UK's Export Control Joint Unit issues its first Annual Review

The U.K. OTSI issued its Annual Review 2025-2026 covering the office's inaugural full year of civil enforcement, licensing, and compliance measures. Highlights: 1. Enforcement: 178 suspected breach reports received (mostly Russia-related), 104 cases closed, no civil monetary penalties issued yet, several investigations at an advanced stage. 2. Licensing: 51 applications processed (mostly Russia-regime services), 17 granted, average 96 working days to close. 3. New powers: Sanctions End-Use Controls launched April 2026 to catch risk or third-country diversion; licensing remit expanded to cover goods (not just services) from 27 April 2026. 4. Engagement: 60+ stakeholder engagements, 169 queries handled, updated guidance on Russian evasion/circumvention. 5. Forward-looking: supported the latest Russia sanctions package (LNG, oil imports, shadow fleet) and flagged digital/CMS development as a 2026-27 priority.