Guidance: General Trade Licence: Maritime Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) - Japan

On 20 May 2026, the UK introduced trade sanctions prohibiting the involvement of UK businesses in the maritime transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).   

From 1 January 2027, these sanctions will extend to trade under long-term contracts concluded before 17 June 2025.  

Japan is a close partner and an important contributor to international support for Ukraine. We are issuing this general licence to ensure the continued energy security of Japan while it reduces its reliance on Russian energy. Supporting diversification away from Russian energy strengthens long-term pressure on Russia’s energy sector. 

This is not a loosening of existing sanctions. The licence reflects existing arrangements and does not authorise trade with designated persons or LNG trade under new contracts. The licence is strictly targeted and time-limited, and all conditions in the licence must be met for the trade to be authorised.  

The licence only authorises UK involvement in Japanese imports of Russian LNG if:  

the imports are from the Sakhalin-2 Project  

they take place under a contract for the supply of LNG concluded before 17 June 2025  

they take place between 1 January 2027, when the relevant regulations take effect, and 31 March 2028  

Users must notify the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) and keep records of each act done under the authority of the licence.