EU Sanctions Helpdesk

The European Commission has launched the EU Sanctions Helpdesk, a free service designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in complying with over 40 EU sanctions regimes worldwide. The Helpdesk offers personalized support, including sanctions-related information, country-specific guidance, and training events, aiming to reduce compliance risks and associated costs for SMEs.

Understanding and identifying “red flags”—indicators of potential sanctions risks—is crucial for SMEs to ensure compliance. Key red flags include:

• Complex Ownership Structures: Engaging with entities that have intricate corporate or trust structures without a clear business justification may signal attempts to circumvent sanctions. 

• Unusual Payment Methods: Transactions involving large cash payments or inconsistent financial arrangements can indicate efforts to bypass sanctions.

• Inconsistent Business Activities: When a customer’s operations or transaction requests don’t align with their known business profile, it raises compliance concerns. 

• High-Risk Jurisdictions: Involvement with parties located in or linked to countries subject to EU restrictive measures or those adjacent to such countries requires enhanced due diligence. 

By recognizing these red flags and utilizing resources like the EU Sanctions Helpdesk and documenting due diligence results on the aml.plus platform, small and medium-sized enterprises can better navigate the complexities of sanctions compliance, mitigating risks and ensuring adherence to EU regulations.

EU Sanctions Helpdesk

aml.plus team