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ARTICLE · 21 APRIL 2026

OFAC General vs. Specific Licenses Explained: U.S. Sanctions Authorization, Compliance Risks, And Enforcement Protection

Friling Law
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Economic sanctions compliance in the United States runs on a strict-liability standard. In plain terms: you don’t have to mean to violate sanctions to be in violation. For businesses, banks, investment funds, law firms, and multinational executives, the difference between an OFAC General License (GL) and a Specific License (SL) isn’t a technical footnote, it can determine whether a transaction moves forward smoothly or turns into a costly enforcement problem. It’s directly tied to civil penalty risk, reputational exposure, and overall enterprise risk management.

United StatesInternational Law
Friling Law
Friling Law
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OFAC General vs. Specific Licenses Explained: U.S. Sanctions Authorization, Compliance Risks, and Enforcement Protection

Friling Law, PLLC – OFAC Sanctions Defense & Compliance

Economic sanctions compliance in the United States runs on a strict-liability standard. In plain terms: you don’t have to mean to violate sanctions to be in violation.

For businesses, banks, investment funds, law firms, and multinational executives, the difference between an OFAC General License (GL) and a Specific License (SL) isn’t a technical footnote, it can determine whether a transaction moves forward smoothly or turns into a costly enforcement problem. It’s directly tied to civil penalty risk, reputational exposure, and overall enterprise risk management.

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