OpenSanctions

API

Free API for global sanctions, PEP, and crime data

Overview

The OpenSanctions API offers RESTful access to structured data on international sanctions lists, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and entities linked to serious crimes. Endpoints include entity search (by name/criteria), detailed record retrieval, and bulk exports. Responses use JSON-LD (linked data) for semantic interoperability. Use cases: AML compliance checks, due diligence processes, risk monitoring, and integrating global sanctions/PEP data into applications. It combines data from 200+ sources (sanctions bodies, law enforcement) and supports filtering by jurisdiction, entity type, or data source.

Example Integration (JavaScript)

script.js JS


fetch('https://www.opensanctions.org/docs/api/')
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Key Features

RESTful API
JSON-LD responses
No auth required (basic access)
Multi-source data integration
Bulk export options

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is OpenSanctions free to use?

Yes, the OpenSanctions API is free for both non-commercial and commercial use, with rate limits to prevent abuse.

? Does it require an API Key?

Basic access does not need an API key. Registered users may get higher rate limits, but no key is mandatory for core functionality.

? What is the response format?

Responses are in JSON-LD (JSON Linked Data), a structured format that includes semantic metadata for interoperability.

Top Alternatives

OFAC Sanctions List API Search Google

World-Check API Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free

Category Open Data

Platform Public API

Pros

⊕ Free for commercial/non-commercial use
⊕ Global coverage of sanctions/PEP data
⊕ Regularly updated datasets
⊕ Structured linked data format
⊕ Easy-to-use search endpoints

Cons

⊖ Rate limits apply to free access
⊖ JSON-LD may require additional parsing
⊖ No SLA for free users
⊖ Limited advanced filtering in basic tier