Description

NSE circular forwarding SEBI communication on UNSC amendments to the 1988 (2011) Taliban Sanctions List affecting 4 entries, requiring members to scan accounts and ensure compliance with Section 51A of UAPA, 1967.

Summary

NSE has issued circular NSE/ISC/73780 (Circular Ref. No. 21/2026) forwarding a SEBI communication regarding updates to the UNSC Sanctions List. The UNSC Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) has amended 4 entries in the Taliban Sanctions List via press release SC/16336 dated April 13, 2026. All NSE members are required to take necessary compliance actions under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Key Points

  • UNSC Committee (Resolution 1988/2011) amended 4 entries in the Taliban Sanctions List on April 13, 2026 (SC/16336)
  • Amendment covers individuals/entities subject to assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo
  • SEBI has communicated this update to NSE, which is now directing all members to comply
  • Relevant UNSC press release is enclosed as Annexure 2 in the circular
  • SEBI maintains a dedicated tab “UNSC Sanctions Committee List” under “Media and Notifications” on its website

Regulatory Changes

Compliance Requirements

  • Follow the procedure outlined in the Central Government Order dated February 2, 2021 for implementation of Section 51A of UAPA, 1967
  • Scan all existing accounts to ensure no account is held by or linked to any listed entity or individual
  • Apply the same screening to all future accounts
  • Comply with Clause 54 of SEBI Guidelines on AML Standards and CFT / Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries under PMLA, 2002 (dated June 6, 2024)
  • Forward any de-listing requests received to:
  • Inform individuals/entities seeking removal from the ISIL/Al-Qaida Sanctions List about the UN Ombudsperson process at: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ombudsperson/application
  • Regularly visit the SEBI website for further updates to the sanctions list

Important Dates

  • April 13, 2026: UNSC SC/16336 press release — 4 entries amended in 1988 (2011) Sanctions List
  • April 17, 2026: NSE circular date; members expected to act promptly
  • February 2, 2021: Central Government Order detailing Section 51A UAPA implementation procedure (reference date)
  • June 6, 2024: SEBI AML/CFT Guidelines (Clause 54) that govern account screening obligations

Impact Assessment

This circular has no direct trading or market operations impact. However, it carries significant compliance obligations for all NSE members, including brokers, trading members, and intermediaries. Failure to scan accounts against the updated sanctions list or to report de-listing requests as directed could expose members to regulatory action under PMLA, 2002 and UAPA, 1967. The update is routine in nature (periodic UNSC list amendments) but must be actioned immediately given the legal framework governing sanctions compliance in Indian securities markets.

Impact Justification

Mandatory compliance action required by all members under UAPA Section 51A; involves account scanning and sanctions list adherence. No direct market-trading impact but carries significant regulatory and legal obligations for all NSE members.