What is a sanctions check?
A sanctions check compares information about people or companies with relevant sanctions lists. An automated alert is a potential match – not proof that your business partner is actually listed.
Why check sanctions lists?
Sanctions may include asset freezes and economic restrictions. The rules affecting a business depend on applicable jurisdictions and circumstances. Name screening supports due diligence but does not replace a legal assessment of transactions, goods or ownership.
How to check a sanctions list
Enter the name, select datasets relevant to your situation and review possible matches. Compare available context such as country, date of birth or registered business location. Record the sources, date and your assessment. Provide only necessary personal data.
A similar name is not a confirmed sanction
Identical or similar names can refer to different people or companies. Check which source caused the alert and whether available details actually match your business partner. A high name-match score is not a probability of legal risk.
Distinguish sanctions, PEPs and risk flags
A PEP alert concerns a politically exposed person and is not automatically a sanctions-list match. Other risk indicators also require separate assessment. Am I Compliant? distinguishes sanctions, PEP and risk flags; the selected datasets matter when interpreting results.
What does Am I Compliant? provide?
You can screen names or documents and review results alongside underlying matches and sources. Completed checks appear in your history, where available certificates can be accessed. A check without relevant matches applies only to the information and datasets screened – it does not guarantee complete compliance.
Further official guidance
- OFAC: potential sanctions and PEP matches
- OFAC: assessing a possible match
- European Commission: sanctions overview
- European Commission: due diligence guidance
This guide provides general information, not legal advice.
Try a sanctions check