can result in significant financial, regulatory, and reputational consequences.

This session examines the practical challenges of managing export control and sanctions compliance in an evolving geopolitical environment. Participants will explore how export licensing frameworks operate, how sanctions risks arise in commercial transactions, and what organisations should be doing to identify, assess, and mitigate trade compliance exposure. The session focuses on practical decision-making, risk assessment, and compliance strategies that can be applied across a wide range of industries engaged in international trade.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The changing global trade compliance landscape

• Export controls and licensing fundamentals

• Dual-use goods and technology transfers

• Strategic goods and controlled items

• UK, EU, US, and international sanctions frameworks

• Customer and end-user due diligence

• End-use and destination risk assessment

• Screening and monitoring requirements

• Trade compliance governance and internal controls

• Customs, sanctions, and export control intersections

• Investigations, enforcement, and penalties

• Lessons from recent compliance failures