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OFAC Access Control Lists

We are pleased to announce that we are offering free OFAC Access Control Lists, based on OFAC’s Sanctions Programs and Country Information. Unlicensed users will have access to data that is at least 90 days old. Our licensed users will have access to data that is no more than four hours old.

While we are currently offering this data free for licensed and unlicensed users, the data will eventually require a separate license and may be removed from unlicensed access. This is due to additional staff hours to complete the extra work involved in maintaining the OFAC lists.

OFAC list users will be able to select lists including countries with comprehensive sanction, related sanctions or both. The free selections are located here: Create an Access Control List to Block OFAC Sanctioned Countries. Licensed users will find the webform in their control l=panel under the Access Control Lists navigation.

We will base our country selections on OFAC’s page:
Sanctions Programs and Country Information

We will maintain our OFAC ACLs based on OFACs regular updates to their sanctions programs. We recommend you check back often for changes.

Country IP Blocks updates their Country Network database at least every four hours for licensed users. Therefore, data is subject to change frequently. You may purchase your licenses on our website.

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OFAC Countries with Comprehensive and Related Sanctions

OFAC stands for the Office of Foreign Asset Control.

Country IP Blocks has been working for years to develop an effective OFAC sanctions list. There are several hurdles we faced in order to be as comprehensive as possible. There are several issues related to the problem.

The first question we asked is “Where is OFAC’s Country List.” Here, according to their website, is the answer:

Where is OFAC’s Country List? What countries do I need to worry about in terms of U.S. sanctions?

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) does not maintain a specific list of countries that U.S. persons cannot do business with. 

Here’s why:

U.S. sanctions programs vary in scope.  Some are broad-based and oriented geographically (i.e. Cuba, Iran).  Others are “targeted” (i.e. counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics) and focus on specific individuals and entities.  These programs may encompass broad prohibitions at the country level as well as targeted sanctions.  Due to the diversity among sanctions, we advise visiting the “Sanctions Programs and Country Information” page for information on a specific program.

OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (“SDN List”) has approximately 6,300 names connected with sanctions targets.  OFAC also maintains other sanctions lists which have different associated prohibitions.

Many individuals and entities often move internationally and end up in locations where they would be least expected.  Accordingly, U.S. persons are prohibited from dealing with SDNs regardless of location and all SDN assets are blocked.  Entities that an SDN owns (defined as a direct or indirect ownership interest of 50% or more) are also blocked, regardless of whether that entity is separately named on the SDN List.

Because OFAC’s programs are dynamic, it is very important to check OFAC’s website regularly.  Ensuring that your sanctions lists are current and you have complete information regarding the latest relevant program restrictions is both a best practice and a critical part of your due diligence responsibility.

For additional information about sanctions and OFAC, please take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions. 

As a courtesy, Country IP Blocks is temporarily offering free OFAC ACLs.