This Order gives effect in specified Overseas Territories to sanctions measures adopted by the European Union in Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2074, which was adopted on 13 November 2017, and in Council Regulation (EU) 2017/2063, which was adopted on 13 November 2017.

The sanctions imposed include an arms embargo, as well as specific measures to place restrictions on equipment that might be used for internal repression and to prevent the misuse of communication equipment. They also include asset-freezing measures against persons designated by the Council of the European Union as responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses or the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Venezuela, or whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, as well as persons associated with them.

The Order makes provision for the Governor to license certain activities in line with exemptions under the sanctions regime.