Description

NSE circular updating market participants on amendments to UN Security Council ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions list affecting five entities.

Summary

NSE has issued updates regarding implementation of Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, specifically concerning amendments to the UN Security Council’s 1267/1989 ISIL (Da’esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List. On August 22, 2025, the Security Council Committee amended five entries on its sanctions list of individuals and entities subject to assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

Key Points

  • Five entries on UN Security Council ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions list have been amended
  • Updates are pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015)
  • Sanctions include assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo as per Security Council resolution 2734 (2024)
  • Market participants must comply with Section 51A of UAPA, 1967
  • Two specific individuals detailed: Ibrahim Ali Abu Bakr Tantoush and Al-Azhar Ben Khalifa Ben Ahmed Rouine

Regulatory Changes

  • Updated sanctions list entries with amended details including aliases, passport information, and addresses
  • Enhanced identification requirements for sanctioned individuals
  • Continued enforcement of Chapter VII UN Charter provisions
  • Updated INTERPOL-UNSC Special Notice requirements

Compliance Requirements

  • Market participants must screen against updated sanctions list
  • Immediate compliance with assets freeze requirements for listed entities
  • Enhanced due diligence for any transactions involving listed individuals or entities
  • Reporting obligations under UAPA Section 51A must be maintained
  • KYC and AML procedures must incorporate updated sanctions information

Important Dates

  • August 22, 2025: Security Council Committee enacted amendments
  • September 1, 2025: NSE circular issued
  • Immediate effect: Compliance requirements apply from circular date

Impact Assessment

Medium operational impact limited to entities dealing with sanctioned individuals. High compliance significance requiring immediate system updates and enhanced screening procedures. Financial institutions and market intermediaries must update their sanctions screening databases and ensure robust compliance mechanisms are in place to prevent any dealings with amended list entries.

Impact Justification

High importance due to mandatory compliance with UN sanctions and UAPA requirements, medium impact as affects specific entities only