Frequently Asked Questions

1217. I am a U.S. service provider. Following the January 10, 2025 determinations under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 and E.O. 14071 (the Energy Sector Determination and Petroleum Services Determination, respectively), am I still authorized to provide certain services relating to the maritime transport of Russian crude oil and Russian petroleum products to a non-sanctioned person operating in the energy sector of the Russian economy, so long as the crude oil or petroleum products are purchased at or below the price cap?

1217 … Yes, as long as the provision of services does not involve an entity blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024 and is not otherwise prohibited by OFAC sanctions. The price cap policy does not authorize transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31… Read more

1198. In light of the designation of Shreya Life Sciences Private Limited (Shreya), are U.S. persons authorized to engage in transactions related to pharmaceutical and other humanitarian-related goods involving Shreya and its subsidiaries?

1198 … Yes. As a general matter, humanitarian trade is not the target of U.S. sanctions. OFAC has issued Russia-related General License (GL) 6D , which authorizes, among other things, certain transactions related to the production, manufacturing, sale, transport, or provision of medicine and… Read more

1199. Can a claim be paid under a policy issued to a blocked individual or entity if the payment is to an innocent third-party (for example, the injured party in an automobile accident)?

1199 … The insurance company should contact OFAC for additional guidance. OFAC will work with you on the specifics of the case. Although authorizing payments to blocked persons is rarely aligned with the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives of OFAC sanctions, circumstances may weigh… Read more

1200. If a non-sanctioned person files a claim with their insurance company for a loss caused by a blocked person, such as a designated terrorist organization, is the insurance company permitted to pay the claim?

1200 … OFAC is aware that insurers at times receive claims from non-sanctioned persons in non-comprehensively sanctioned jurisdictions for losses caused by individuals or entities on OFAC's List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List). For example, a U.S. insurance company… Read more

1201. What authorizations exist for diplomatic or consular missions operating in or outside of Russia and Russian diplomatic or consular missions operating abroad?

1201 … The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued several authorizations related to U.S. and third-country diplomatic or consular missions operating in or outside of Russia and Russian diplomatic or consular missions operating abroad. Russian Diplomatic or Consular Missions, Wherever… Read more

1218. How is Treasury planning to implement the President’s February 26 announcement on energy-related authorizations in Venezuela?

1218 … Treasury is preparing to take action to wind-down General License 41 and other specific licenses as appropriate. We will issue additional guidance to assist implementation concurrent with any changes to the authorization(s). … How is Treasury planning to implement the President’s February 26… Read more

1219. On March 4, 2025, the Department of State (State) designated Ansarallah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). What actions did OFAC take related to this announcement?

1219 … OFAC implemented State's designation of Ansarallah ("the Houthis") as an FTO by updating the existing Ansarallah entry on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). Ansarallah was already listed on the SDN List as a result of State's February 16, 2024 designation… Read more

1189. What additional authorizations did Treasury issue on August 23, 2024 with respect to certain diamonds and diamond jewelry prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14068?

1189 … Treasury issued two general licenses (GLs), GL 103 and GL 104, authorizing certain transactions with respect to certain diamonds and diamond jewelry that would otherwise be prohibited by E.O. 14068 in “Prohibitions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Diamonds” (the “ Diamonds… Read more

1190. Do U.S. sanctions target persons for engaging in political speech, religious practice, or other constitutionally protected activities?

1190 … 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

1118. As of December 2022, the Government of the Russian Federation may require a so-called "exit tax" payment prior to the divestment of assets located in the Russian Federation, potentially requiring transactions involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. Do U.S. sanctions prohibit the payment of this so-called "exit tax"? Does Russia-related General License (GL) 13M authorize transactions that involve the payment of this exit tax?

1118 … The Directive 4 under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, "Prohibitions Related to Transactions Involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation," as amended ( Russia-related Sovereign… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence