OFAC updates SDN List: entities added and removed
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), adding and removing entities effective 26 May 2026. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of newly listed persons are now blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. Shippers and freight forwarders must screen all parties against the updated SDN List before processing shipments.
Photo: Sami Abdullah / Pexels# OFAC Updates SDN List with New Designations and Delistings
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a notice on 26 May 2026 updating the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). The notice announces that one or more persons have been removed from the list and one or more persons have been newly added based on OFAC's determination that applicable legal criteria were satisfied.
Who is affected
All U.S. persons and entities are prohibited from engaging in transactions with any party newly listed on the SDN List. This prohibition applies globally to any property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers must immediately screen all counterparties—including buyers, sellers, consignees, and logistics partners—against the updated SDN List before processing any transaction.
"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, 26 May 2026
Violations of SDN sanctions carry severe civil and criminal penalties. The cost of transacting with a blocked person includes potential loss of license, criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
What this means for shippers
Screen all transaction parties—buyers, sellers, consignees, agents, and intermediaries—against the updated OFAC SDN List immediately. Do not process any shipment involving a newly listed entity. Verify compliance before booking freight, issuing invoices, or arranging payment. Use automated sanctions screening tools integrated with your customs and compliance workflow to catch matches in real time. Failure to screen results in transaction blocking, legal liability, and potential criminal exposure for your company.
