BCC provides Q&A on trade with Ukraine, Russia and Belarus

The British Chambers of Commerce has put together this Q&A on Trade with Ukraine, Russia and Belarus

We thought it appropriate to offer a practical guide for firms with questions on trading in this region
of the world.

Sanctions have been imposed by the UK Government on Russia and Belarus following the Russian
invasion of Ukraine in late February. These are a combination of measures affecting payment
systems (many Russian banks have been removed from the SWIFT payments service) and trade in
financial services products with Russia plus measures to target the UK assets and travel rights of
selected Russian nationals (including members of the Duma), plus export bans on selected dual-use
products mainly in the technological sector. Furthermore, UK airspace is closed to Russian flights. All
UK ports have also been informed by the UK Government not to allow Russian-linked ships to berth
or enter a port.

In summary:

• UK sanctions prohibit sale of hi-tech products, including on aerospace, to Russia.
• Dual-use products also banned from export to Russia.
• Key Russian banks removed from SWIFT payment system. Sberbank cut out from UK
financial system. Trade in Russian securities prohibited.
• Sanctions also applied to trade underpinned by the Russian Central Bank.
• Wide group of Russian politicians, officials and oligarchs prevented from travelling to the UK,
and arrangements for freezing of assets in the UK put in place. Now being applied to senior
figures in Belarus.
• Ban on Russian flights within UK airspace.
• Russian-linked ships cannot arrive or berth at UK ports.
• UK nationals being advised not to journey to Russia and those in Russia to return to the UK
now.

Are companies still permitted to trade with customers in Russia and Belarus?
There is no legal bar on sending goods outside the terms of the sanctions to those states. In practical
terms, however, it is becoming more difficult to export goods there by the day. Major shipping
companies including Maersk and MSC have said they will not carry non-essential goods to Russia.
Russian flights for freight cannot land in the UK or fly in its airspace. Paying or receiving payment for
goods is likely to be extremely difficult too. No UK Government guidance is in place on this issue –
individual businesses must take decisions on both moral and commercial grounds regarding
supplying prior customers in Russia and Belarus.

Should we be importing goods, including raw materials, from Russia and Belarus?
No ban on these Russian and Belarussian imports is in force in the UK. It is again a matter of moral
and commercial judgment for UK businesses. Companies may have had a history of importing wood,
timber, iron, steel, fuels and other goods from that region but the issues around freight, access to
ports and payment for goods now act as practical barriers on imports from Russia and Belarus.
Trade with Ukraine, Russia and Belarus – Q&A

Will these practical issues on trade mean issues for UK supply chains?
It is likely the situation in Ukraine will disrupt supply chains in relation to imports of steel, iron,
timber, vegetable oils and other oils from Ukraine or the aggressor states. The UK has also been an
importer of Ukrainian grains and cereals but supplies could be replaced through increased domestic
production. The BCC will engage with the relevant UK Government taskforce on issues the Network
experiences with supply of key commodities over the coming weeks and months.

What does the war mean for performance of duties under contract?
If businesses are in doubt, they should explore any force majeure terms included within contracts
with customers in affected states. Contractual terms may provide that war constitutes a force
majeure event, which means that a party may be temporarily excused from performing its
obligations (including obligations to pay) if the force majeure event prevents them from doing so.
This will depend on the specific wording of the clause, though, so firms should consider seeking legal
advice if they believe that this may apply. ChamberCustoms can issue general force majeure letters
to traders.

Will the UK Government compensate UK businesses which stop trading with Russian clients or
customers?
No arrangements have been made for this.

Should UK nationals employed in Russia or Belarus return to the UK?
UK nationals are advised not to travel to Russia. UK nationals whose presence in Russia is nonessential are advised to return to the UK now via any available commercial routes out of Russia.
Direct aviation return routes to the UK are not available: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice/russia

How is business in Ukraine responding?
We are supporting the leadership of the British Ukrainian Chamber who are now in London and have
asked them for guidance on appropriate aid routes that we may wish to support as a network.

If payment has been made under contract for goods or services not now being sent from Russia
what are the implications?
Firstly in terms of what the contract says about force majeure events or ways in which the contract
may be brought to an end. Secondly, companies would be strongly advised to speak to their insurers
for any available assistance under their agreement.

What advice is available from the UK Government?
Latest guidance on the sanctions adopted is here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance/russia-sanctions-guidance

The Export Support Service (ESS) is available to contact via telephone or online form for assistance
with particular trading problems in the affected region. Call on 0300-303-8955 between 0800 and
2200 daily. Online enquiries can be made here: https://www.get-help-selling-goods-servicesabroad.service.gov.uk/russia-ukraine-enquiry/russia-ukraine-enquiry

Import and Exports

Further information on import controls: contact DIT’s Import Licensing Branch at
importcontrols@trade.gov.uk

Further information on export controls: contact the Export Control Joint Unit Helpline on 020 7215
4594 or email: exportcontrol.help@trade.gov.uk or subscribe to the Export Control Joint Unit’s
notices to exporters

Transport
Further advice on transport sanctions and restrictions: contact DfT on
transportsanctions@dft.gov.uk

Financial services
Further information on financial sanctions: contact the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation
OFSI@hmtreasury.gov.uk. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has further information on steps
that firms should take if they have concerns over the implications of financial sanctions on Russian
entities. This includes screening against the UK Sanctions List, and the list of asset freeze targets for
financial sanctions obligations.

Changes to visas
The Home Office has announced that Ukrainian nationals who are on work, study or visit visas in the
UK will have their visas temporarily extended or be able to switch onto different visa routes.