To help EU SMEs navigate sanctions compliance and due diligence, we have compiled a selection of useful EU resources, featuring official tools, reference documents, methodologies, and guidelines.
You can also check out our glossary of useful sanctions terms.
Sanctions lists and tools
Understand where sanctions apply and your own potential exposure to sanctions risks.
- Your first stop for getting a visual understanding of the EU sanctions world. Contains links and further information about the specific sanctions affecting each country.
EU Sanctions Tracker Dashboard
- Start here for the very latest updates of EU sanctions changes on individuals and groups. Plus lots of interesting figures and charts.
Consolidated list of persons, groups and entities subject to EU financial sanctions
- The complete list of the more than 5,000 people and entities subject to financial sanctions and asset freezes, including their aliases and alternative spellings.
Consolidated list of persons subject, under EU sanctions, to travel restrictions
- Similar to the financial sanctions list but focused on restrictions on admissions, also known as travel bans. This list is particularly relevant for those businesses operating in the travel, transport and tourism sectors.
EU Sanctions Whistleblower Tool
- The EU Sanctions Whistleblower Tool is an anonymous channel for reporting potential violations of EU sanctions.
Overview of sanctions and related resources - European Commission
- A useful landing page containing a variety of links to tools, guidance, and resources such as the EU Finance Podcast.
European Union sanctions - EEAS
- The EEAS is the diplomatic service of the EU. Their central page on sanctions sets out why the EU uses them, how they are adopted and what type of measures are in place.
- A high-level visual explainer.
Why the EU adopts sanctions - Consilium
- Important background information and explanations from the EU Council, including on specific situations such as the “humanitarian carve-out”.
EU guidance on internal compliance programmes (ICP) for dual-use trade controls
- There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to trade and sanctions compliance. The EU has provided guidance on ICPs for those involved in dual-use goods and this is also recommended reading for those writing internal sanctions compliance programmes for their businesses, whatever sector they are in.
Humanitarian assistance in environments subject to EU sanctions - European Commission
- The EU seeks to avoid sanctions interfering with humanitarian aid. This page gives guidance on how humanitarian operators can deliver assistance in compliance with EU sanctions.
Extraterritoriality (Blocking statute) - European Commission
- The Blocking Statute protects EU operators from the application of sanctions imposed by third countries. Currently this law covers certain US sanctions on Cuba and Iran. How does it work? See here.
National competent authorities for the implementation of EU restrictive measures (sanctions)
- These authorities are responsible for implementing and enforcing EU sanctions in each member state. Find the contact details for each competent authority here, broken down by country, area of focus, and more.
- A comprehensive assessment on the export of goods, software and technology that can be used dual purposes - i.e. for both civilian and military applications.
Sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine - European Commission
- Continually updated, this page focuses on Russia with a timeline, links to specific measures, and more.
Frequently asked questions regarding Russia/Belarus sanctions
- For all your specific questions about Russia/Belarus sanctions.
- Sanctions involving Russia often need extra attention. This guidance supports EU operators by providing a general overview of enhanced due diligence procedures used in those cases.
Advisory for the maritime oil industry and related sectors
- Sector-specific information for the maritime oil industry that can enhance compliance with the price caps on crude oil and petroleum products of Russian Federation origin.
List of common high priority items
- An explanation of the four tiers of items that are restricted because of their use on the battlefield in Ukraine or critical to the development, production or use of Russian military systems.
- If an EU entity is owned or controlled by a person or entity listed under EU sanctions, it causes complications. In response, the EU has created ‘firewalls’ which attempt to limit the control of the listed person(s) and ensure the EU entity is not unnecessarily burdened by EU sanctions. This document provides guidance on how to implement sanctions firewalls.
List of economically critical goods
- This is a list, mainly of industrial goods subject to EU sanctions, for which anomalous trade flows via certain third countries to Russia have been detected. Consulting the list may support due diligence and effective compliance by exporters.