(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 8(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c.16) ("the 2018 Act") in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies (in particular under section 8(2)(a) and (g) of that Act) arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

These Regulations make amendments to legislation in the field of sanctions. In particular they amend three categories of retained EU law. Part 1 of these Regulations amends EU-derived domestic legislation, namely regulations made under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68) to implement and enforce asset-freeze regimes contained in EU Council Regulations. Part 2 of these Regulations amends certain provisions of the Sanctions (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/26) that were made under the 2018 Act to address deficiencies in direct EU legislation that implements both arms embargo and financial sanctions measures, notably in respect of the following counties; Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Somalia and Sudan.