Office of Suspension and Debarment

Bank Procedure: Sanctions Proceedings and Settlements in Bank Financed Projects (issued November 30, 2023)

This Procedure, commonly referred to as the “Sanctions Procedures,” sets out the procedures to be followed in the administrative process by which the Bank determines whether or not to sanction parties alleged to have engaged in a sanctionable practice in connection with a Bank-financed project.

Prior versions of the Sanctions Procedures are available here: 

June 28, 2016 | April 15, 2012  |  January 1, 2011 (as amended July 8, 2011)  |  September 15, 2010  |  May 11, 2009 (as amended June 25, 2010) | October 15, 2006

Other Key Documents

WBG Policy: Sanctions for Fraud and Corruption (issued June 13, 2016)

This Policy mandates an administrative system for adjudicating allegations of fraud and corruption in connection with World Bank Group financing or guarantee operations and imposing sanctions therefor; and identifies practices subject to sanction and possible forms of sanctions.

WBG Policy: Statute of the Sanctions Board (issued October 18, 2016)

This Policy sets out the role, composition, competence, and responsibilities of the World Bank Group Sanctions Board.

Prior version: September 15, 2010 | As amended February 17, 2009

Bank Directive: Sanctions for Fraud and Corruption in Bank Financed Projects (issued June 28, 2016)

This Directive sets out the institutional and normative architecture of the sanctions system; determines the jurisdiction of the sanctions system; and provides directions on the application of sanctions.

World Bank Group Sanctioning Guidelines (issued October 31, 2024)

This document provides guidance to those who have the discretion to impose sanctions on  behalf of the World Bank Group as to the considerations that the World Bank Group believes are relevant to any sanctioning decision.

Bank Procedure: Release from Permanent Debarment Imposed on Certain Individuals (issued March 5, 2024)

This Procedure sets out a process for a termination of the sanction of ineligibility for an indefinite period of time to be awarded Bank-financed contracts imposed on individuals pursuant to sanctions procedures set out in the Operational Memorandum dated January 5, 1998, and the World Bank Sanctions Committee Procedures dated August 2, 2001.

Procurement Regulations and Anti-Corruption Guidelines

World Bank Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing Borrowers (for projects after July 1, 2016) -- Click here for previous versions of the Procurement Guidelines and Consultant Guidelines (for projects before July 1, 2016)

Guidelines on Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption in Projects Financed by IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants (July 1, 2016)

Also known as "Anti-Corruption Guidelines"

Guidelines on Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption in Projects Financed by IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants (Revised in January 2011)

Also known as "Anti-Corruption Guidelines"

User-Friendly version of the Anti-Corruption Guidelines

Brazilian Portuguese | Arabic | Spanish | Portuguese | Chinese | Russian | French

Background and Reference Documents

Sanctions System Flowchart (This visual aid is based on the Sanctions Procedures. It provides an easy-to-understand graphic explanation of the World Bank Group sanctions system, including the pertinent deadlines.)

Advisory Opinion on Certain Issues Arising in Connection with Recent Sanctions Cases (No. 2010/1) (November 15, 2010; released to public by the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency in June 2013)

The World Bank Group’s Sanctions Regime: Information Note

World Bank Group Sanctions Regime - An Overview (October 8, 2010) 

Report Concerning the Debarment Processes of the World Bank - Thornburgh et al. (August 14, 2002)

Terms and Conditions of the World Bank’s Voluntary Disclosure Program - VDP (August 16, 2006)

Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions (April 9, 2010)