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

40. If my financial institution receives a wire going to an embassy in a sanctioned country, can we process the transaction?

40 … This depends on the program. If you have a payment involving an embassy in a targeted country, please contact OFAC Compliance's hotline for directions. … If my financial institution receives a wire going to an embassy in a sanctioned country, can we process the …

43. Does a financial institution need to scan names against OFAC's list of targets upon account opening or can it wait for 24 hours to receive a report from its software vendor on whether or not there is a hit?

43 … There is no legal or regulatory requirement to use software or to scan. There is a requirement, however, not to violate the law by doing business with a target or failing to block property. OFAC realizes that financial institutions use software that does not always provide an instantaneous… Read more

1. What is OFAC and what does it do?

1 … The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign jurisdictions and regimes, as well as individuals and entities engaging in harmful activity, such as terrorists, international narcotics… Read more

3. What kinds of prohibitions does OFAC impose?

3 … Each OFAC sanctions program is based on different foreign policy and national security goals, so the prohibitions imposed may vary between programs. Many sanctions programs require blocking the property and interests in property of specific individuals and entities and prohibit dealing in such… Read more

4. Are there exceptions to sanctions prohibitions? Are exceptions the same across sanctions programs?

4 … Yes. There may be exceptions to sanctions prohibitions. Exceptions may take the form of authorizations, such as general licenses and specific licenses, or exemptions. OFAC issues general licenses in most of its sanctions programs to authorize certain transactions that would otherwise be… Read more

6. Where can I find specific details about a particular sanctions program?

6 … References to relevant statutes, executive orders, regulations, guidance, general licenses, and sanctions actions for each sanctions program may be found in the Sanctions Programs and Country Information page on OFAC’s website. The OFAC Legal Library page on OFAC’s website also contains links… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence