With more Maltese companies engaging in international trade than ever before, navigating the evolving landscape of compliance has become a critical business priority. Grant Thornton Malta is at the forefront of advising companies as they adapt to heightened EU sanctions enforcement and navigate the enduring importance of Incoterms in global transactions.

The recent implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1226 has marked a significant shift in the European Union’s sanctions framework. By May 2025, member states had to harmonise their sanctions enforcement laws, introducing enhanced personal liability for trade compliance officers and criminal penalties for violations, including aiding or abetting non-compliant activities.

This has serious implications for businesses: individuals, not just organisations, are now accountable for ensuring transactions comply with sanctions. At the same time, ongoing EU sanctions packages, particularly those targeting Russia and Belarus, have increased restrictions across multiple sectors.

Meanwhile, Incoterms 2020 remains an essential tool for structuring international transactions. These rules determine how risk, responsibility, and costs are shared between buyers and sellers, and play a vital role in ensuring compliance with trade restrictions. Understanding the link between sanctions and Incoterms is now more critical than ever.

Grant Thornton Malta supports businesses with tailored compliance strategies, from due diligence screening and Incoterm selection to documentation control and training. With expanding regulations and growing risk, companies must take a holistic approach to trade compliance in 2025 and Grant Thornton Malta stands ready to guide them through it.

Contact the experts on [email protected] or visit https://www.grantthornton.com.mt/