Frequently Asked Questions

21 … All changes for the current calendar year are cumulatively available in the SDN List PDF file . The entire list may also be browsed using OFAC's Sanctions List Search Tool ​. Cumulative changes for prior years back to 1994 are also available in ASCII format on the Archive of Changes to the SDN… Read more

19 … The best way to get the SDN list is from OFAC's website . The list is disseminated in a number of different formats, including XML and fixed field/delimited files that can be integrated into databases. … How do I get a copy of the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) …

20 … The SDN list is frequently updated. There is no predetermined timetable, but rather names are added or removed as necessary and appropriate. … How often is the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List …

23 … If you have checked a name manually or by using software and find a match, you should do a little more research. Is it an exact name match, or very close? Is your customer located in the same general area as the SDN or another entry on one of OFAC's sanctions lists? If not, it may be a "false… Read more

466 … For historical information about names that have been added to, updated, or removed from OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals List or one of OFAC’s other sanctions lists , please see our Archive of Changes page . Designation, removal, and update information is organized chronologically by… Read more

56 … SDNs are individuals and entities located throughout the world that are blocked pursuant to the various sanctions programs administered by OFAC. SDNs can be front companies, parastatal entities, or individuals determined to be owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted… Read more

82 … Yes, OFAC does maintain its own web-based search service. It can be accessed by clicking here . … Does OFAC have a web-based search engine for its sanctions lists? …

246 … In addition to returning results that are exact matches (when the match threshold slider bar is set to 100%), Sanctions List Search can also provide a broader set of results using fuzzy logic. This logic uses character and string matching as well as phonetic matching. Only the name field of… Read more

247 … The score field indicates the similarity between the name entered and resulting matches on one of OFAC's sanctions lists. It is calculated using two matching logic algorithms: one based upon phonetics, and a second based upon the similarity of the characters in the two strings. The slider bar… Read more

248 … The minimum name score field limits the number of names returned by the search. A value of 100 will return only names that exactly match the characters entered into the name field. A value of 50 will return all names that are deemed to be 50% similar based upon the matching logic of the… Read more