In simple terms
Sanctions are penalties applied between governments rather than inside a courtroom. They cut off trade, money or travel to press a target into changing course.
The defining feature is what they are not. They stop short of armed force, sitting between a diplomatic protest and a war.
How it works
Sanctions come from two places.
UN sanctions are imposed by the Security Council under Article 41 of the UN Charter, which covers enforcement measures that do not involve the use of armed force. Fifteen UN regimes were in place as of September 2026, each run by a sanctions committee.
Countries and blocs also impose their own. The European Union had almost 50 regimes covering more than 6,000 individuals and entities, and its autonomous measures usually run for 12 months before they have to be renewed.
The instruments are similar in both cases:
- Targeted measures aimed at named people and companies, mainly asset freezes and travel bans.
- Economic and sectoral measures, including trade restrictions, financial limits, technology controls and curbs on transport or energy.
- Arms embargoes, blocking the supply of weapons.
- Diplomatic measures, such as breaking off relations.
The stated aim is behavioral, not punitive. The EU describes sanctions as seeking to bring about a change in the policy or conduct of those targeted.
Why it matters
Sanctions bind private parties, not only governments. Banks, shippers and exporters have to screen who they deal with, and the cost of getting it wrong is real.
They are also frequently misread as collective punishment. The UN says many of its regimes are designed to support governments and regions working toward peaceful transition, alongside goals such as constraining terrorism, protecting human rights and promoting nuclear non-proliferation.
Where you’ll see it
- Security Council resolutions and national sanctions lists.
- Bank and payment checks that screen names against those lists.
- Export paperwork for controlled goods and technology.
Example
Freezing the assets of a named official and barring them from entering a bloc’s territory is a targeted sanction, not an economy-wide one.
Often confused with
Tariffs. A tariff is a tax on imports, used mainly as trade and revenue policy. Sanctions are restrictions imposed to change political behavior.
Key facts
- UN sanctions are imposed by the Security Council under Article 41 of the UN Charter, covering enforcement measures that do not involve the use of armed force.1
- Fifteen UN sanctions regimes were in place as of September 2026, each administered by a sanctions committee chaired by a Security Council member.1
- UN measures include arms embargoes, travel bans, financial restrictions, commodity restrictions, and comprehensive economic and trade sanctions.1
- Stated UN purposes include supporting peaceful transitions, deterring non-constitutional changes of government, constraining terrorism, protecting human rights and promoting nuclear non-proliferation.1
- EU sanctions seek to bring about a change in the policy or conduct of those targeted, in support of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.2
- The EU had almost 50 sanctions regimes covering more than 6,000 individuals and entities, and its autonomous sanctions usually apply for 12 months.2
This entry explains a legal term. Laws differ by country and change over time. It is not legal advice.
Go deeperDo Economic Sanctions Actually Work?Related concepts
In the news
Quick checkUnder which article of the UN Charter does the Security Council impose sanctions?Show answer
Article 41, which covers enforcement measures that do not involve the use of armed force.
Sources
- United Nations Security Council. Sanctions. Undated (accessed 14 September 2026)
- Council of the European Union. Types of sanctions the EU adopts. Undated (accessed 14 September 2026)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed September 17, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue