Understand economic security compliance

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act

The UK thrives on and welcomes investment as a key enabler for UK businesses and the economy to grow and prosper. However, in a small number of cases, investments could present a risk to UK national security.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Actopens www.gov.uk in a new tab gives businesses and investors the certainty and transparency they need to do business in the UK while protecting the UK's national security. It provides the government with powers to screen investments to assess and address any national security risks.

The government can assess and intervene in investments that may pose national security risks in all sectors of the economy. In addition, investors making acquisitions of businesses in particularly sensitive sectors of the economyopens www.gov.uk in a new tab must notify and receive clearance from the government before the investment can go ahead.

Key principles for secure investment

Beyond compliance with the NSI Act in cases that involve a qualifying acquisition, businesses of all sizes seeking investment should take a security-minded approach from the start of investment planning. Some broad steps you can take to identify and mitigate potential security risks:

• assess potential risks associated with a prospective investor, based on due diligence and a clear understanding of where your organisation's value lies
• consider (ideally before seeking investment) appropriate security measures to protect the value in your business. To be most effective, this would include a combination of physical, cyber, personnel, and legal elements
• if proceeding with investment, ensure security measures endure for the duration of your relationship with the investor

Informed Investment sets out more detailed guidanceopens www.npsa.gov.uk in a new tab and practical steps for businesses to take.

Adhering to the following guidance does not guarantee that an acquisition will not be called in or be blocked or face other remedies under the NSI Act.

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU)

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU)opens www.gov.uk in a new tab administers the UK’s system of export controls and licensing for military and dual-use items. Goods are controlled because of their nature and what they could be used for, or their destination market.

If you are an exporter, it's your responsibility to make sure you comply with the UK government’s regulations. You should be aware of whether the product, software or technology you intend on exporting is ‘controlled’ and therefore requires an export licence.

Subscribe to ECJU's Notices to Exportersopens public.govdelivery.com in a new tab for the latest updates.

The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI)

The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI)opens www.gov.uk in a new tab exists to strengthen the United Kingdom's implementation and enforcement of trade sanctions. These relate to the provision of standalone services, including professional and business services.

OTSI supports businesses with compliance, including by issuing licences, but also takes action where businesses are breaching sanctions or seeking to circumvent them.

Apply for a trade sanctions licenceopens www.gov.uk in a new tab

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)opens www.gov.uk in a new tab came into force on 1 July 2025. FIRS protects the safety and interests of the UK by improving the understanding of activity taking place in the UK at the instruction of a foreign state or certain foreign state‑controlled organisations.

The scheme is made up of a political influence tier and an enhanced tier. The scheme requires individuals and organisations to register their arrangements with foreign powers and certain foreign power-controlled entities where they are directed to carry out certain activities in the UK. Read more details on each tier and their requirementsopens www.gov.uk in a new tab.