SDN vs. Consolidated (non-SDN) lists explained
OFAC publishes two files that most tools lump together as 'the OFAC list'. The Specially Designated Nationals list is the blocking list. The Consolidated list collects several non-SDN lists whose restrictions are narrower. Knowing which list a hit comes from tells you what you may and may not do. On either list, a name hit is a prompt to read the official entry, not a determination that your counterparty is the listed person.
The SDN list
Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons: individuals, companies, vessels and aircraft whose property is blocked. US persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them, and companies they own 50% or more are blocked too even if not listed. About 19,000 entries, each tagged with one or more programs (Russia EO 14024, SDGT, SDNTK, IFSR, Cuba, DPRK and others).
A credible SDN match means: stop, do not transfer value, and seek advice. Payments to blocked persons must be rejected or blocked and reported.
The Consolidated (non-SDN) list
| List | Restriction |
|---|---|
| SSI (Sectoral Sanctions Identifications) | Certain Russian energy, finance and defense companies: only specific new debt, equity or technology dealings are prohibited; ordinary transactions may be allowed. |
| NS-MBS (Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions) | Persons subject to a menu of measures (for example restrictions on loans or foreign exchange) rather than blocking. |
| CAPTA (Correspondent Account or Payable-Through Account) | Foreign financial institutions for which US banks must restrict correspondent accounts. |
| NS-CMIC (Chinese Military-Industrial Complex) | Companies whose publicly traded securities US persons may not buy; no general prohibition on commerce. |
| FSE, 561-Related, HKAA, NS-PLC and others | Program-specific lists with their own scope; the official entry states the applicable measures. |
A single file that bundles several lists with narrower restrictions. A few hundred entries. The main ones:
What a hit on each list means for a small business
- SDN hit confirmed: no transaction. Talk to OFAC or counsel about blocking and reporting.
- Consolidated hit confirmed: read the measures on the official entry. For many small businesses (a goods sale, a service contract) the restriction does not apply, but a bank may still ask questions. Keep the record and the reasoning.
- Either list, not confirmed: document why the entry is not your counterparty (different country, date of birth, entity type) and proceed.
Why both files are checked together
Checking only the SDN file misses sectoral and menu-based designations that banks screen against, which leads to rejected wires and awkward questions. Checking both and reporting which list a hit came from gives you the full picture in one record. This site downloads both files from the Sanctions List Service daily and marks every result SDN or Consolidated.
Free: one name against the SDN and Consolidated lists with a printable record. Watchlist: up to 100 names re-screened after every list update.
Free search PricingFAQ
Is the Consolidated list the same as the 'Consolidated Screening List'?
No. The Consolidated Screening List is a US government export-controls compilation (Commerce, State and Treasury lists) hosted by the International Trade Administration. OFAC's Consolidated list is only the non-SDN lists described above.
Are EU, UK and UN lists included?
Not here. If you ship to or invoice from those jurisdictions, check the EU consolidated list, the UK sanctions list and the UN consolidated list as well.
What is the 50% rule?
Entities owned 50% or more, directly or indirectly, by one or more blocked persons are themselves blocked even when not listed by name. Name screening cannot detect ownership; for larger counterparties, ask for ownership information.
Updated 2026-10-21. General information, not legal advice.