Export Control & Sanctions Guide for Creators

Last Updated:

Jun 25, 2025

Jun 25, 2025

Jun 25, 2025

Audience:

International Rillic Creators

Reading Time:

5 minutes

Quick Summary

Why this matters:
As a US-based platform, Rillic must comply with US export control and sanctions laws for all international transactions.

What you need to know:

  • Automatic screening of every transaction against restricted countries and individuals

  • Most creators are unaffected – standard Rive animations rarely involve controlled technology

  • Prohibited countries cannot be served due to US sanctions

  • Enhanced review may be required for certain locations

Your responsibility:
Create content legally and honestly represent your location and identity.

Countries We Cannot Serve

Completely Prohibited

No creator accounts or sales are permitted in:

  • North Korea 🇰🇵 – All transactions prohibited

  • Iran 🇮🇷 – Comprehensive US sanctions

  • Syria 🇸🇾 – Conflict-related sanctions

  • Cuba 🇨🇺 – Long-standing trade embargo

Restricted regions:

  • Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk (Ukraine) – Regional sanctions apply

Enhanced Screening Required

Additional verification is required for:

  • Russia 🇷🇺 and Belarus 🇧🇾 – Sector-specific restrictions

  • Venezuela 🇻🇪 – Government/military-related restrictions

  • China 🇨🇳 – Technology export restrictions

  • Myanmar 🇲🇲 – Restrictions on military/government use

This means:
Longer verification times and more documentation may be needed for creators in these locations.

What Content Might Be Restricted

Standard Rive Animations (Usually Fine)

Most content is safe to sell globally, including:

  • UI animations

  • Loaders, spinners, progress bars

  • Character/game animations

  • Presentation or marketing visuals

  • Educational and entertainment content

Potentially Controlled Content

May require additional review:

  • Security-related animations (login, access control)

  • Cryptography visualizations

  • Industrial system interfaces

  • Technical drawings/specs

If unsure:
Contact our compliance team before uploading.

Clearly Prohibited Content

Do NOT upload animations involving:

  • Military or weapons systems

  • Nuclear technology

  • Surveillance/monitoring applications

  • Dual-use technologies (civilian + military use)

How We Protect You and Comply

Automatic Screening

Each transaction includes:

  • Real-time verification at checkout

  • Screening against government sanctions lists

  • Location/geographic verification

  • Pattern analysis for suspicious activity

You don’t need to take action.
If all is clear, your transaction proceeds as normal.

Enhanced Security Measures

Other compliance layers include:

  • Identity (KYC) verification

  • Payment screening

  • Content scanning (manual and automated)

  • Ongoing transaction/activity monitoring

If a Transaction is Blocked

Blocked transactions may involve:

  • Prohibited countries

  • Restricted individuals

  • Flagged content or behavior

  • Security triggers in our system

What happens:
Transaction is canceled, no money is exchanged, and both parties are notified.

Creator Responsibilities

Accurate Information

Always be truthful about:

  • Your real country and citizenship

  • Identity and business documents

  • What your content does

  • Any potential restrictions involved

Do NOT:

  • Use VPNs to fake your location

  • Submit fake IDs or papers

  • Misrepresent your animation’s use

  • Help buyers bypass restrictions

Content Classification

Be honest in listings and descriptions:

  • Clearly describe how the animation works

  • Note any encryption/security features

  • Flag potential restricted technologies

  • Keep information up to date

When unsure:
Contact compliance@rillic.com.

Cooperation with Reviews

If selected for enhanced review:

  • Respond quickly and professionally

  • Provide documentation when asked

  • Describe your content clearly

  • Help resolve compliance concerns

Common Questions

Geographic Restrictions

Q: I’m traveling. Can I use my account?
A: Yes, but long stays in restricted countries may trigger additional checks.

Q: I’m a US citizen living abroad. What applies?
A: You’re still subject to US export laws regardless of where you live.

Q: What if my buyer is in a banned country?
A: The transaction will be blocked automatically.

Content Restrictions

Q: How do I know if my content is controlled?
A: Most creative animations are not. If your animation involves encryption, defense, or technical specs, email compliance@rillic.com.

Q: What if I upload restricted content by accident?
A: Contact us immediately. Honest mistakes are treated differently than willful violations.

Q: Can I sell game content with military themes?
A: Yes, if it’s fictional. Realistic military systems might require a review.

Compliance Process

Q: Will this slow down my sales?
A: No. Less than 1% of transactions undergo enhanced review.

Q: Can I appeal if I disagree with a restriction?
A: You may appeal, but export decisions are generally final.

Q: How often do the rules change?
A: We follow official US updates and adjust policies accordingly.

Best Practices for Creators

Documentation and Records

Keep organized:

  • Save source and development files

  • Record your intended content use

  • Store buyer messages and contracts

  • Archive sensitive or custom project info

Professional Practices

Build compliance into your process:

  • Ask questions for unusual requests

  • Research big clients and projects

  • Avoid suspicious industry areas

  • Work with legit, trustworthy buyers

Staying Informed

Stay updated:

  • Read platform policy updates

  • Track US export control news

  • Attend webinars or creator sessions

  • Ask questions when needed

Communication Guidelines

Maintain professionalism:

  • Use platform messages only

  • Never discuss bypassing sanctions

  • Report strange or suspicious messages

  • Keep reviews and investigations private

Red Flags to Watch For

Suspicious Buyer Behavior

Look out for buyers who:

  • Ask to fake functionality

  • Push for off-platform payment

  • Want to bypass country restrictions

  • Ask deeply technical or security-related questions

Report immediately if:

  • Someone requests prohibited content

  • Payment is suggested outside the platform

  • They pressure you to skip verification

  • Anything feels shady or deceptive

Unusual Transactions

Be alert for:

  • Many small orders from one region

  • Rushed, large-volume purchases

  • Requests for sensitive feature modifications

  • Buyers whose interest doesn’t match their business

Getting Help and Support

Compliance Questions

Email: compliance@rillic.com
Response time: 24 hours for general inquiries, 4 hours for urgent cases
Languages: English (translation support on request)

Before you email:

  • Review this guide

  • Gather relevant files or documents

  • Be specific about your concern

  • Know some matters may be confidential

Legal Resources

When to seek legal help:

  • Complex cross-border legal situations

  • Questions about your legal obligations

  • Risk of investigation or government contact

  • Major business or high-risk cases

Rillic can help with:

  • General guidance

  • Referrals to export control attorneys

  • Legal documentation

  • Cooperation with legitimate legal inquiries

Educational Resources

Learn more about export control:

  • US Department of Commerce guidelines

  • Creator compliance webinars

  • Industry whitepapers

  • Rillic updates and alerts

Platform Commitment

Protecting Creators

Rillic works to:

  • Minimize compliance burden

  • Provide step-by-step support

  • Offer education and resources

  • Advocate for fair creator treatment

Legal Requirements

We must comply with:

  • US export laws and trade sanctions

  • International treaties and requirements

  • Legal documentation and reporting

  • Investigations and enforcement

Continuous Improvement

We aim to:

  • Make compliance smoother

  • Improve screening accuracy

  • Expand our training tools

  • Stay ahead of changing laws

Emergency Procedures

If Your Account Is Suspended

Do:

  • Contact compliance@rillic.com right away

  • Provide requested documentation

  • Cooperate with the review team

  • Be honest and responsive

Don’t:

  • Try to create a new account

  • Attempt to hide or bypass restrictions

  • Delay response

  • Submit misleading info

Reporting Violations

If you discover violations:

  • Email compliance@rillic.com

  • Include details and screenshots if possible

  • Keep it confidential

  • Cooperate with any investigation

Legal Process

If you’re contacted by an agency:

  • Forward it to legal@rillic.com immediately

  • Share copies of legal papers

  • Do not delete or alter records

  • Hire a qualified export law attorney

Reminder:
Compliance protects creators and the platform. It ensures we can continue supporting a global creative community in a legal and ethical way.

Have questions?
Email our Compliance Team at compliance@rillic.com or visit the Creator Help Center.

Urgent issue?
Mark your subject line: "URGENT COMPLIANCE" for priority response within 4 hours.