Frequently Asked Questions

OFAC publishes lists of individuals and entities that are subject to OFAC-administered sanctions. One such list is known as the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, or "SDN List," which is available on OFAC’s website . Property and interests in property of the… Read more

A package may be blocked or rejected for multiple reasons. U.S. persons, including shipping companies, are required to "block" packages in which a person blocked by OFAC-administered sanctions has an interest. When a package is required to be "blocked" due to sanctions, the shipper must retain the… Read more

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign jurisdictions and regimes, as well as individuals and entities engaging in harmful activity, such as terrorists, international narcotics… Read more

Each OFAC sanctions program is based on different foreign policy and national security goals, so the prohibitions imposed may vary between programs. Many sanctions programs require blocking the property and interests in property of specific individuals and entities and prohibit dealing in such… Read more

Yes. There may be exceptions to sanctions prohibitions. Exceptions may take the form of authorizations, such as general licenses and specific licenses, or exemptions. OFAC issues general licenses in most of its sanctions programs to authorize certain transactions that would otherwise be prohibited… Read more

References to relevant statutes, executive orders, regulations, guidance, general licenses, and sanctions actions for each sanctions program may be found in the Sanctions Programs and Country Information page on OFAC’s website. The OFAC Legal Library page on OFAC’s website also contains links to… Read more

OFAC does not sanction persons for their engagement in activities subject to U.S. constitutional protection, such as protected speech or religious practice or for their religious beliefs; nor do U.S. persons violate OFAC sanctions for engaging in such constitutionally protected activity.… Read more