10. What jurisdictions or countries are sanctioned by the United States?
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 jurisdiction. These jurisdictions include both countries and certain geographic regions.
Other sanctions programs impose targeted sanctions on specific persons in relation to a particular jurisdiction or activity. For example, persons appearing on OFAC’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List) are blocked pursuant to OFAC regulations and authorities. U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions involving blocked persons wherever blocked persons are located, and all property of blocked persons within U.S. jurisdiction must also be blocked. For example, a person may be designated for engaging in malign activity, such as narcotics trafficking or terrorism. The names, and often aliases, of such designated persons are added to the SDN List, along with other identifying information. With limited exceptions, entities owned by a person on the SDN List (defined as a direct or indirect ownership interest of 50 percent or more) are also blocked, regardless of whether that entity is separately named on the SDN List. For further information, see FAQ 401 and OFAC guidance on the "50 Percent Rule."
Aside from the SDN List, OFAC publishes and maintains other sanctions lists that have different prohibitions associated with them. For example, OFAC’s Sectoral Sanctions Identification (SSI) List identifies persons operating in certain sectors that are subject to restrictions other than blocking. Note that the SSI List is not part of the SDN List; however, persons on the SSI List may also appear on the SDN List.
Sanctions programs may change frequently. It is important to check OFAC’s website on a regular basis to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information on OFAC prohibitions across sanctions programs, including OFAC’s various sanctions lists. OFAC’s Sanctions List Search tool can be used to search both the SDN List and all other OFAC sanctions lists. The OFAC Basics videos series provides further information on how to use OFAC’s Sanctions List Search tool. Please see the Sanctions Programs and Country Information page on OFAC’s website for information on specific OFAC sanctions programs.
Date Updated: August 21, 2024.
Updated on Aug 21, 2024
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10. What countries do I need to worry about in terms of U.S. sanctions?
OFAC administers a number of U.S. economic sanctions and embargoes that target geographic regions and governments. Some programs are comprehensive in nature and block the government and include broad-based trade restrictions, while others target specific individuals and entities. (Please see the “Sanctions Programs and Country Information” page for information on specific programs.) It is important to note that in non-comprehensive programs, there may be broad prohibitions on dealings with countries, and also against specific named individuals and entities. The names are incorporated into OFAC’s list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons ("SDN list") which includes approximately 6,400 names of companies and individuals who are connected with the sanctions targets. In addition, OFAC maintains other sanctions lists that may have different prohibitions associated with them. A number of the named individuals and entities are known to move from country to country and may end up in locations where they would be least expected. U.S. persons are prohibited from dealing with SDNs wherever they are located and all SDN assets are blocked. Entities that a person on the SDN List owns (defined as a direct or indirect ownership interest of 50% or more) are also blocked, regardless of whether that entity is separately named on the SDN List. Because OFAC's programs are dynamic, it is very important to check OFAC's website on a regular basis to ensure that your sanctions lists are current and you have complete information regarding the latest restrictions affecting countries and parties with which you plan to do business. [05-21-18]
[Ed Note: see original FAQ for hyperlinks]
1) FAQ amended on 8-21-24 concurrent with Modernizing Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (Press Release), detailing several modernization efforts, including the updating of a number of general interest FAQs containing dated language. This FAQ does not appear to provide guidance in a way that adds to or deviates from OFAC’s other modern guidance.