Do I need to check my customers for sanctions?

Simply put, yes. Checking customers for sanctions is often a legal requirement. For the UK, this comes under the sanctions and anti-money laundering act 2018 (SAMLA).

Failing to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including but not restricted to fines and legal action.

Even for businesses that are not legally required to check for sanctioned parties within their customers, it is worth considering the reputational damage that may be caused.

Further details for companies subject to OFAC sanction requirements may find the following information useful. https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20190502_33.

If you are looking for help sanctions screening your customers, take a look at our Watchlist Guard service.