(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c.13) to establish a sanctions regime in relation to the Central African Republic for the purposes of compliance with the United Kingdom’s United Nations obligations and for promoting peace, security, stability and human rights in the Central African Republic and related purposes. Following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, these Regulations also replace the European Union sanctions measures in relation to the Central African Republic which are currently implemented via an EU Council Decision and Regulation.

The Regulations confer a power on the Secretary of State to designate persons who are involved in activity which threatens the peace, stability and security of the Central African Republic, or who are involved in the commission of serious human rights violations or abuses in the Central African Republic. Designated persons may be excluded from the United Kingdom and may be made subject to financial sanctions, including having their funds and/or economic resources frozen. The Regulations also impose trade restrictions on military goods and technology.

The Regulations provide for certain exceptions to this sanctions regime, in particular in relation to financial sanctions (for example to allow for frozen accounts to be credited with interest or other earnings) and also acts done for the purpose of national security or the prevention of serious crime. The Regulations also confer powers on the Secretary of State and the Treasury to issue licences in respect of activities that would otherwise be prohibited under the financial and trade sanctions imposed. Schedule 2 to these Regulations sets out the purposes pursuant to which the Treasury may issue such licences.