Key Takeaway
 

1. Sanctions are targeted restrictions on specific individuals, entities, or industries. 

2. Embargoes are comprehensive trade prohibitions on entire countries or regions. 

3. An embargo is a type of sanction, but not all sanctions are embargoes.

Introduction 

Compliance teams and regulated businesses must understand the difference between sanctions and embargoes to avoid severe AML penalties.

Sanctions and embargoes are powerful tools employed by nations or groups of nations to exert pressure on other countries or entities. These measures often involve restrictions on trade, economic relations, or diplomatic interactions. While they are frequently used in response to perceived violations of international law or human rights, their effectiveness and consequences can be complex and multifaceted.

This blog post aims to shed light on the nuanced distinctions between sanctions and embargoes. By clarifying their definitions, types, and differences, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of these important diplomatic instruments and their potential implications.

Sanction And Embargo Definition

Above, we have seen the basic ideas about sanctions and embargoes. Below, we shall be checking them out in detail.

What Is A Sanction?

A sanction is a legal restriction imposed by one or more governments or international bodies such as the UN, EU, or OFAC on a specific country, individual, or entity to influence behaviour or enforce international law.

Sanctions can be economic, causing restrictions on trade, financial transactions, or investments. An example is the United States imposed economic sanctions on Iran in response to its nuclear program.

Sanctions can also be Diplomatic causing a withdrawal of diplomatic recognition, expulsion of diplomats, or suspension of diplomatic relations. An example is the United States imposing diplomatic sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Sanctions also come in travel bans, restricting the movement of individuals into or out of a country. The United States imposed travel bans on citizens of certain countries, including Iran and Venezuela.

what is International sanctions this are restrictive measures imposed by one or more countries or international organizations (like the UN, EU, or OFAC) to influence or penalize states, entities, or individuals involved in activities that threaten global peace, violate international law, or support terrorism.

These international sanctions may include travel bans, asset freezes, trade restrictions, or arms embargoes as described above.

 Read Also: What is a sanction list?

What Is An Embargo?

An embargo is a comprehensive, government-imposed prohibition on all trade, financial transactions, and transport links with a specific country or region. Unlike targeted sanctions, embargoes apply to every individual and business within the affected country  with no exceptions.'

Examples of embargoes include trade embargoes, which are a complete ban on trade with a particular country. An example is the United States trade embargo on Cuba following the Cuban Revolution.

Another one is the Arms embargo which is basically a ban on the sale or transfer of weapons or military equipment to a country or organization. The United Nations imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan to prevent further violence from erupting in the country.

One more is the Oil embargo, which is a ban on the export or import of oil to and from a country. The Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) imposed an oil embargo on several Western countries in 1973 for their alliances with Israel during the Yom Kippur war.

Is An Embargo A Sanction?: Differences Between Embargo and Sanction

This is one of the most common questions people ask on the topic. This is because the relationship between sanctions and embargoes is often debated. Some argue that embargoes are a specific type of sanction while others maintain they are distinct entities. To answer this question, it is essential to check out the characteristics of embargoes and sanctions and their historical context.

Embargo As A Sanction

For those who believe that embargoes are sanctions. They always point to the fact that both are used as tools of economic coercion. Embargoes, by restricting trade, can have a severe economic impact on a target country, similar to the effects of many sanctions. In addition to the above, both sanctions and embargoes are often imposed in response to perceived violations of international law or human rights.

Embargo As An Entity Separate From Sanctions 

People who believe that embargoes are the same as sanctions argue that they have distinct characteristics. 

They believe that embargoes are typically broader in scope, often targeting entire countries rather than specific individuals or entities. They also are of the opinion that embargoes are often seen as more severe and all-encompassing than sanctions, as they can completely cut off trade with a country.

From what we can deduce from both arguments, we can tell that while there is no definitive answer to the question of whether an embargo is a sanction, it is clear that they are closely related. Embargoes can be seen as a particularly severe and far-reaching form of economic sanction. However, their broader scope and more severe impact suggest that they may also be considered a distinct category of trade restriction. Ultimately, the classification of embargoes and sanctions or separate entities may depend on the specific context and the goals being pursued.

Sanction Vs Embargo: Differences

When checking for the differences between sanctions and embargoes, quite a number of things should be considered. They include the following:

Sanction and Embargo Differences Based on Scope

In the sense of the differences between sanctions and embargoes based on scope, we have to find out if the scope is targeted or broad.

Sanctions are often narrowly focused on specific individuals, entities, or sectors of an economy. For example, targeted sanctions might be imposed on a particular company or government official suspected of human rights abuses.

But embargoes on the other hand, typically are broader in scope, affecting entire countries or regions. For instance, the United States imposed a comprehensive embargo on Cuba, restricting trade and economic relations with the entire island nation.

Sanctions and Embargo Differences Based on Nature

The differences between sanctions and embargoes based on nature can either be prohibitory or restrictive.

Sanctions can range from outright prohibitions to more limited restrictions. For example, a sanction might prohibit the export of certain goods to a target country, while another might impose tariffs or quotas on imports.

Embargoes on the other hand, generally involve complete or near-complete prohibitions on trade. They often seek to cut off a country's access to essential goods or services.

Sanction and Embargo Differences based on Goals

The differences between the two in this scenario could either be punitive or coercive

Sanctions can be used for both punitive and coercive purposes. Punitive sanctions aim to punish a country or entity for violating international law or engaging in undesirable behavior. Coercive sanctions seek to compel a target to change its behavior through economic pressure.

Embargoes in this case are primarily used for coercive purposes, seeking to force a country to modify its policies or actions.

Sanction and Embargo Differences Based on Implementation

In this sense, they can either be unilateral or multilateral. Sanctions here can be imposed unilaterally by a single country or multilaterally by a group of nations. For example, the United States often imposes unilateral sanctions on countries that violate its interests. However, multilateral sanctions, such as those imposed by the United Nations Security Council, can be more effective due to their broader reach and international support.

In opposition, embargoes are often implemented multilaterally, as they require coordination among multiple countries to be effective. For example, the United Nations Security Council has imposed arms embargoes on several countries, including Iran and North Korea.

To better explain all what we have been analyzing, let's check out this detailed comparison:

Targeted sanctions can be seen if the United States targeted sanctions on Russian oligarchs and government officials in response to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions aimed to isolate Russian elites and undermine the Kremlin's financial support.

Embargo on the other hand is exemplified by the United States' embargo on Cuba, which has been in place since 1962, restricting trade and economic relations with the island nation. The embargo has been criticized for its harshness and its limited effectiveness in achieving its stated goals.

 Suggested: A Complete Guide to Sanction Screening

Goals of Sanctions and Embargo: How Sanctions and Embargoes Are Used to Prevent Conflicts and Safeguard Security

When it comes to maintaining global stability and protecting national interests, both sanctions and embargoes operate as important tools in the international relations toolkit. Let's break down how these measures help deter conflicts and reinforce security:

1. Conflict Prevention:

Sanctions and embargoes can halt the flow of weapons, funds, or resources to regions on the brink of conflict. For instance, arms embargoes imposed by entities like the United Nations Security Council can prevent warring factions from acquiring military equipment, slowing the escalation of hostilities and sometimes even nudging parties toward negotiation.

2. Curtailing Dangerous Activities:

By restricting key exports, such as advanced technology, dual-use goods, or financial assets, nations can block actors suspected of developing weapons of mass destruction or supporting terrorism. Measures like these aim to contain threats before they can destabilize other countries or regions.

3. Protecting National and International Security:

Export controls and trade restrictions are often used to keep sensitive technologies, such as nuclear materials or sophisticated cyber tools, out of the hands of adversaries. This not only reduces direct risks to a country's security, but also helps uphold broader international agreements and alliances, strengthening global cooperation against common threats.

Through these mechanisms, sanctions and embargoes serve as preventative strategies, sometimes acting as strong warnings, sometimes as firm barriers, to head off potential crises, violent conflicts, or breaches of peace.

Effectiveness Of Sanctions And Embargoes And Their Unintended Consequences

Sanctions can be effective in achieving their intended goals, particularly when they are implemented multilaterally and supported by international consensus. However, sanctions can also have unintended consequences, such as harming innocent civilians, strengthening the target regime, or causing economic hardship in countries that are not the primary targets.

Embargoes on the other hand can be particularly effective in isolating a country and exerting significant economic pressure. The downside to this phenomenon is the fact that embargoes can also lead to unintended consequences, such as fostering corruption, black markets, and human rights abuses.

In hindsight, we believe that while sanctions and embargoes are both tools of economic coercion, they differ in terms of their scope, nature, goals, and implementation. Understanding these differences is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and potential consequences of these policies.

How Organizations Ensure Effective Compliance with Changing Sanctions Regulations

Staying one step ahead in the ever-evolving world of sanctions requires organizations to be proactive and nimble. But how exactly do they pull it off?

First, businesses must regularly update their compliance procedures to keep pace with new or revised sanctions. Economic sanctions aren’t static—they can be introduced or lifted with little notice—so having a flexible monitoring and screening system is crucial. Outdated procedures or blind spots in screening methods can quickly lead to costly missteps.

Second, context matters. Compliance isn't a one-size-fits-all affair; organizations must tailor their sanctions screening processes based on the regions in which they operate and the specific types of sanctions they face. For example, a company doing business across Europe, Asia, and North America needs a program robust enough to account for wide-ranging local laws and regulations, as well as the difference between targeted sanctions (such as those against individuals) and broader embargoes.

Data also plays a starring role. Effective compliance programs rely on constant analysis of up-to-date information, which means companies need tools that can quickly process data from multiple sources. This ensures that client profiles remain accurate and that potential risks are caught before they escalate.

Of course, technology and robust systems are only one side of the coin. Adequate funding, ongoing employee training, and the expertise to interpret complex regulations remain core elements. When faced with particularly complex or high-risk environments, many organizations partner with external experts or compliance consultants, like those from the Big Four (Deloitte, PWC, EY, and KPMG), for added peace of mind and to tailor solutions to their unique risk profiles.

Ultimately, the most successful organizations are those that see compliance as an ongoing, organization-wide effort—not just a box-checking exercise. This approach helps minimize potential anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) risks, keeping both reputation and operations intact.

Read: Common Challenges in Sanction Screening and How to Overcome Them

Final Words

In this blog post, we have been able to examine the definitions, types, and differences between sanctions and embargoes. While both are tools of economic coercion, they differ in their scope, nature, goals, and implementation. Sanctions are often more targeted, while embargoes are broader in scope. Sanctions can be punitive or coercive, while embargoes are primarily used for coercive purposes. Both can be implemented unilaterally or multilaterally.

To conclude on the topic, sanctions and embargoes are powerful but complex instruments of foreign policy. While they can be effective in achieving their intended goals, they also carry the risk of unintended consequences. 

As the global landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that sanctions and embargoes will remain important tools in the diplomatic arsenal of nations. However, their effectiveness and appropriateness will depend on careful consideration of their potential costs and benefits.

Do you need help navigating the complex web of sanctions, embargoes, and other regulatory compliance issues? Reach out to us at Youverify. 

With more than 2,000 clients worldwide, we are confident that your needs will be more than met. Book a demo with us today and enjoy the peace of mind we guarantee.

FAQ

Q1. Who can impose sanctions and embargoes?

Sanctions and embargoes can be imposed by the United Nations, the European Union, national governments, and agencies such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in the United States.

Q2. What happens if a company violates sanctions?

A company that violates sanctions may face heavy fines, asset freezes, loss of banking access, criminal penalties, and serious reputational damage.

Q3. Can sanctions be lifted? If so, how?

Yes, sanctions can be lifted when the targeted party complies with international requirements or after diplomatic agreements, subject to formal review and approval by the imposing authority.

Q4. How do businesses ensure compliance with sanctions and embargoes?

Businesses ensure sanctions compliance by screening customers and transactions against official sanctions lists, conducting due diligence, and using automated monitoring systems to detect restricted parties or activities.

Q5. Is an embargo the same as a sanction?

No. A sanction is a broad term for restrictive measures, while an embargo is a specific type of sanction that bans trade with a particular country.

Q6. What is the difference between targeted sanctions and comprehensive embargoes?

Targeted sanctions restrict specific individuals, entities, or sectors, while comprehensive embargoes impose wide-ranging trade and economic restrictions on an entire country.

Q7. What is OFAC and how does it relate to sanctions?

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is a U.S. Treasury agency that administers and enforces U.S. economic sanctions, maintains sanctions lists, and requires businesses to comply with its regulations.

Q8. Why are sanctions and embargoes imposed?

Sanctions and embargoes are imposed to pressure countries, entities, or individuals that threaten national security, violate international law, fund terrorism, or engage in human rights abuses, using economic and financial restrictions instead of military force.