Frequently Asked Questions

252 … Only the name field uses the fuzzy searching logic. … What fields use fuzzy logic? …

287. Who may use Sanctions List Search? Can we configure our automated system to utilize Sanctions List Search on a continual basis?

287 … Sanctions List Search is a free tool provided by OFAC to assist the public in complying with sanctions programs. It is intended to be used by individual users that are looking for potential matches on OFAC's sanctions lists. It should not be utilized by automated systems that are configured… Read more

369. Does Sanctions List Search look for potential matches on all of the various sanctions lists that OFAC has published on its website?

369 … Sanctions List Search will look for and return potential matches from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Consolidated Sanctions Lists . The user can look under the List column to see which list(s) a potential match is on. Please see the Consolidated List page for more detailed… Read more

467. Does the Sanctions List Search tool show historic information? For example, does it show names that have been removed from one of OFAC's sanctions lists?

467 … OFAC's Sanctions List Search is updated frequently and always contains the latest versions of OFAC's sanctions lists. Like OFAC's other list-related publications, Sanctions List Search does not contain historical information. Names that have been removed from OFAC's Specially Designated… Read more

253. When conducting a search using the ID field, does Sanctions List Search account for variations in non-alphanumeric characters?

253 … Sanctions List Search’s ID field uses exact character matching to provide users with a result. In order to receive the broadest number of results, users should conduct ID field searches both with and without any non-alphanumeric characters. … When conducting a search using the ID field, does… Read more

347. Are there any restrictions as to the use of the Farsi language in authorized advertising or software?

347 … U.S. sanctions on Iran do not impose any restrictions as to the use of the Farsi language. See FAQ 337 . Date Updated: May 16, 2024 … Are there any restrictions as to the use of the Farsi language in authorized advertising or …

299. For purposes of IFCA, what are considered precious metals?

299 … For purposes of IFCA , we anticipate that regulations to be promulgated will define the term “precious metals” to include silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum, unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form); gold (including gold plated with platinum, unwrought or… Read more

370. What do the prohibitions in Directives 1 and 2 mean? Are they blocking actions?

370 … The sectoral sanctions imposed on specified persons operating in sectors of the Russian economy identified by the Secretary of the Treasury were done under Executive Order 13662 through Directives issued by OFAC pursuant to its delegated authorities. Directive 1, as amended on September 29,… Read more

300. For purposes of sanctions under section 1245, how will I know which sectors are controlled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?

300 … Pursuant to delegated authority, the Secretary of State issues periodic reports pursuant to section 1245(e) of IFCA with respect to which sectors of the Iranian economy are controlled directly or indirectly by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Given the opaque business… Read more

301. How will the determination be made as to whether materials are used in a manner that would make them subject to sanctions under section 1245 of IFCA?

301 … A FFI , prior to conducting or facilitating a significant financial transaction for the sale, supply, or transfer to or from Iran of the materials listed in 1245(d) – as described in part in Q&A 298 – will need to undertake due diligence to ensure that the transaction does not involve the… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence