Congo (DRC) Sanctions
CDFATF Grey ListCongo (DRC) is currently subject to 15 active sanctions programs imposed by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, European Union Council, European Commission (AML High-Risk Third Countries), Financial Action Task Force, Ministry of Finance Japan and Office of Foreign Assets Control. These measures include asset freeze, travel ban, arms embargo, financial restrictions, trade restrictions and other. Congo (DRC) is also on the FATF grey list. This page lists every program targeting Congo (DRC), the legal bases behind them, and the most recent changes.
Last updated 12 Jun 2026
Programs
15
Authorities
13
Restriction Types
6
Restrictions
Sanctioning Authorities
Sanctions Programs
UN DRC sanctions regime. Total designated: 53 (44 individuals, 9 entities).
Resources
On 7 April 1993 the EU decided to impose an arms embargo on Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo, the DRC). On 28 July 2003, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1493 (2003) imposing an arms embargo against the DRC. On 18 April 2005, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1596 (2005) imposing also targeted restrictive measures. On 21 December 2005, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1649 (2005) extending restrictive measures to political and military leaders of foreign armed groups operating in the DRC who impede the disarmament and the voluntary repatriation or resettlement of combatants belonging to those groups, and to political and military leaders of Congolese militias receiving support from outside the DRC and in particular those operating in Ituri, who impede the participation of their combatants in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration processes. On 31 July 2006, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1698 (2006) extending restrictive measures to political and military leaders recruiting or using children in armed conflict in violation of applicable international law and to individuals committing serious violations of international law involving the targeting of children in situations of armed conflict, including killing and maiming, sexual violence, abduction and forced displacement. On 17 October 2016, the EU expressed its deep concern at the political situation in the DRC. It strongly condemned the acts of extreme violence that took place on 19 and 20 September 2016 in Kinshasa, noting that those acts further exacerbated the deadlock in the country due to the failure to call the presidential elections by the constitutional deadline of 20 December 2016. The EU stressed that, in order to create a climate conducive to dialogue and the holding of elections, the Government of the DRC must clearly commit to ensuring that human rights and the rule of law are respected and must cease all use of the justice system as a political tool. It also called on all stakeholders to reject the use of violence. The EU adopted targeted measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations, those who promote violence and those who try to obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis which respects the aspiration of the people of the DRC to elect their representatives. Derogations and exemptions to the restrictive measures are possible, including the delivery of humanitarian aid. Adopted by: UN and EU.
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The European Commission identifies high-risk third countries having strategic deficiencies in their regime on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. Gatekeepers such as banks are obliged to carefully consider business relationships and transactions involving high-risk third countries through increased checks and control measures.
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+21 more
Jurisdictions under increased monitoring due to strategic deficiencies in AML/CFT but actively working with FATF on action plans. When the FATF places a jurisdiction under increased monitoring, it means the country has committed to resolve swiftly the identified strategic deficiencies within agreed timeframes and is subject to increased monitoring.
Sanctions targeting the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Total designated: 300 individuals, 333 entities.
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Sanctions program targeting persons contributing to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, implementing multiple executive orders, statutes, and UN Security Council resolutions. The program blocks property of designated persons and restricts arms and related materiel.
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+10 more
65 designated (56 individuals, 9 entities). Sources: UK, UN.
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65 designated entities (56 individuals, 9 entities). Designation sources: UK, UN. Earliest designation: 2018-02-01. Latest update: 2024-02-28.
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Swiss sanctions targeting the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Total designated: 95 (84 individuals, 11 entities).
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Targeted financial sanctions against designated individuals and entities related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Under The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
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UK sanctions regime targeting designated persons connected with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, implementing UN obligations.
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HM Treasury advisory notice identifying jurisdictions considered High-Risk Third Countries (HRTCs) under the UK Money Laundering Regulations. The list combines jurisdictions from both FATF lists: 'High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action' (FATF blacklist) and 'Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring' (FATF grey list). As of February 2026, there are 25 jurisdictions in total across both categories, with 9 of those also subject to additional financial sanctions measures.
Resources
Sanctions regime concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 53 designations (44 individuals, 9 entities).
Resources
Countries classified as conflict-affected under the World Bank FCS framework
Recent Changes
Resources added
Added: 1 Sanctions Brochure(s), 2 Executive Order(s), 1 Code of Federal Regulations(s), 5 Federal Register Notice(s), 3 UN Security Council Resolution(s), 1 Interpretive Guidance(s), 2 Guidance(s)
Legal basis updated for OFAC Democratic Republic of the Congo-Related Sanctions
Added: UNSCR 1698 (July 31, 2006), UNSCR 1649 (December 21, 2005), UNSCR 1596 (April 18, 2005). Removed: UNSCR 1698, UNSCR 1649, UNSCR 1596
Resources added
Added: 2 Executive Order(s), 5 Federal Register Notice(s), 1 Code of Federal Regulations(s), 3 UN Security Council Resolution(s), 1 Guidance(s), 1 Sanctions Brochure(s), 3 Statute(s)
Resources added
Added: 1 statement(s)
Target countries updated
Added: DZ, AO, BO, BG, CM, HT, KW, LA, LB, MC, NA, NP, PG, VG. Removed: AF, BJ, BF, KH, CF, CN, GR, ML, MZ, NG, PK, PH, TZ, TR, UG, AE
Legal basis updated for UK High-Risk Third Countries (AML/CFT)
Removed: Regulation 20(3) of the MLRs
Resources added
Added: 1 advisory(s)
Legal basis updated for Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions regime
Added: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
Target countries updated
Added: VE, NG, SS, CF, ML, BJ, CI, AE, PH, CN, KH, PK, AF, TR, GR. Removed: HR, JM, NI, ZW, HT, LB
Restrictions added
Added: financial_restrictions
Target countries updated
Added: BF, HR, JM, MZ, NI, TZ, UG, ZW. Removed: BO, CM, CI, LA, DZ, AO, BG, NA, PG, VG, KW, MC, NP, SS, VE
UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions (1533) renamed
Program renamed from "UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions (Committee 1533)" to "UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions (1533)"
Legal basis updated for OFAC Democratic Republic of the Congo-Related Sanctions
Added: Executive Order 13671 - Taking Additional Steps to Address the National Emergency With Respect to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (July 08, 2014), Executive Order 13413 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (October 30, 2006), 31 CFR Part 547 - Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Regulations. Removed: Executive Order 13413, Executive Order 13671, 31 CFR Part 547
Resources added
Added: 2 Executive Order(s), 3 Statute(s), 1 Regulation(s), 5 Federal Register Notice(s), 3 UN Security Council Resolution(s), 3 Guidance(s), 1 Brochure(s)
New program: World Bank FCS — Conflict-Affected
New sanctions program detected: World Bank FCS — Conflict-Affected
Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions regime renamed
Program renamed from "Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions" to "Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions regime"
Legal basis updated for Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions regime
Added: Sanctions Act 2018. Removed: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
Legal basis updated for OFAC Democratic Republic of the Congo-Related Sanctions
Added: 31 CFR Part 547. Removed: 31 CFR Part 547 - Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Regulations
Resources added
Added: 2 Executive Order(s), 5 Federal Register Notice(s), 3 UN Security Council Resolution(s), 1 Code of Federal Regulations(s), 3 Guidance(s)
Legal basis updated for UK High-Risk Third Countries (AML/CFT)
Added: Regulation 33(1)(b) of the MLRs, Regulation 33(3) of the MLRs, Regulation 20(3) of the MLRs. Removed: Regulation 33(1)(b) — Enhanced customer due diligence for high-risk third countries, Regulation 33(3) — Definition of 'established in a country', Regulation 33(3A) — Steps required for enhanced due diligence, Regulation 20(3) — Group wide controls for third-country branches and subsidiaries
Resources added
Added: 1 guidance(s)
Democratic Republic of the Congo renamed
Program renamed from "Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions" to "Democratic Republic of the Congo"
Resources added
Added: 1 un_list(s), 3 legislation(s)
UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions (Committee 1533) renamed
Program renamed from "1533 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)" to "UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions (Committee 1533)"
Restrictions removed
Removed: trade_restrictions
UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Committee (Resolution 1533) renamed
Program renamed from "UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Committee" to "UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Committee (Resolution 1533)"
Resources added
Added: 2 resolution(s)
Legal basis updated for EU List of High-Risk Third Countries (AML/CFT)
Added: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/46, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/83
Legal basis updated for OFAC Democratic Republic of the Congo-Related Sanctions
Added: Executive Order 13671, Executive Order 13413. Removed: Executive Order 13671 - Taking Additional Steps to Address the National Emergency With Respect to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (July 08, 2014), Executive Order 13413 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (October 30, 2006)
Resources added
Added: 2 Executive Order(s), 1 Code of Federal Regulations(s), 5 Federal Register Notice(s), 3 UN Security Council Resolution(s), 1 Sanctions Brochure(s), 1 Interpretive Guidance(s)
Restrictions added
Added: financial_restrictions
Resources added
Added: 1 statement(s)
Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions renamed
Program renamed from "Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions regime" to "Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions"
Legal basis updated for Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions
Added: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. Removed: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, Sanctions Act 2018
Resources added
Added: 1 designations_list(s)
Restrictions removed
Removed: financial_restrictions
Resources added
Added: 2 Executive Order(s), 5 Federal Register Notice(s), 3 UN Security Council Resolution(s), 1 Sanctions Brochure(s), 3 Guidance(s)
Restrictions removed
Removed: financial_restrictions
Resources added
Added: 1 statement(s)
Restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo renamed
Program renamed from "EU Restrictive Measures in view of the Situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo" to "Restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo"
Legal basis updated for Restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Added: Resolution 1596 (2005), Resolution 1649 (2005), Resolution 1493 (2003), Resolution 1771 (2007), Resolution 1807 (2008), Resolution 2078 (2012), Resolution 1698 (2006), Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Resolution 2136 (2014), Resolution 2198 (2015), Resolution 2293 (2016), Resolution 2360 (2017), Resolution 2478 (2019), Resolution 2528 (2020), Resolution 2582 (2021), Resolution 1533 (2004), Resolution 2641 (2022)
Resources added
Added: 18 statute(s), 1 advisory(s)
New program: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions
New sanctions program detected: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions
Legal basis updated for OFAC Democratic Republic of the Congo-Related Sanctions
Added: UNSCR 1698, UNSCR 1649, UNSCR 1596. Removed: UNSCR 1698 (July 31, 2006), UNSCR 1649 (December 21, 2005), UNSCR 1596 (April 18, 2005)
Resources added
Added: 2 Executive Order(s), 1 Code of Federal Regulations(s), 5 Federal Register Notice(s), 3 UN Security Council Resolution(s), 1 Guidance(s), 1 Sanctions Brochure(s)
Resources added
Added: 1 statement(s)
1533 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) renamed
Program renamed from "UN Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions (1533)" to "1533 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)"
Restrictions added
Added: trade_restrictions
Legal basis updated for OFAC Democratic Republic of the Congo-Related Sanctions
Legal bases changed
Resources added
Added: 2 Executive Order(s), 5 Federal Register Notice(s), 1 Sanctions Brochure(s), 3 UN Security Council Resolution(s)