Question 1

What countries are currently under UN arms embargo?

Accepted Answer

The SORC Arms Embargo Registry tracks all active UN Security Council arms embargoes in real time. Current UN arms embargoes include measures against countries such as Libya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, North Korea, Iran, and others. The registry is updated continuously as new resolutions are passed or existing measures are modified.

Question 2

What is the difference between UN, US, EU and UK arms embargoes?

Accepted Answer

UN arms embargoes are binding on all UN member states under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. US arms embargoes are implemented through ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) and apply to US-origin goods and technology. EU arms embargoes are implemented through EU Common Position decisions and apply to all EU member states. UK arms embargoes are implemented through UK Export Control Orders post-Brexit and may differ from EU measures. A country may be subject to one, several, or all four regimes simultaneously.

Question 3

How does SORC assess procurement impact for embargoed countries?

Accepted Answer

SORC analysts review each active embargo regime and assess the specific categories of controlled goods, the applicable licensing exceptions, and the practical implications for defence procurement and brokerage. Impact assessments consider the scope of the embargo (total vs. partial), end-user certificate requirements, re-export restrictions, and any humanitarian or government-to-government exemptions.