The Central Bank of Syria (CBoS) is blocked as part of the Government of Syria, as defined in E.O. 13582 of August 17, 2011 and the Syrian Sanctions Regulations (SySR), 31 C.F.R. Part 542. On December 22, 2020, OFAC identified the CBoS on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), further underscoring its blocked status. This identification does not trigger new prohibitions on the CBoS. All property and interests in property of the CBoS remain blocked.
Among other things, the SySR generally prohibit U.S. persons, unless exempt or authorized, from engaging in any transaction or dealing in property and interests in property of certain blocked persons, including the CBoS. This also includes the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked, again including the CBoS. The SySR also prohibit the export, reexport, sale, and supply of services to Syria (unless exempt or authorized), which would include services involving the CBoS in Syria.
Pursuant to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, non-U.S. persons who knowingly provide significant financial, material, or technological support to, or knowingly engage in a significant transaction with the Government of Syria, including the CBoS, or certain other persons sanctioned with respect to Syria, risk exposure to sanctions.
General and specific licenses under the SySR applicable to the CBoS continue to apply, including authorizations for the provision of humanitarian assistance and certain trade to Syria that may involve the CBoS. For more information regarding authorizations for humanitarian assistance and other trade with Syria by U.S. and non-U.S. persons, please see FAQ 867.