Glossary
General License (OFAC)
A standing OFAC authorization that permits a category of transactions that would otherwise be prohibited.
Definition
A General License is a public authorization issued by OFAC that permits a defined category of transactions that would otherwise be prohibited by sanctions. It applies to anyone whose transaction fits its terms, without requiring a per-transaction application.
Regulatory context
General Licenses are published in the Federal Register and on OFAC's site. They are distinct from Specific Licenses, which are issued to an individual applicant for a particular transaction. Reliance on a General License requires the transaction to fit squarely within its terms.
Who it affects
Any person seeking to transact with a party or jurisdiction subject to US sanctions where a General License authorizes the activity — for example, certain personal remittances, humanitarian transactions, or wind-down periods after a new designation.
Relevance to AI agents
Agents should not assume a transaction is permitted simply because a General License exists in the area — the specific facts must fit the license. A sanctions hit that returns clean may still be blocked absent license coverage; conversely a listed party may be transactable under a license.
SanctionsAI coverage
SanctionsAI returns whether a name or wallet matches the SDN list. It does not interpret General License coverage — license analysis requires a human or specialist legal review.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between a General License and a Specific License?
A General License authorizes a category of transactions for anyone meeting its terms. A Specific License is issued to a named applicant for a particular transaction.
2. Where are OFAC General Licenses published?
They are published in the Federal Register and indexed on OFAC's website under the relevant sanctions program.
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