# US Government Watchlist Screen (OFAC, BIS, State Dept) (`whetstonetools/ofac-sanctions-screen`) Actor Screen a name against the U.S. Government Consolidated Screening List (CSL): OFAC SDN + Consolidated + CMIC, BIS Entity / Denied Persons / Unverified / Military End-User, and State Dept Debarred / Nonproliferation. Fuzzy match returns each hit with its source list. Public-domain, no API keys. - **URL**: https://apify.com/whetstonetools/ofac-sanctions-screen.md - **Developed by:** [Griffin](https://apify.com/whetstonetools) (community) - **Categories:** Lead generation, Business - **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks - **User rating**: No ratings yet ## Pricing from $2.00 / 1,000 results This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events. Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#pay-per-event ## What's an Apify Actor? Actors are a software tools running on the Apify platform, for all kinds of web data extraction and automation use cases. In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours, and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store. In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server. Actors are written with capital "A". ## How to integrate an Actor? If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects. You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready. The best way to integrate Actors is as follows. In JavaScript/TypeScript projects, use official [JavaScript/TypeScript client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js.md): ```bash npm install apify-client ``` In Python projects, use official [Python client library](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python.md): ```bash pip install apify-client ``` In shell scripts, use [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md): ````bash # MacOS / Linux curl -fsSL https://apify.com/install-cli.sh | bash # Windows irm https://apify.com/install-cli.ps1 | iex ```bash In AI frameworks, you might use the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/platform/integrations/mcp.md). If your project is in a different language, use the [REST API](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2.md). For usage examples, see the [API](#api) section below. For more details, see Apify documentation as [Markdown index](https://docs.apify.com/llms.txt) and [Markdown full-text](https://docs.apify.com/llms-full.txt). # README ## US Government Watchlist Screen — OFAC, BIS & State Dept (Consolidated Screening List) Screen a person or business name against the complete **U.S. Government Consolidated Screening List (CSL)** — a single public-domain bulk source maintained by the U.S. International Trade Administration that combines all major government watchlists into one endpoint. ### Lists covered (12 sources) | Agency | List | Abbreviation | |---|---|---| | Treasury / OFAC | Specially Designated Nationals | SDN | | Treasury / OFAC | Capta List | CAP | | Treasury / OFAC | Sectoral Sanctions Identifications | SSI | | Treasury / OFAC | Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies | CMIC | | Treasury / OFAC | Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions | NS-MBS | | Treasury / OFAC | Palestinian Legislative Council | PLC | | Commerce / BIS | Entity List | EL | | Commerce / BIS | Denied Persons List | DPL | | Commerce / BIS | Unverified List | UVL | | Commerce / BIS | Military End-User List | MEU | | State Department | ITAR Debarred | DTC | | State Department | Nonproliferation Sanctions | ISN | ### What it does 1. Fetches the full CSL bulk JSON from `data.trade.gov` — a single ~30 MB public-domain file covering all 12 lists above (~25,000+ entries). 2. Matches your query against **primary names and AKA/alternate names** using Jaro-Winkler + Dice bigram similarity with token-overlap false-positive guards. 3. Returns only matches above your configured score threshold (default 85/100). 4. Each result carries the **specific source list** the entity matched (e.g. `Entity List (EL) - Bureau of Industry and Security`), so you can see exactly which US government list flagged the name. ### Input | Field | Type | Default | Description | |---|---|---|---| | `name` | string | required | Person or business name to screen | | `minScore` | integer | 85 | Match score threshold (0–100); 85 balances recall vs. false-positive rate | | `includeAliases` | boolean | true | Also match against AKA / alternate names | | `maxResults` | integer | 100 | Cap on returned matches | | `lists` | string[] | [] (all) | Optional: restrict screening to specific lists (case-insensitive substring match against the CSL `source` field, e.g. `["SDN", "Entity List"]`) | ### Output record shape Each dataset item contains: - `name` — Primary name on the list - `matchedOn` — `"primary"` or `"aka"` - `score` — 0–100 fuzzy-match score - `source` — The specific source list (e.g. `"Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) - Treasury Department"`) - `type` — `Individual` | `Entity` | `Vessel` | `Aircraft` (where available) - `programs` — Array of sanctions/control program codes - `akaList` — Array of alternate/AKA name strings - `addresses` — Array of address strings - `ids` — Array of `{type, number, country?}` structured IDs - `federalRegisterNotice` — Federal Register citation (BIS lists) - `uid` — CSL internal entity ID - `sourceListUrl` — Direct URL to the official source list - `remarks` — Free-text remarks from the source agency ### Billing Pay-per-result (Apify PPE): each matched record in the dataset counts as one item. A query that returns zero matches costs only the base compute time — not per-result charges. ### Use cases - **KYC / KYB pre-screening** — check counterparty names before onboarding - **Export control compliance** — screen suppliers and customers against BIS Entity List, DPL, UVL, MEU - **AML / sanctions compliance** — OFAC SDN + non-SDN lists in one call - **State Dept ITAR** — check against ITAR Debarred and Nonproliferation Sanctions - **Business entity verification** — cross-reference company names from business registration tools (see [Business KYB Scraper](https://apify.com/whetstonetools/business-kyb-scraper)) ### Cross-sell Pair this actor with the [**Business KYB Scraper**](https://apify.com/whetstonetools/business-kyb-scraper) to: (1) pull public registry data on a company, (2) run the company name + all officers through this watchlist screen, (3) get a full KYB package in one workflow. Automate compliance workflows with secretary-of-state filing data from [**FilingSheet**](https://filingsheet.com) — structured business entity data with officer names ready for screening. ### Data source and scope **Source**: U.S. International Trade Administration — Consolidated Screening List (`data.trade.gov`). Published under [U.S. Government Works (public domain)](https://www.usa.gov/government-copyright). Data is fetched fresh on each run; ITA updates the CSL daily. ### Caveats - This tool is for research and informational purposes. It is **not a substitute for a certified AML/sanctions compliance program** or legal advice. - Fuzzy matching may produce false positives at low thresholds. Tune `minScore` for your use case. The default 85 is conservative; 90+ gives higher precision with some recall loss. - The CSL does not include every US government watchlist (e.g. FBI Most Wanted, state-level lists). For a complete AML program, consult a compliance specialist. - Results reflect the CSL snapshot published at the time of the run. # Actor input Schema ## `name` (type: `string`): The person or business name to check against the U.S. Government Consolidated Screening List (CSL). Covers OFAC SDN, BIS Entity List, Denied Persons List, Unverified List, Military End-User, ITAR Debarred, Nonproliferation Sanctions, and more. ## `minScore` (type: `integer`): Minimum fuzzy-match score threshold (0–100). Matches below this score are suppressed. Default 85 balances recall vs. false-positive rate. ## `includeAliases` (type: `boolean`): When true, the query is also matched against alternate names (alt_names) on the CSL in addition to primary names. ## `maxResults` (type: `integer`): Cap on the number of matching records to return. Set lower to control per-run cost. ## `lists` (type: `array`): Optional list of source-list name substrings to restrict screening to (e.g. ["SDN", "Entity List"]). Leave empty to screen all lists. Case-insensitive substring match against the CSL source field. ## Actor input object example ```json { "name": "Huawei Technologies", "minScore": 85, "includeAliases": true, "maxResults": 100, "lists": [] } ```` # API You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup. ## JavaScript example ```javascript import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client'; // Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token // Replace the '' with your token const client = new ApifyClient({ token: '', }); // Prepare Actor input const input = { "name": "Huawei Technologies" }; // Run the Actor and wait for it to finish const run = await client.actor("whetstonetools/ofac-sanctions-screen").call(input); // Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any) console.log('Results from dataset'); console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`); const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems(); items.forEach((item) => { console.dir(item); }); // 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs ``` ## Python example ```python from apify_client import ApifyClient # Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token # Replace '' with your token. client = ApifyClient("") # Prepare the Actor input run_input = { "name": "Huawei Technologies" } # Run the Actor and wait for it to finish run = client.actor("whetstonetools/ofac-sanctions-screen").call(run_input=run_input) # Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any) print("💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"]) for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items(): print(item) # 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start ``` ## CLI example ```bash echo '{ "name": "Huawei Technologies" }' | apify call whetstonetools/ofac-sanctions-screen --silent --output-dataset ``` ## MCP server setup ```json { "mcpServers": { "apify": { "command": "npx", "args": [ "mcp-remote", "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=whetstonetools/ofac-sanctions-screen", "--header", "Authorization: Bearer " ] } } } ``` ## OpenAPI specification ```json { "openapi": "3.0.1", "info": { "title": "US Government Watchlist Screen (OFAC, BIS, State Dept)", "description": "Screen a name against the U.S. Government Consolidated Screening List (CSL): OFAC SDN + Consolidated + CMIC, BIS Entity / Denied Persons / Unverified / Military End-User, and State Dept Debarred / Nonproliferation. Fuzzy match returns each hit with its source list. Public-domain, no API keys.", "version": "0.1", "x-build-id": "9NjtN2opSTp0kdbOc" }, "servers": [ { "url": "https://api.apify.com/v2" } ], "paths": { "/acts/whetstonetools~ofac-sanctions-screen/run-sync-get-dataset-items": { "post": { "operationId": "run-sync-get-dataset-items-whetstonetools-ofac-sanctions-screen", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for its completion, and returns Actor's dataset items in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK" } } } }, "/acts/whetstonetools~ofac-sanctions-screen/runs": { "post": { "operationId": "runs-sync-whetstonetools-ofac-sanctions-screen", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor and returns information about the initiated run in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK", "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/runsResponseSchema" } } } } } } }, "/acts/whetstonetools~ofac-sanctions-screen/run-sync": { "post": { "operationId": "run-sync-whetstonetools-ofac-sanctions-screen", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for completion, and returns the OUTPUT from Key-value store in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK" } } } } }, "components": { "schemas": { "inputSchema": { "type": "object", "required": [ "name" ], "properties": { "name": { "title": "Name to screen", "type": "string", "description": "The person or business name to check against the U.S. Government Consolidated Screening List (CSL). Covers OFAC SDN, BIS Entity List, Denied Persons List, Unverified List, Military End-User, ITAR Debarred, Nonproliferation Sanctions, and more." }, "minScore": { "title": "Minimum match score (0–100)", "minimum": 0, "maximum": 100, "type": "integer", "description": "Minimum fuzzy-match score threshold (0–100). Matches below this score are suppressed. Default 85 balances recall vs. false-positive rate.", "default": 85 }, "includeAliases": { "title": "Include AKA / alias matching", "type": "boolean", "description": "When true, the query is also matched against alternate names (alt_names) on the CSL in addition to primary names.", "default": true }, "maxResults": { "title": "Max results", "minimum": 1, "maximum": 500, "type": "integer", "description": "Cap on the number of matching records to return. Set lower to control per-run cost.", "default": 100 }, "lists": { "title": "Filter to specific source lists (optional)", "type": "array", "description": "Optional list of source-list name substrings to restrict screening to (e.g. [\"SDN\", \"Entity List\"]). Leave empty to screen all lists. Case-insensitive substring match against the CSL source field.", "default": [], "items": { "type": "string" } } } }, "runsResponseSchema": { "type": "object", "properties": { "data": { "type": "object", "properties": { "id": { "type": "string" }, "actId": { "type": "string" }, "userId": { "type": "string" }, "startedAt": { "type": "string", "format": "date-time", "example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z" }, "finishedAt": { "type": "string", "format": "date-time", "example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z" }, "status": { "type": "string", "example": "READY" }, "meta": { "type": "object", "properties": { "origin": { "type": "string", "example": "API" }, "userAgent": { "type": "string" } } }, "stats": { "type": "object", "properties": { "inputBodyLen": { "type": "integer", "example": 2000 }, "rebootCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "restartCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "resurrectCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "computeUnits": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } }, "options": { "type": "object", "properties": { "build": { "type": "string", "example": "latest" }, "timeoutSecs": { "type": "integer", "example": 300 }, "memoryMbytes": { "type": "integer", "example": 1024 }, "diskMbytes": { "type": "integer", "example": 2048 } } }, "buildId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultKeyValueStoreId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultDatasetId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultRequestQueueId": { "type": "string" }, "buildNumber": { "type": "string", "example": "1.0.0" }, "containerUrl": { "type": "string" }, "usage": { "type": "object", "properties": { "ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 1 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_SERPS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } }, "usageTotalUsd": { "type": "number", "example": 0.00005 }, "usageUsd": { "type": "object", "properties": { "ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": { "type": "number", "example": 0.00005 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_SERPS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } } } } } } } } } ```