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Sanctions and export controls regulate the transfer of goods, technology, services and funds across borders to protect national security, foreign policy and international obligations. In Jordan these measures are implemented through a combination of national laws, customs rules and the obligations Jordan accepts as a United Nations member state. Aqaba, as a Special Economic Zone, has a distinct regulatory and customs environment that affects how sanctions and export controls operate on goods moving through that port and its free-zone areas. Businesses and individuals working in Aqaba must comply both with Jordanian requirements and with applicable international measures that may have extraterritorial effects.
Sanctions and export controls are complex and can have serious commercial, administrative and criminal consequences. You may need a lawyer when you face any of the following situations:
- You import, export or re-export goods, software or technology that may be subject to export controls or dual-use regulations.
- Your company or a counterparty appears on a sanctions list or is linked to a sanctioned jurisdiction or individual.
- Customs or regulatory authorities in Aqaba or elsewhere open an inquiry, seize goods or freeze funds connected to suspected violations.
- You need to apply for an export license, a re-export authorization or a permissions-related exemption within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone.
- Your bank refuses to process a transaction for compliance reasons, or you receive a request to provide information under an AML or sanctions screening process.
- You are negotiating contracts that involve controlled items or potentially sanctioned counterparties and need protective contract clauses and compliance warranties.
- You need to prepare or respond to a voluntary disclosure to authorities about a possible breach, and you want to manage mitigation, penalties and reputational risk.
Key local aspects to understand when operating in Aqaba include the following points:
- National and international framework - Jordan implements United Nations Security Council sanctions and maintains national regulations to enforce international obligations. In addition, banks and firms operating in Jordan often follow international partner regimes for risk management.
- Customs and export licensing - Exports and re-exports generally require customs declarations and, for certain categories of goods, specific export licenses or permits issued by designated ministries. Aqaba operates under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority framework which provides tailored customs procedures but does not negate obligations under sanctions law.
- Controlled items - Items commonly subject to closer control include military goods, arms and related materiel, dual-use goods and certain high-tech products, software and technology transfers. Controls may cover physical goods, intangible transfers of technical data and services including brokering.
- Financial and trade restrictions - The Central Bank of Jordan and financial institutions apply controls to payments, account freezes and reporting obligations related to designated persons or jurisdictions. Banks may apply enhanced due diligence or refuse transactions to avoid exposure to secondary sanctions risks.
- Enforcement and penalties - Violations can lead to administrative fines, seizure of goods, revocation of licenses, and in serious cases criminal prosecution. Enforcement involves customs authorities, regulatory ministries and, where relevant, law enforcement agencies.
- Compliance expectations - Authorities expect businesses to implement reasonable compliance measures - such as screening procedures, recordkeeping, staff training and internal policies - to prevent and detect prohibited transactions.
Sanctions are targeted restrictions imposed for foreign policy or security reasons - they often restrict dealings with certain countries, entities or individuals and can include asset freezes, travel bans and trade embargoes. Export controls regulate the export, re-export and transfer of specific items, technologies and services that could affect national security or proliferation risks. Both may overlap, but export controls focus on categories of goods and technology, while sanctions focus on who or where you can trade with.
Yes. Jordan is a UN member and implements UN Security Council sanctions through national measures. That means businesses and individuals in Aqaba must comply with UN sanctions listings and prohibitions enacted by the Jordanian authorities.
Aqaba’s Special Economic Zone has customized customs procedures and incentives designed to promote investment and trade. However, the zone does not exempt operators from national sanctions obligations or international measures that Jordan enforces. You must follow both ASEZA procedures and the applicable national legal requirements for sanctions and export controls.
Enforcement typically involves a combination of customs authorities, relevant ministries responsible for trade and industry, the Central Bank for financial measures, and Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority for zone-specific procedures. Law enforcement agencies may handle criminal investigations. The exact authority depends on the nature of the alleged breach.
Commonly controlled categories include military and defense-related items, dual-use goods that have civilian and military applications, certain chemicals and biological materials, and specific high-technology components and software. Controls can also apply to intangible transfers of technical data or services and to brokering activities.
Stop the transaction and seek legal advice immediately. You must verify the accuracy of the list match, assess whether there are any licensing routes or exemptions, and notify competent authorities if required. Do not attempt to circumvent restrictions. Your bank or legal counsel can assist with the required steps and filings.
Yes. Banks apply sanctions and anti-money laundering screening and may block or reject payments involving designated persons, suspicious counterparties or high-risk jurisdictions. Financial institutions also perform enhanced due diligence on transactions that present sanctions exposure.
Typical compliance measures include a documented sanctions and export controls policy, screening of customers and suppliers against sanctions lists, staff training, export classification processes, licensing workflows, recordkeeping of transactions, and periodic audits. Tailoring these measures to your business size and exposure is essential.
Penalties can include administrative fines, confiscation of goods, suspension or revocation of business licenses, civil liability and criminal prosecution. Penalties depend on the seriousness of the violation, whether it was intentional, and the specific legal provisions applied by Jordanian authorities.
A lawyer experienced in sanctions and export controls can assess the legal basis for the detention, advise on immediate steps to protect your rights, prepare or submit required licensing applications or disclosures, negotiate with authorities, gather mitigating evidence, and represent you in administrative or criminal proceedings if necessary. Early legal involvement often reduces risk and helps preserve business continuity.
When seeking authoritative information or guidance consider consulting the following types of organizations and bodies:
- Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - for zone-specific customs procedures and licensing rules.
- Jordan Customs Department - for rules on exports, imports, declarations and seizures.
- Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply - for export licensing and trade policy matters.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates - for matters related to international sanctions obligations and diplomatic guidance.
- Central Bank of Jordan - for financial sanctions, banks’ obligations and reporting requirements.
- Local chambers of commerce and industry, including the Aqaba business community - for practical compliance support and trade guidance.
- International organizations and guidance - such as the United Nations for sanctions lists and resolutions; national export control guidance from partner states for technical information on controlled items.
- Professional advisors - experienced local law firms, customs brokers and export control consultants who handle transactions in Aqaba and across Jordan.
If you need legal assistance with sanctions or export controls in Aqaba, consider these practical steps:
- Pause the relevant transaction if you suspect a compliance issue, but take care to preserve evidence and records.
- Gather factual information - contracts, invoices, shipping documents, correspondence, party names and identifying details, product descriptions and technical specifications.
- Contact a lawyer who specializes in sanctions and export controls and who has experience with Jordanian authorities and Aqaba-specific procedures.
- If a bank or customs authority is involved, notify your legal counsel immediately so they can advise on disclosure obligations and engagement strategies.
- Implement or update basic compliance measures - screening, recordkeeping and internal guidance - to reduce future risk while you resolve the current matter.
- Where appropriate, seek a licensing route or authorization rather than attempting to proceed without clearance.
Timely legal advice and a proactive compliance approach are the best ways to limit exposure, protect your business and keep trade flowing within the applicable legal framework in Aqaba and across Jordan.
