What Does Compliance Mean?
Sanctions list screening is a key component of corporate compliance.

Compliance, in its true sense, refers to ensuring compliance with applicable laws within a company through targeted internal measures. In foreign trade, it mainly involves screening individuals and organizations that a company does business with against international sanctions lists. This includes not only customers and suppliers but also internal personnel such as employees.
Management must ensure that no business relationships are established with individuals or entities listed on recognized sanctions lists.

Which Industries Are Affected?
All companies, regardless of industry, are obligated to take appropriate measures to combat terrorism financing. However, companies that are AEO-certified (Authorized Economic Operator) or engaged in international trade must pay particular attention to these requirements.
Specifically, companies seeking AEO certification must demonstrate to the customs authority that they have implemented effective procedures to prevent business relationships with sanctioned individuals and organizations.

Appropriate Measures? Continuous and Automated Sanctions List Screening!
What does it mean to take “appropriate measures”? It refers to all necessary precautions a company must take to ensure that no relationships are established with sanctioned individuals, companies, or organizations.
The core of these measures is ongoing sanctions list screening. You must ensure that your current or potential business partner is not listed by the EU, the USA, or other relevant authorities.

A one-time check is insufficient. Sanctions lists are updated several times per week, meaning a previously unlisted partner may become sanctioned. That’s why continuous (delta) screening is essential.
Moreover, manual checks — assigning staff to compare master data with sanctions lists daily — are neither efficient nor reliable. The process must be automated to ensure consistency, accuracy, and legal security.