Sanctions implementation

Taking commercial decisions for a small or medium business operating in an international environment can be challenging. This is becoming the reality for more and more European small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) that need to cope with the rapid geopolitical changes around the globe, in particular when dealing with sanctions implementation.

Daily news can have a substantial impact on relations with international clientele, the supply chain, or other operations and the bottom line, for better or worse.

A recent example is the EU decision to lift the sanctions on Syria.  In principle, this means that EU companies can once again start conducting “business as usual” within the country. Where sanctions are applied, the European Commission supports companies via the publication of comprehensive FAQs.

Nonetheless, many SMEs may be hesitant to proceed, as they need further tailor‑made legal support to fully examine the details of the decision. If you’re interested in doing (or already do) business in the region, what does that actually mean for you? Can you go full steam ahead in expanding to Syria?

Here’s where the service provided by the EU Sanctions Helpdesk comes in.

The EU Sanctions Helpdesk is an essential part of the European Union's efforts to help European operators, particularly SMEs, comply with EU sanctions across the world.

How does it work?

First, it’s important to know that all the services provided by the Helpdesk are free.

The heart of the EU Sanctions Helpdesk is the Support Service, which offers personalised help to companies performing sanctions due diligence checks.

So, if a company needs an answer to questions regarding Syrian exports, they should start by submitting a due diligence request to the support service. The company should

• check the EU Sanctions Helpdesk website for sanctions information, resources, and additional tips
• click “Get Support” to head to the Support Service portal
• on the portal, submit either a general sanctions question, or a detailed due diligence request
• for a due diligence request, they’ll need to provide key info, including
  • counterparty or any party in the transaction (Who)
  • the goods or services being transacted (What)
  • the locations and jurisdictions where goods, services or related payments will be transiting (Where)
  • end‑use and end‑user information to ensure compliance with restrictive measures (Why)

Once that is done, the Support Service should respond within two working days.

SMEs can also use the EU Sanctions Helpdesk for general compliance questions, information on specific parties, if a specific action/transaction is covered, and country‑specific applications.

The Helpdesk also offers access to a dedicated website with publications, resources, events, and training courses.

It is also possible to ask the Helpdesk for sanctions due diligence support on a potential business transaction, for an explanation of specific prohibitions or obligations found in EU sanctions regulations, or even for support on the design and development of an internal sanctions compliance programme.

Sanctions implementation can be a complex process for SMEs. That is why the Commission wants to provide additional support to EU business operators, with this free service.

Want to know more about the Helpdesk?

• Factsheet for SMEs
• Factsheet for Partners
• Infographic about the Support Service
• The Helpdesk’s monthly newsletter, with advice, lessons learned, stories about European SMEs, upcoming training sessions, events, and more!

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