South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 0 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓

No elevated country indicator for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands may still be on a list.

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On the sanctions lists

No entry on the 7 lists Sanctioni screens names South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: logistics and trade

Research and fishing area without transit function

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (ISO code GS) are an uninhabited British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, about 1,300 km east of the Falkland Islands and north of the Antarctic continent. The territory was separated from the Falkland Islands in 1985 and has since formed its own Overseas Territory. Executive power rests with the Commissioner, who is also the Governor of the Falkland Islands; the government (GSGSSI) is based in Stanley in the Falklands. Locally, King Edward Point next to the former whaling station of Grytviken serves as the administrative hub and research station, operated by the British Antarctic Survey. There is no permanent population; researchers, government staff and visitors are present mainly during the season. The climate is sub-Antarctic maritime with strong winds, snowfall and sea ice. The economy rests on CCAMLR-managed fisheries for toothfish, krill and icefish, expedition cruise tourism and research, and the territory is surrounded by one of the world's largest marine protected areas. The currency is the pound sterling (GBP).

Capital: none
Area: 3,903 km²
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
Region: Subantarctic / South Atlantic (British Overseas Territories)
Economic area: British Overseas Territory (UK)
Religions: None
Access to the sea: Yes

Current situation: Supply and research run via King Edward Point; fishing is regulated by CCAMLR in a large marine protected area (MPA). Expedition cruise tourism is seasonal.
Seasonal conditions: Subantarctic climate with strong winds, snowfall and ice; short season (October to March). In winter, there is largely no regular ship traffic.

Main trade lanes

Stanley (Falkland Islands) - South Georgia (supply/research)
Fishing grounds - Stanley (toothfish landings)

Customs and import

Customs authority GSGSSI Customs (Collector of Customs: Financial Secretary; Customs Officers in King Edward Point)Official website ↗

Import customs system: Ship-based customs clearance under the Customs Ordinance 2016: Entry Declaration to Government Officers (King Edward Point, go@gov.gs), no electronic tariff system.
Export customs system: Exit Clearance Declaration before departure; fishing under the CCAMLR Catch Documentation Scheme, landing of toothfish only in Stanley (Falkland Islands).
Import VAT: No VAT/sales tax. Ships pay customs registration fees in GBP (yacht 10, other ships 35; officer hour 25/40, minimum amount 50).
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: No own free trade agreements; as a British Overseas Territory outside the UK customs territory and outside the EU.
Restricted and prohibited goods: Strict biosecurity: animals, plants, food and seed require permits; protection under the MPA; weapons and dangerous goods checks by Government Officers.

Typical import documents

Entry Declaration / Inward Manifest
Ship and IMO details
Cargo manifest
Biosecurity certificates

Typical export documents

Exit Clearance Declaration
CCAMLR Catch Document (toothfish)
Catch certificate

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity: Medium
Customs delays: Medium
Port congestion: Low
Dangerous goods relevance: Low
Pharma and cold chain relevance: Low
E-commerce relevance: Very low

Trade

Top import partners

United Kingdom

Top export partners

United Kingdom

Top import goods

Fuel
Food
Equipment

Top export goods

Fishing licences
Fish products

Typical cargo

Fuel
Food/provisions
Research equipment
Fish products (toothfish, krill, icefish)

Logistics questions

Is there an airport in South Georgia?

No. There is no airport or airstrip. Access is only by sea, usually via Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

How does customs clearance work?

Vessels submit an Entry Declaration to the Government Officers at King Edward Point and an Exit Clearance before departure (Customs Ordinance 2016).

Is there a VAT?

No, there is no VAT or sales tax. Vessels only pay customs declaration fees in GBP (yacht 10, other vessels 35).

Which currency is used?

Pound sterling (GBP); fees are payable in GBP. The Falkland Islands pound (FKP) is also accepted in part.

What is imported and exported?

Imports are mainly fuel, supplies and research equipment; outgoing value comes from fish products (toothfish, krill, icefish) and fishing licence revenue.

What import restrictions apply?

Strict biosecurity rules apply: animals, plants, food and seeds require authorisation to protect the ecosystem and the marine protected area.

When is the main season for vessel calls?

In the austral summer from October to March. In winter there is hardly any regular shipping.

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