- Publication type
- Article
- Thematic area
- Sanctions compliance & due diligence
Get started on key questions with our training materials
- What should you check before entering into an international transaction?
- Is your counterparty subject to EU sanctions?
- Are the products or services you are offering restricted?
- Does your delivery route present hidden geographical risks?
- Could the goods ultimately be used for a prohibited purpose?
These are key questions you need to answer. To help navigate them, the EU Sanctions Helpdesk delivered the EU Sanctions Due Diligence in Practice webinar series in May and June 2026.
Designed for SMEs and business support organisations, this intermediate-level training series helps participants move beyond the fundamentals of EU sanctions and apply practical due diligence measures throughout the business transaction. Built around the Four Keys to Compliance – Who, What, Where and What for – the series provides a structured framework for identifying sanctions-related risks and supporting informed business decisions. Through practical examples, case studies and real-world scenarios, the webinars demonstrate how sanctions due diligence can be integrated into day-to-day business activities.
Whether you attended the live sessions or are discovering the series for the first time, you can now download the presentation materials from all four modules and explore them at your own pace.
Module 1: Who? Counterparty Due Diligence
Effective sanctions compliance begins with knowing who you are doing business with.
This module explains why counterparty due diligence is vital for your business. We guide you step-by-step through:
- identifying every party involved in your transactions;
- collecting essential compliance information;
- using sanctions screening tools and interpreting the results;
- spotting red flags that signal when you need to conduct enhanced due diligence.
Practical case studies and common pitfalls help show how these principles can be applied in real business situations.
Download the presentation (PDF) – Learn how to conduct counterparty due diligence.
Module 2: What? Restricted Products and Services
Before you export or import goods, you should determine whether the products or services involved are subject to EU sanctions.
This module introduces you to the different categories of restricted goods and services under EU sanctions, including dual-use goods, military goods, Common High Priority (CHP) items and country-specific restrictions. You will learn how to:
- determine if your product is subject to sanctions;
- navigate relevant classifications and legal annexes with confidence;
- maintain appropriate documentation to back up your compliance assessments.
Download the presentation (PDF) – Learn how to identify restricted goods and services.
Module 3: Where? High-Risk Countries and Circumvention
You also need to assess whether your transaction’s destination or shipping route exposes your business to sanctions-related risks.
In this module, you will explore geographical risk, common circumvention practices and high-risk trade routes. You will learn how to:
- identify circumvention red flags in your supply chain;
- assess routes and final destinations;
- understand the "best efforts" obligation;
- use practical tools to reduce the risk of sanctions evasion.
Real-life scenarios demonstrate how seemingly straightforward transactions may conceal compliance risks.
Download the presentation (PDF) – Learn how to identify circumvention risks.
Module 4: What for? End-Use and End-User Risks
Understanding how your goods or services will ultimately be used is an essential part of sanctions due diligence.
The final module focuses on helping you assess end-use and end-user risks. You will learn how to:
- verify the consistency of transactions;
- understand contractual safeguards such as the "No Russia / Belarus" clauses;
- document your due diligence activities;
- recognise situations where voluntary self-disclosure may be appropriate.
Practical examples and case studies help you strengthen your internal compliance procedures.
Download the presentation (PDF) – Learn how to assess end-use and end-user risks.
Need further support?
The presentation materials are just one part of the support available through the EU Sanctions Helpdesk. If you're looking for further guidance, here are two ways we can help.
Free personalised support
If your business has a specific question relating to EU sanctions or requires support with a due diligence assessment, the EU Sanctions Helpdesk – funded by the European Union – provides free, personalised support to eligible European SMEs, helping businesses better understand sanctions-related risks and make informed decisions.
Upcoming events
New to the EU Sanctions Helpdesk? Follow our upcoming events, including induction webinars and training sessions, to learn how to navigate the Helpdesk website, explore our resources, submit compliance support requests, and make the most of our free services for European SMEs.