From Wednesday 28 January 2026 the UK will move to a single official list of UK sanctions designations: the UK Sanctions List (UKSL). From this date, the OFSI Consolidated List and its search tool will no longer be updated and should not be relied upon for sanctions screening.
The UK government has published guidance confirming this change and the transition to a single list for UK sanctions designations (see Moving to a single list for UK sanctions designations, 28 January 2026 – GOV.UK).
What is changing?
The UK Sanctions List will become the sole authoritative source for UK sanctions designations. This change is intended to simplify sanctions compliance by removing duplication between lists.
What is not changing?
This is a procedural change only. The underlying UK sanctions regime remains unchanged and existing obligations continue to apply.
Why this matters
Sanctions compliance relies on using accurate and up-to-date information. Continuing to reference an obsolete list after 28 January 2026 could result in:
- inaccurate sanctions checks;
- inconsistencies between policies and practice; and
- increased regulatory and reputational risk.
For regulated firms this is a straightforward but important housekeeping exercise.
What you should do now?
Ahead of 28 January 2026 firms should:
- ensure sanctions screening is being carried out using the UK Sanctions List only;
- update policies, procedures and training materials to remove references to the OFSI Consolidated List and its search tool;
- check that any third-party screening providers will align with the UK Sanctions List; and
- make sure relevant staff are aware of the change.
This is also a sensible opportunity to check that sanctions risks are being addressed clearly and proportionately within existing compliance frameworks.
A brief note on trade sanctions
The move to a single sanctions list relates to sanctions designations only. It does not affect UK trade sanctions which continue to apply and are administered separately. For most firms this remains a low-risk area but should still be considered as part of overall sanctions compliance.
Final thoughts
The move to the UK Sanctions List is a welcome simplification — but only if systems and documentation are updated in good time.
If you would like support reviewing or updating your sanctions policies, procedures or risk assessments, please get in touch.
