GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026

Export bans

An export ban is a legally binding measure – issued by a national government or a supranational body – that completely prohibits the shipment of specified goods, technologies, or services to defined countries or recipients.

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Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/exportrestrict_e/exportrestrict_e.htm

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Definition & Explanation

An export ban is a legally binding measure – issued by a national government or a supranational body – that completely prohibits the shipment of specified goods, technologies, or services to defined countries or recipients. Common grounds include national security considerations (particularly weapons and dual-use items), domestic supply protection during shortage periods, and compliance with international obligations such as UN Security Council sanctions. Freight forwarders and compliance teams must screen every consignment against applicable ban lists before filing an export declaration. Violations can trigger criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and the permanent revocation of export licences. Export bans differ from export restrictions, which permit trade subject to licences or quotas rather than prohibiting it outright.

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