Description

NSE forwards SEBI communication on UNSC Security Council Committee's amendment of 22 entries in the 1988 (2011) Taliban Sanctions List, requiring members to scan all accounts and ensure compliance with Section 51A of UAPA, 1967.

Summary

NSE has forwarded a SEBI communication regarding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Committee’s amendment of 22 entries in the 1988 (2011) Sanctions List (covering individuals and entities linked to Taliban), as per press release SC/16313 dated March 10, 2026. All members are required to scan accounts, ensure compliance with Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and follow prescribed procedures under SEBI’s AML/CFT guidelines.

Key Points

  • UNSC Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) amended 22 entries on its sanctions list on March 10, 2026 (SC/16313)
  • The amendments relate to individuals and entities linked to Taliban under the 1988 (2011) list
  • The ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida sanctions list (resolution 1989/2011) remains separately maintained
  • Members must scan all existing and future accounts against the updated list
  • De-listing requests must be forwarded electronically to Joint Secretary (CTCR), MHA at jsctcr-mha@gov.in with a copy to MEA, Joint Secretary (UNP) at jsunp@mea.gov.in
  • Updated sanctions lists are also available on the SEBI website under “Media and Notifications” → “UNSC Sanctions Committee List”

Regulatory Changes

  • 22 entries amended in the UNSC 1988 (2011) Taliban Sanctions List effective March 10, 2026
  • Assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo apply as set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2816 (2026)
  • No changes to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida (1267/1989) list were noted in this circular

Compliance Requirements

  • Account Scanning: Scan all existing accounts to ensure no account is held by or linked to any listed entity or individual; apply same check to future accounts
  • Regulatory Reference: Follow SEBI “Guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standards and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT)” dated June 06, 2024 (clause 54)
  • Central Government Order: Follow procedure in Central Government Order dated February 02, 2021 for implementation of Section 51A of UAPA, 1967
  • De-listing Requests: Forward any de-listing requests to:
  • Ombudsperson: Inform individuals/entities that requests for removal from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List may be submitted to the UN Ombudsperson at https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ombudsperson/application
  • Regular Monitoring: Visit SEBI website regularly for updates to sanctions lists

Important Dates

  • March 10, 2026: UNSC press release SC/16313 — 22 entries amended in 1988 (2011) Sanctions List
  • March 17, 2026: NSE circular issued (NSE/ISC/73325, Circular Ref. No. 14/2026)
  • February 02, 2021: Central Government Order on implementation of Section 51A of UAPA, 1967 (reference procedure)
  • June 06, 2024: SEBI AML/CFT Guidelines (clause 54) — reference compliance standard

Impact Assessment

This is a routine but mandatory compliance circular affecting all NSE members. The amendment of 22 entries in the Taliban-related UNSC sanctions list requires immediate account screening obligations. While there is no direct market or trading impact, failure to comply with AML/CFT obligations under SEBI guidelines and UAPA Section 51A carries significant regulatory and legal risk. Members should update their compliance systems and screening processes to reflect the revised 1988 (2011) list promptly. No specific stocks or trading segments are directly impacted.

Impact Justification

Mandatory compliance circular requiring all members to scan existing and future accounts against updated UNSC sanctions lists; non-compliance with AML/CFT obligations carries regulatory risk. Operational impact is moderate as this is a routine sanctions list update.