Topic · Sanctions screening
Sanctions screening: rules and screening subjects
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A sanction is a legally binding restriction that every business must observe. Sanctions and the prohibition on making funds or economic resources available apply regardless of size or sector, including to purely domestic transactions. Sanctions screening checks business partners against official lists. It covers individuals, organisations and vessels at sea and in the air, together with their connections.
What is a sanction?
A sanction is a legally binding restriction against individuals, organisations, states or goods. In Europe, the legal basis includes EU Regulations 269/2014 and 833/2014. The key rule for businesses is the making-available prohibition: funds or economic resources must not be made available to sanctioned individuals or organisations, directly or indirectly.
Why must my business comply with sanctions?
Because the prohibition applies to every business, regardless of size or sector, including purely domestic transactions. There is no minimum threshold or sector exemption. Screening before providing funds or resources prevents a violation. For the consequences of a breach, see Penalties for sanctions violations.
What subjects are screened?
Screening extends beyond companies. Four types of subject are relevant:
- Individuals: natural persons, such as business partners, shareholders or contacts.
- Organisations: companies, public authorities and other bodies.
- Vessels: means of transport by sea and air, including ships and aircraft and their operators.
- Connections: relationships between subjects, particularly ownership and control. The 50 percent rule can also bring unlisted companies within scope.
Important: Am I Compliant does not identify ownership structures automatically. You enter the individuals and companies to be screened or upload a document, and the system checks these details.
Who must you screen?
In principle, anyone receiving funds or economic resources must be screened. In practice, this includes customers, suppliers and other business partners, together with their affiliated companies. In export control, screening employees, applicants and visitors is also common because salaries, access and resources may fall within the making-available prohibition. Screening should take place at the first point of contact.
How does Am I Compliant screen?
You upload a document or enter a name and company. Text recognition identifies individuals and companies, and the system checks them against the available sanctions lists. It provides a traffic-light result and an audit-proof PDF certificate with a verification URL. For the lists used and how to select them, see Sanctions list screening.
What related topics can you explore?
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Am I Compliant is an information and data processing service and does not provide legal advice. Results are research findings; the legal assessment and decision rest with the user.
Frequently asked questions
Which primary legal sources apply?
Am I Compliant is an information and data processing service and does not provide legal advice. Results are research findings; the legal assessment and decision rest with the user.