The SDN is a list of individuals, companies, and organizations subject to economic sanctions by the U.S. government. Entities on this list are prohibited from engaging in transactions with U.S. persons and companies, and their assets in the U.S. may be frozen.
Non-SDN is a list of individuals or organizations subject to restrictions or sanctions by the U.S. government but not included in the primary SDN list. These entities may face certain limitations, but their assets are not necessarily frozen.
Inclusion in the SDN list results in asset freezes and a prohibition on any business relationships with U.S. companies or individuals. This complicates international trade, as other countries and businesses often avoid cooperating with listed entities to avoid secondary U.S. sanctions.
The SDN list includes individuals and organizations subject to strict sanctions, such as asset freezes and prohibitions on business with the U.S. The Non-SDN list identifies entities with less severe restrictions. It is important to check both lists to avoid sanctions violations and mitigate risks in international trade.
Organizations that fail to comply with SDN sanctions may face fines, asset freezes, criminal liability, and loss of access to U.S. markets and international financial systems.
OFAC sanctions lists are compilations of individuals, companies, and countries targeted by U.S. economic sanctions due to threats to national security, international peace, or human rights violations.
OFAC differentiates between SDN and Non-SDN sanctions programs by the level of restrictions: SDN includes individuals and entities with stringent sanctions, while Non-SDN covers subjects with less severe limitations.
Companies that fail to adhere to OFAC sanctions may face significant fines, asset freezes, criminal charges, and loss of access to U.S. markets and financial institutions.
Checking EU, UK, and Australian sanctions lists helps avoid dealing with individuals or organizations under sanctions, reducing the risk of legal and financial repercussions in various jurisdictions.
OFAC updates the SDN and Non-SDN lists regularly, depending on new sanctions or changes in the international situation, which can occur multiple times a month.
Businesses can screen clients, suppliers, and partners against international sanctions lists to avoid illegal transactions, fines, and sanctions.