OFAC adds entities to SDN List; US persons must block all transactions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated one or more persons and vessels on its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction belonging to these designees are now blocked. U.S. persons and entities are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the designated parties. Shippers, freight forwarders, and exporters must immediately screen all customers, counterparties, and cargo against the updated SDN List to ensure compliance and avoid severe civil and criminal penalties.
Photo: Ann H / Pexels# OFAC Adds Entities to SDN List; Immediate Compliance Required
On May 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action, designating one or more persons and vessels on OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List).
Who Is Affected
OFAC determined that one or more applicable legal criteria were satisfied to place these entities on the SDN List. According to the notice:
All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The vessels placed on the SDN List have been identified as property in which a blocked person has an interest.
This designation means that U.S. persons—including exporters, importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and financial institutions—cannot engage in any transactions, commercial or financial, with the designated parties. Doing so risks civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation and criminal penalties up to $20 million and 20 years imprisonment.
What This Means for Shippers
Screen every shipment, customer, and business partner against the updated SDN List immediately—no exceptions. Check OFAC's online portal and cross-reference all consignees, shippers, consolidators, and intermediate parties before issuing any booking or invoice. Failure to screen is itself a violation. If you ship to or through a designated entity, your cargo will be seized and you face personal liability. Do it now: visit /sanctions-screen to integrate real-time screening into your workflow.
