The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2026

Published: Thu 16th Jul 26

These Regulations amend the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 to expand trade, financial, and shipping sanctions.

They introduce new prohibitions on the import and acquisition of certain diamonds processed in third countries and high-value jewelry originating in Russia.

The instrument also restricts the provision of technical assistance, financial services, and funds related to these goods, while establishing a legal framework for exceptions and licensing by the Secretary of State or HM Treasury.

Arguments For

The explanatory memorandum states that these measures are intended to encourage Russia to cease actions which destabilise Ukraine, or undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.
Proponents argue within the document that extending trade prohibitions to high-value goods, including diamonds processed in third countries, limits revenue streams used to fund the conflict.
The Regulations define specific thresholds (such as 1 carat or 0.5 carats) to align UK enforcement with international efforts specifically targeting the diamond trade.

Arguments Against

Business groups have noted the complexity of verifying the origin of diamonds processed in third countries, which may increase compliance costs for jewelry retailers.
Legal analysts have identified potential ambiguities in how 'technical assistance' is defined in the context of high-value consumer goods.
Some trade organizations have expressed concerns that the rapid succession of amendment regulations makes it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to maintain up-to-date compliance frameworks.

These Regulations may be cited as the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2024 and come into force on 1st October 2024.

This section establishes the official title of the regulations.

It sets the commencement date for all provisions within the instrument as 1 October 2024.

The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 are amended as set out in regulations 3 to 10.

This provision identifies the 2019 Russia Sanctions as the primary legislation being modified.

It clarifies that the subsequent sections (3 through 10) contain the specific textual changes.

In regulation 46Z16J (interpretation), in the definition of "relevant diamond", for "sub-paragraph (a) and (b)" substitute "sub-paragraphs (a) to (c)".

This amendment updates the definition of 'relevant diamond' within the existing sanctions framework.

By adding a reference to sub-paragraph (c), it expands the scope of which types of diamonds are subject to regulation.

In regulation 46Z16K (import of relevant diamonds processed in a third country)— (a) in paragraph (1), for "a weight equal to or exceeding 1 carat" substitute "the relevant weight"; (b) after paragraph (3) insert— "(4) In paragraph (1), "the relevant weight" means— (a) during the period beginning with 1st October 2024 and ending with 31st August 2025, a weight equal to or exceeding 1 carat; (b) on and after 1st September 2025, a weight equal to or exceeding 0.5 carats.".

This section introduces a phased weight threshold for prohibited diamond imports that have been processed in third countries.

It maintains the 1-carat threshold until 31 August 2025, after which the limit drops to 0.5 carats, thereby broadening the prohibition to smaller stones.

In regulation 46Z16L (acquisition of relevant diamonds processed in a third country), in paragraph (1), for "a weight equal to or exceeding 1 carat" substitute "the weight specified in regulation 46Z16K(4)".

This provision ensures that the rules for acquiring diamonds processed in third countries match the import weight thresholds.

It links the acquisition ban to the timeline established in the previous section (1 carat initially, falling to 0.5 carats in September 2025).

In regulation 46Z16M (technical assistance relating to relevant diamonds processed in a third country), in paragraph (1), for "a weight equal to or exceeding 1 carat" substitute "the weight specified in regulation 46Z16K(4)".

This section prohibits providing technical assistance for diamonds processed in third countries that meet the specified weight thresholds.

Technical assistance typically refers to repairs, development, or maintenance related to the goods.

In regulation 46Z16N (financial services and funds relating to relevant diamonds processed in a third country), in paragraph (1), for "a weight equal to or exceeding 1 carat" substitute "the weight specified in regulation 46Z16K(4)".

This regulation bans the provision of financial services or funds for diamonds processed in third countries if they meet the weight criteria.

This restricts banking, insurance, and investment activities related to these specific gemstones.

After Chapter 4GC (relevant diamonds processed in a third country), insert—

"CHAPTER 4GD: Jewellery

46Z16P. Interpretation In this Chapter— "jewellery" means any thing specified in Part 2 of Schedule 3GA; "relevant jewellery" means jewellery which— (a) is of a value exceeding £250, and (b) originates in Russia.

46Z16Q. Import of relevant jewellery (1) The import of relevant jewellery which is consigned from Russia is prohibited. (2) The import of relevant jewellery which originates in Russia is prohibited. (3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) are subject to Part 7 (Exceptions and licences).

46Z16R. Acquisition of relevant jewellery (1) A person must not directly or indirectly acquire relevant jewellery which originates in Russia or which is located in Russia with the intention of that jewellery entering the United Kingdom. (2) Paragraph (1) is subject to Part 7 (Exceptions and licences). (3) A person who contravenes the prohibition in paragraph (1) commits an offence, but it is a defence for a person charged with that offence to show that the person did not know and had no reasonable cause to suspect that the jewellery originated in Russia or was located in Russia (as the case may be).

46Z16S. Technical assistance relating to relevant jewellery (1) A person must not directly or indirectly provide technical assistance relating to— (a) the import of relevant jewellery which is consigned from Russia; (b) the import of relevant jewellery which originates in Russia; (c) the direct or indirect acquisition of relevant jewellery which originates in Russia or which is located in Russia with the intention of that jewellery entering the United Kingdom. (2) Paragraph (1) is subject to Part 7 (Exceptions and licences). (3) A person who contravenes any of the prohibitions in paragraph (1) commits an offence, but it is a defence for a person charged with an offence of contravening a prohibition in paragraph (1) to show that the person did not know and had no reasonable cause to suspect that the person was providing technical assistance relating to the matters in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c).

46Z16T. Financial services and funds relating to relevant jewellery (1) A person must not directly or indirectly provide financial services or make funds available to another person in pursuance of or in connection with an arrangement whose object or effect is— (a) the import of relevant jewellery which is consigned from Russia; (b) the import of relevant jewellery which originates in Russia; (c) the direct or indirect acquisition of relevant jewellery which originates in Russia or which is located in Russia with the intention of that jewellery entering the United Kingdom. (2) Paragraph (1) is subject to Part 7 (Exceptions and licences). (3) A person who contravenes a prohibition in paragraph (1) commits an offence, but it is a defence for a person charged with an offence of contravening a prohibition in paragraph (1) to show that the person did not know and had no reasonable cause to suspect that the person was providing financial services or making funds available in contravention of that prohibition."

This detailed section creates a new category of sanctions specifically for jewelry from Russia valued over £250.

It prohibits the import and acquisition of such jewelry, as well as the provision of related technical assistance and financial services.

It establishes criminal offenses for violations while providing a legal defense if a person can prove they had no reasonable cause to suspect the jewelry's origin or location was Russia.

In regulation 82 (review of the 2019 Regulations), in paragraph (1), for "and 4GC (relevant diamonds processed in a third country)" substitute ", 4GC (relevant diamonds processed in a third country) and 4GD (jewellery)".

This updates the government's obligation to review the effectiveness of sanctions.

It adds the new jewelry-related prohibitions to the list of measures that must be periodically evaluated by the Secretary of State.

After Schedule 3G (Luxury goods), insert—

"SCHEDULE 3GA: Diamonds and Jewellery

PART 1: Diamonds

Any thing falling within the following combined nomenclature codes— 7102 10 00 (unsorted diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set); 7102 31 00 (non-industrial diamonds, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, but not mounted or set); 7102 39 00 (non-industrial diamonds, other than those unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, but not mounted or set).

PART 2: Jewellery 2. Any thing falling within the following combined nomenclature codes— 7113 (articles of jewellery and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal); 7114 (articles of goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares and parts thereof, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal)."

This section inserts a new schedule that specifies exactly which products are covered by these sanctions using international shipping (CN) codes.

Part 1 covers various types of unsorted and non-industrial diamonds, while Part 2 covers articles of jewelry, goldsmiths' wares, and silversmiths' wares made of precious metals.

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