OFAC Adds Names to SDN List—Check Before Shipping
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated one or more persons and aircraft on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). All property and interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from transacting with these designees. Shippers, freight forwarders, and exporters must screen customers, beneficiaries, and counterparties against the updated list before clearing any shipments.
Photo: Wolfgang Weiser / Pexels# OFAC Expands SDN List with New Designations
On April 24, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a notice adding one or more persons and aircraft to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). This administrative action freezes all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction belonging to these designees and imposes a blanket prohibition on U.S. persons from engaging in any transactions with them.
"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." — OFAC Notice, Federal Register
The aircraft identified in the designation have been categorized as property in which a blocked person holds an interest, meaning they too fall under the blocking order.
Impact on International Trade and Shipping
This designation carries immediate and severe consequences for any exporter, freight forwarder, or logistics provider handling shipments:
- Customer and consignee screening: Before accepting a shipment, verify that the exporter, importer, consignee, beneficiary, and any beneficial owner is not listed on the SDN List.
- Air and ocean freight: Carriers must ensure no blocked person has any ownership stake or control over cargo or the aircraft/vessel itself.
- Penalties for violations: Engaging in transactions with SDN-listed parties can result in civil penalties up to $20 million per violation and potential criminal liability.
- Due diligence requirement: Shippers cannot claim ignorance; OFAC expects reasonable screening before transaction.
The SDN List is dynamic and updated regularly. The specific names and identifiers are detailed in OFAC's official list, available at https://sanctionslist.ofac.treas.gov/.
What this means for shippers
Screen every customer, consignee, and beneficial owner against OFAC's SDN List before accepting or processing a shipment. Check again at time of payment and shipment. A single missed designation can trigger criminal prosecution, civil penalties exceeding $20 million, and permanent debarment from export privileges. Use OFAC's searchable list or integrate automated screening tools into your order-to-shipment workflow immediately. Do not proceed with any transaction involving a party you cannot verify as clean.
