This Order amends the Syria (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1755) (as amended) (“the principal Order”). The principal Order gives effect in specified Overseas Territories to sanctions in respect of Syria adopted by the European Union (“EU”) in Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 (OJ No L 016, 19.1.2012, p1) (as amended).

The amendments made in this Order give effect to changes adopted by the EU in Council Regulation (EU) No 2016/2137 (OJ No L 332/3, 7.12.2016). In particular, this Order reflects amendments to the EU sanctions regime against Syria in respect of the purchase and transport (and associated financing) of petroleum products in Syria. It also makes related amendments to offences in the principal Order relating to making available funds or economic resources to designated persons, as well as other minor amendments to the definition, licensing and offence provisions.