> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.compliance.legaltalent.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Delete Watchlist

> Remove a watchlist and all associated data

## Endpoint

```
DELETE /kyc/watchlists/{watchlist_id}
```

## Authentication

Requires `watchlist:delete` permission.

## Path Parameters

<ParamField path="watchlist_id" type="string" required>
  The unique identifier of the watchlist to delete
</ParamField>

## Request Example

```bash theme={null}
curl -X DELETE https://stg.kyc.legaltalent.ai/kyc/watchlists/550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"
```

## Response

```json theme={null}
{
  "status": "success",
  "message": "Watchlist deleted successfully"
}
```

## Error Responses

### 404 Not Found

```json theme={null}
{
  "status": "error",
  "error": {
    "type": "NotFoundError",
    "message": "Watchlist not found",
    "code": "WATCHLIST_NOT_FOUND"
  }
}
```

## Important Notes

<Warning>
  **This action is permanent and cannot be undone.**

  Deleting a watchlist will:

  * Remove the watchlist configuration
  * Delete all subjects from the watchlist
  * Cancel scheduled checks
  * Remove historical screening data
  * Stop all alerts and notifications
</Warning>

<Info>
  **Alternative: Pause Instead of Delete**

  If you want to temporarily stop monitoring without losing data, consider [updating the status](/api-reference/watchlists/update) to `paused` instead of deleting.
</Info>

## Status Codes

| Code | Description                                       |
| ---- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| 200  | Success - Watchlist deleted                       |
| 401  | Unauthorized                                      |
| 403  | Forbidden - Missing `watchlist:delete` permission |
| 404  | Not Found                                         |
| 500  | Internal Server Error                             |

## Best Practices

* **Export data first**: Use the [Get Watchlist](/api-reference/watchlists/get) endpoint to retrieve and save watchlist data before deletion
* **Pause instead**: For temporary suspension, use `status: "paused"` to preserve data
* **Verify ID**: Double-check the `watchlist_id` to avoid accidental deletion
* **Log deletions**: Maintain audit logs of watchlist deletions for compliance