HomeCirculars › RBI/2023-24/48

WMD Act Designated List Updated: UNSC Sanctions Amendments

Live · in forceNo withdrawal recorded as of 19 Jun 2026. Reviewed by Vikram Jain; always verify against the official RBI source below.
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Quick answerRBI mandates all regulated entities to update their sanctions screening with the latest UNSC amendments to the DPRK and Iran designated lists under the WMD Act, 2005.

What changed

The UNSC Committee under resolution 1718(2006) amended certain entries on its Sanctions List for individuals and entities. RBI has communicated these amendments to regulated entities, updating the designated list referenced in the January 30, 2023 order under Section 12A of the WMD Act.

What it means for you

Banks and lenders must immediately update their KYC and sanctions screening systems to reflect the latest UNSC changes. Non-compliance with these designated lists can lead to regulatory action and reputational risk.

What you must do

Who it affects

All RBI-regulated entities (banks, NBFCs, payment systems, etc.), Compliance and AML/KYC teams, Sanctions screening operations

What is the source of the updated designated list?

The UNSC Committee established under resolution 1718(2006) amended its Sanctions List for DPRK and Iran. RBI has communicated these changes to regulated entities.

Where can I access the latest UNSC sanctions lists?

The latest lists are available on the UN Security Council website at https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1718 for DPRK and https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/2231/list for Iran.

What is the legal basis for this compliance requirement?

Section 12A of the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005, and the Master Direction on KYC dated February 25, 2016 (as amended).

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Official source: RBI/2023-24/48 on rbi.org.in ↗
AI-drafted · 3-model AI consensus fact-check · under the editorial review of Vikram Jain · published · 19 Jun 2026, 07:30 IST
Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12522&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by Vikram Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; never reproduces RBI text verbatim.