Frequently Asked Questions

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 … 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

7 … OFAC issues general licenses to authorize certain transactions that would otherwise be prohibited pursuant to a particular sanctions program. These general licenses are self-executing, meaning they allow persons to engage in certain transactions involving the United States or U.S. persons… Read more

9 … "Blocking" refers to freezing assets or other property. Blocking immediately imposes an across-the-board prohibition against transfers or dealings of any kind with regard to the property. OFAC authorities may require U.S. persons to block all property and interests in property of certain… Read more

10 … OFAC implements, administers, and enforces U.S. sanctions across many jurisdictions. Some of these sanctions are comprehensive in nature and broadly prohibit most transactions involving the particular jurisdiction and may also include blocking restrictions on the government of such… Read more

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

18 … As part of its enforcement efforts, OFAC publishes a list of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not… Read more

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 …