Surrey Chambers of Commerce – Sanctions and Regulations Course

Course Overview:

This half-day course is designed to provide UK exporters and importers with a thorough understanding of sanctions and regulations which affect international trade. Participants will learn about how UK sanctions and regulations can significantly impact SMEs.

Learning Objectives:

How sanctions and regulations can significantly impact SMEs
The importance of risk assessments
The importance of compliance
The consequences of penalties and resulting reputational damage
Course Delivery:

Duration: Half-day (3.5 hours, including breaks).
Format: In-person.
Materials Provided: Course slide handout.
Includes: Group discussions, Q&A sessions.
Regulations: All courses will include any regulatory changes made from September 2025 by the UK government.
Agenda subject to change
Target Audience:

Export Managers and Coordinators
Import Managers and Coordinators
Trade Compliance Officers
Logistics and Supply Chain Professionals
SME Owners involved in international trade

Schedule:

09:00 – 09:30 | Registration and Networking

Participants arrive, register, and have an opportunity to network with peers.
09:30 – 09:45 | Introduction and Course Objectives

Welcome and introductions.
Overview of course objectives and agenda.
09:45 – 10:15 | Introduction to Trade Sanctions

Overview of international trade in the UK context
Importance of trade compliance for SMEs
Common challenges SMEs face
Key trade bodies and regulatory authorities
10:15 – 11:00 | Understanding Trade Sanctions

Definition and rationale for sanctions
Types of sanctions: economic, trade, arms embargoes, financial sanctions
Jurisdictional reach: UK, EU, US, multilateral sanctions
Impact on SME operations (case examples)
11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee Break

11:15 – 11:45 | UK Sanctions Framework

UK Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA)
Role of the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI)
Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI)
Overview of sanction regimes in UK, EU and US
Current sanctions: countries and sectors (latest updates)
Export controls and dual use goods
11:45 – 12:15 | Practical Compliance for SMEs

Building internal compliance programs
Customer and transaction screening
Risk assessment and due diligence
Record keeping and reporting
Enforcement case studies
12:15 – 12:30 | Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Recap of key points covered.
Future International Trade courses from Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

Instructor:

Linda Bazant LLB (Hons) Barrister and Member of The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade.

By the end of this half-day course, participants will have a practical understanding of sanctions and regulations as they affect UK businesses enabling them to ensure compliance, reduce delays, and streamline their international trade operations.

TRAIN MORE, SAVE MORE: Book one attendee and receive 50% off each additional booking.

To book under this discount, please email Giorgia.Burgess@surrey-chambers.co.uk.

Discount applies to additional attendees from the same company only.