Frequently Asked Questions

1032. On April 20, 2022, Transkapitalbank (TKB) was designated pursuant to Russia-related Executive Order 14024. Can U.S. persons continue to engage in Afghanistan-related transactions with TKB?

1032 … Yes. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued two general licenses (GLs) related to TKB, which allow U.S. persons to engage in certain transactions involving TKB for specified time periods. Russia-related GL 28 (this content is no longer available) authorizes U.S. persons to… Read more

928. Do U.S. sanctions on the Taliban and the Haqqani Network prohibit the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan?

928 … No. The Taliban are designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGTs) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 . The Haqqani Network is designated as an SDGT under E.O. 13224 and a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). … Read more

929. For the purposes of Afghanistan-related General License (GL) 14, what is "humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan" or "other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan"?

929 … For the purposes of Afghanistan-related GL 14 , humanitarian assistance includes the provision of relief services related to natural and man-made disasters, the provision of healthcare and health-related services, protection and assistance for vulnerable or displaced populations (including… Read more

930. Do U.S. sanctions on the Taliban and the Haqqani Network prohibit the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to Afghanistan?

930 … No. The Taliban are designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended . The Haqqani Network is designated as an SDGT under E.O. 13224 and a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act… Read more

931. Do non-U.S. persons risk exposure to U.S. sanctions for engaging in transactions that U.S. persons would be authorized to engage in under Afghanistan-related General Licenses (GLs) 14, 15, 16, or 20?

931 … No. Non-U.S. persons may engage in or facilitate transactions that would be authorized for U.S. persons under Afghanistan-related GLs 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , or 20 without exposure to sanctions under the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 594 (GTSR), the Foreign… Read more

961. Can nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations (IOs) provide support to municipal water systems?

961 … Yes. Support to municipal water systems by NGOs for projects that directly benefit the Afghan people or otherwise relieve human suffering that would otherwise be prohibited under the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 594 (GTSR), the Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions… Read more

962. Can banks process transactions related to activities authorized by General Licenses (GLs) 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20?

962 … Yes. Transactions that are ordinarily incident and necessary to give effect to the activities authorized in General Licenses (GL) 14 , GL 15 , GL 16 , GL 17 , GL 18 , GL 19 , or GL 20 , including clearing, settlement, and transfers through, to, or otherwise involving privately owned and… Read more

963. Can humanitarian organizations ship cash into Afghanistan for use in delivering humanitarian assistance?

963 … Yes, cash shipments to Afghanistan may be authorized under General Licenses (GL) 14 , GL 18 , GL 19 , or GL 20 provided that they are ordinarily incident and necessary to effectuate the activities authorized by the GLs. As with all OFAC GLs, GLs 14, 18, 19, and 20 are “self-executing,”… Read more

991. Why did the Department of the Treasury issue Afghanistan-related General License (GL) 20, “Authorizing Transactions Involving Afghanistan or Governing Institutions in Afghanistan”?

991 … The U.S. government recognizes that Afghanistan is facing a widespread humanitarian and economic crisis. Treasury issued Afghanistan-related GL 20 to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not stand in the way of transactions and activities that support basic human needs of the people in Afghanistan… Read more

992. What are examples of activities authorized by Afghanistan-related General License (GL) 20, “Authorizing Transactions Involving Afghanistan or Governing Institutions in Afghanistan”?

992 … Transactions that are generally authorized by GL 20 to the extent authorization is required include: Commercial transactions involving Afghanistan, including imports from Afghanistan, exports to Afghanistan, and commercial transactions within or involving the geographical territory of… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence