How to Use Free Sanctions Screening Tools Effectively

Checking a counterparty against global sanctions lists doesn't always require an expensive enterprise subscription. This guide explains how analysts can use free, publicly available tools to conduct robust sanctions screening.

The Core Sanctions Lists

To ensure global compliance, you must cross-reference entities against several primary databases:

• OFAC (USA): The Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list is the gold standard for global business.
• EU Consolidated List: Essential for any operations involving European jurisdictions.
• UK OFSI: Post-Brexit, the UK maintains its own robust sanctions regime.
• UN Security Council: Required compliance for all UN member states.

Using the OxINT Free Scanner

Rather than querying four different government sites, our Free Sanctions Check tool aggregates searches.

Best Practices for Screening:

1. Always try multiple variations and transliterations of Cyrillic or Arabic names.
2. Search by INN or OGRN when available, as entity names change.
3. Remember the 50% Rule: A company owned 50% or more by a sanctioned individual generally inherits their sanctioned status, even if the company itself is not listed.