UNICORN PRIVATE Sanctions risks for B2B distributors and importers: what to check
In short
Distributors and importers buy and resell goods across many suppliers and clients.
The main risks are listed suppliers, goods whose import is banned and clients who resell to sanctioned countries.
Check suppliers, clients and their owners against the sanctions lists and verify the origin of the goods.
Typical sanctions risks in this industry
- Buying from suppliers that are listed or owned by listed persons.
- Importing goods whose import is banned, for example because of their origin.
- Selling to clients who resell the goods to a sanctioned country.
- Payments through banks or intermediaries linked to listed parties.
- Large client and supplier databases that are checked only once.
Recommended checks
- Screen suppliers, clients, owners and banks against the sanctions lists, every day.
- Verify the origin of the goods and the import bans that apply to them.
- Add clauses on sanctions and resale in your contracts.
- Watch for unusual orders, destinations or payment routes.
- Keep records of the checks and of the decisions taken.
Official sources
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Frequently asked questions
Do sanctions apply to imports as well as exports?
Yes. Some regimes ban the import of goods from certain countries or the purchase from listed parties.
Why check the owners of suppliers?
Because entities owned or controlled by listed persons can be covered by the sanctions even if their own name is not on the list.
How can we check thousands of clients?
With an automatic screening that compares all names against the lists every day and shows only the possible matches.
The program can make mistakes. The final responsibility for compliance stays with your company. Unicorn Intelligence is an information tool. Decisions and legal obligations, including sanctions compliance, due diligence and tender participation, remain with the customer.
Unicorn Intelligence checks your clients and suppliers against the sanctions lists every day.