Select Page

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm CET

Rabobank, Croeselaan 18, 3321 CB Utrecht

Exemptions and licences in sanctions programs: working effectively with financial institutions in elevated risk transactions

Items like agricultural products, medicines, and fertilisers are often covered by exemptions built into the major sanctions programs on humanitarian grounds. Parties may also seek authorisation for specific transactions through licensing. In practice, such transactions often remain complex to execute. Industry professionals recognise that legal permissibility does not always remove the practical complexities involved in execution.

At this in-person ACSS Netherlands Chapter event, hosted by Rabobank, speakers from the trade and financial sectors will engage in a direct dialogue on the intricate compliance challenges surrounding exemptions and licences. Traders will share real-world experiences from past transactions involving exemptions or licences, while compliance representatives from different European financial institutions will provide insight into the challenges arising from facilitating such transactions.

The session will focus on the residual risks that remain relevant for all transactional parties involved, and on how the right type of information sharing can smoothen the process. Particular attention will be given to common friction points and to understanding why these arise.

This practitioner-level exchange is aimed at professionals from both industry and financial institutions, including legal counsel, compliance officers, sanctions specialists, exporters, and trade practitioners. By getting a better understanding of counterpart constraints and decision making drivers, the event seeks to contribute to more predictable outcomes in transactions subject to heightened scrutiny.

Agenda

  • 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. – Arrivals and Welcome.

  • 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. – Presentations and Q&A.

  • 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. – Networking and Drinks.

Certificates of Attendance for Chapter Events

All ACSS members who attend Chapter Events will be identified and issued a Certificate of Attendance through our system. Certificates can be used to earn ACSS credits, which contribute to recertification and eligibility for ACSS certification.

ACSS CSS/CXS Points |  3.5

Please contact our Helpdesk at sanctionsassociation.org for more information.

Event Location

Rabobank, Croeselaan 18, 3321 CB Utrecht

Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists

The Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists (ACSS) is the premier global organization dedicated to advancing the professional knowledge and skills of sanctions and export control practitioners. ACSS is committed to offering top-tier training programs, including the Certified Sanctions Specialist (CSS) credential, which serves as the benchmark for professionals in this field. Our mission is to set and uphold standards for the sanctions profession, provide globally recognized qualifications, and build a vibrant, interconnected community of professionals worldwide. ACSS promotes the importance of sanctions compliance by delivering authoritative and respected content, serving the professional interests of our members, and enhancing their career paths. We aim to be the leading voice advocating for sanctions professionals, with a commitment to fostering best practices and safeguarding global trade and financial systems. Sanctions, as defined by leading experts, are the intentional withdrawal or threat of withdrawal of customary trade and financial relations by a government to influence the policies of a target country. This definition reflects the core understanding of economic sanctions and guides the mission of ACSS in shaping effective, compliant practices across industries globally.