Amazon · AWS Acceptable Use Policy

Export Control and Sanctions Compliance

High severity
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What it is

You cannot use AWS services in ways that violate US export laws or sanctions against certain countries or individuals — this means you cannot provide AWS-hosted technology to sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

This provision requires all AWS customers to ensure they are not providing services, data, or technology to individuals or entities in sanctioned countries or on OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, which is particularly relevant for SaaS companies with international users who may unknowingly onboard prohibited customers.

How other platforms handle this

Poshmark Medium

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to principles of conflict of laws. Unless you and Poshmark agree to arbitrate, you agree that any legal action or proceeding between you and Poshmark will be brought exclusively in a federal or state court of compete...

Lyft Medium

This Arbitration Agreement is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act ("FAA"), 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16, including both the FAA's procedural and substantive provisions. If the FAA is inapplicable for any reason, then this Arbitration Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, including the ...

Google Medium

For people outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland: The laws of California, USA, excluding California's conflict of laws rules, will apply to any disputes arising out of or relating to these terms or the services. These disputes will be resolved exclusively in the federal or state courts ...

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Why it matters (compliance & risk perspective)

Businesses with global operations or international customer bases must screen users and data flows against OFAC sanctions lists and EAR controls, because using AWS to provide services to sanctioned parties violates both US law and this AUP, risking account termination and severe civil and criminal penalties.

View original clause language
No Export Violations. You may not use the Services in a manner that violates applicable export control laws and regulations, including U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Institutional analysis (Compliance & legal intelligence)

(1) REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision incorporates the Export Administration Regulations (EAR, 15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774, BIS/Commerce Department enforcement), OFAC sanctions programs (31 C.F.R. various parts, Treasury Department enforcement), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR, 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, State Department DDTC enforcement) by reference. Cloud computing services may constitute 'deemed exports' under EAR Part 734 when providing technology access to foreign nationals. OFAC's 50% Rule requires blocking entities owned 50% or more by sanctioned parties even if not named on the SDN list. (2)

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Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    While primary enforcement rests with Treasury/OFAC and Commerce/BIS, FTC may pursue related deceptive practice claims where companies misrepresent their sanctions compliance status to customers or partners.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
AWS Acceptable Use Policy
Entity
Amazon
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-002551
Document ID
CA-D-00028
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
c61af89c19589f506fd3fc8bbb8010407f0052d2e845554c876b99cc2495d2ce
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Amazon | Document: AWS Acceptable Use Policy | Record: CA-P-002551
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:03:12 UTC | SHA-256: c61af89c19589f50…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/amazon/aws-acceptable-use-policy/export-control-and-sanctions-compliance/
Accessed: April 28, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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