1016. I have a shipment of a product or products listed in Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine,” en route to the United States that was contracted prior to March 8, 2022.  Can I find a new buyer for this shipment, re-direct the shipment to a country other than the United States, or import the product and comply with the import ban?

Yes.  E.O. of March 8, 2022 prohibits the importation into the United States of crude oil; petroleum; petroleum fuels, oils, and products of their distillation; liquefied natural gas; coal; and coal products of Russian Federation origin.  It does not prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions to sell or re-direct shipments that were previously destined for the United States.  In addition, the Office of Foreign of Assets Control (OFAC) has issued General License (GL) 16 to authorize the limited import of these items pursuant to pre-existing written contracts or written agreements through April 22, 2022 (see FAQ 1015).  Such shipments into the United States can still be imported in compliance with E.O. of March 8, 2022.  OFAC may issue specific licenses on a case-by-case basis to authorize shipments occurring after April 22, 2022 or other activity outside the scope of GL 16.