Sanctioned Lists and Red Flags
Learn how UNSC sanctions, export controls, and red flags help safeguard global trade. Understand key sanction lists and warning signs to prevent unlawful or high-risk transactions.
Last updated 19 February 2026
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United Nations Security Council Sanctions
As a United Nations member state, Singapore implements all United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions through domestic laws.
These may include:
Arms embargoes
Restrictions on missile-related or nuclear-related goods
Prohibitions on activities that violate UNSC decisions
If your business deals in strategic goods, you must ensure no transaction contravenes UNSC Resolutions.
Refer to the United Nations Security Sanctions page for more information.
Important
Watch for red flags to ensure that your trading activities comply with Singapore’s domestic laws and UNSC Resolutions. Singapore does not enforce unilateral sanctions imposed by other countries.
Export Controls on Russia
To constraint Russia’s capacity to conduct war against Ukraine, Singapore has introduced export controls on items that can be used as weapons to inflict harm on or to subjugate the Ukrainians, as well as items that can contribute to offensive cyber operations:
Could be used as weapons
Support offensive cyber operations
Enable harmful military activity
More information is available on the Sanctions and Restrictions Against Russia in Response to Its Invasion of Ukraine page.
Understanding Red Flags
Every member in trading community plays a vital role in safeguarding global security. Detecting red flags early helps you avoid involvement in prohibited or high-risk transactions, especially those linked to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
You should always Know Your Customer (KYC) and understand:
Who are you dealing with
What the goods will be used for
Where the goods are going
Why are the goods required
Below is a helpful checklist.
Red Flags to Watch For
Common customer and end-use/product red flags indicating potential risks in trade transactions.
Customer Red Flag | End-Use/Product Red Flag |
Identity of the customer is unclear | Vague delivery locations |
Customer has little/no business background | Product unsuitable for buyer’s business |
Customer linked to military activity | Buyer unclear about domestic use/export or re-export |
Address similar to entities on UNSC lists | Goods exceed the destination’s tech capability |
Reluctance to declare end-use of the goods | Abnormal shipping route |
Requests unusual shipment/labels | Freight forwarder listed as final user |
Unfamiliar with product specs but insists on buying | Suspicious or inconsistent packing |
Declines installation or training, or maintenance services. | Installation requested in a restricted area |
What You Need to Know About Nuclear Materials
Nuclear materials are extremely hazardous, tightly regulated and often linked to proliferation risks. Use the checks below before trading or shipping nuclear materials.
Checklists:
Material-Related Questions
Is a sample available for analysis?
What is the material’s form (metal, powder, liquid, gas)?
If in solution, what is the concentration or activity level?
What are the materials’ origin and history?
Is isotopic analysis available?
For manufactured units containing nuclear material, can the seller provide:
Technical specifications
Photographs
Markings on the container
Details of the acquisition
Container/Transport-Related Questions
What are the dimensions/weight of the containers?
Do the containers meet international safety standards?
What markings are on the container?
How much nuclear material is inside each container?
Is the technical data proprietary or publicly available?
What are the radiation levels at the container surface?
What facility did the material come from?
What safeguards are in place at the facility?
How is the material removed?
Who removes it? Is it removed by the facility’s or factory's employees?
Unilateral Sanctioned Lists
In addition to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions, some countries impose unilateral sanctions.
While Singapore does not enforce the laws of other countries, parties in Singapore may be affected by unilateral sanctions imposed by other countries as they may have extraterritorial implications.
Below is an overview of commonly referenced sanctions lists worldwide.
Note: The list below is for reference only and is not exhaustive.
Country | Lists |
Japan | |
European Union | Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the European Union Sanctions Policy |
United Kingdom | |
United States | |