Frequently Asked Questions

185. What type of activities does the GHRAVITY E.O. target?

185 … The GHRAVITY E.O. targets the provision and use of information and communications technology to facilitate computer or network disruption, monitoring, or tracking that could assist in or enable serious human rights abuses by or on behalf of the Government of Iran or the Government of Syria.… Read more

186. How do I know that a person has been designated under the GHRAVITY E.O.?

186 … Persons designated under the GHRAVITY E.O. appear on the publicly available Specially Designated Nationals List ( SDN list ) bearing the [HRIT] tag. U.S. persons are obligated to block property involving the persons bearing the tag [HRIT] on the SDN list, unless the transaction is exempt or… Read more

187. Does the GHRAVITY E.O. prohibit me from exporting technology to companies that do business with Iran or Syria?

187 … This E.O. does not generally prohibit transactions involving persons that do business with Iran or Syria, unless the person has been designated pursuant to this order. You should consult with the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) regarding exports to companies… Read more

188. If I am a non-U.S. company that exports information and communications technology to Iran or Syria, will I be designated under the GHRAVITY E.O.?

188 … The measures in this order are designed primarily to address the need to prevent entities located in whole or in part in Iran and Syria from facilitating or committing serious human rights abuses. These measures are not designed to prevent the provision of information and communications… Read more

189. Would I need authorization from OFAC or BIS if I wanted to export goods or technology to persons blocked under the GHRAVITY E.O.?

189 … Yes. For more information regarding exports of goods or technology to persons blocked under the GHRAVITY E.O. please contact OFAC or BIS. … Would I need authorization from OFAC or BIS if I wanted to export goods or technology to persons blocked under the GHRAVITY …

481. If there is an active and ongoing investigation against an individual or entity for apparent violations of the Burmese Sanctions Regulations (“BSR”), would that investigation cease now that the President has ended economic and financial sanctions on Burma and the prohibitions in the BSR are no longer in effect?

481 … Pending OFAC enforcement matters will proceed irrespective of the termination of OFAC-administered sanctions on Burma, and OFAC will continue to review apparent violations of the BSR , whether they came to the agency’s attention before or after the Burma sanctions program was terminated.… Read more

695. What are the general travel authorizations in the Cuba program?

695 … Travel-related transactions are permitted by general or specific licenses for certain travel related to the 12 categories of activities identified in 31 CFR § 515.560(a) . Those travel-related transactions permitted by general license, subject to specified criteria and conditions, include:… Read more

696. Are authorized travelers who have initiated travel arrangements prior to the addition of an entity or subentity on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List required to cancel their Cuba-related travel plans if their travel arrangements involve direct financial transactions with a listed entity or subentity?

696 … Consistent with the Administration’s interest in avoiding negative impacts on Americans for arranging lawful travel to Cuba, any travel-related arrangements that include direct financial transactions with entities and subentities that appear on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List will… Read more

697. Do travelers who fall within the scope of a general license need to submit a written request to OFAC for permission to travel or conduct transactions?

697 … No. No further permission from OFAC is required to engage in transactions by a person who meets all criteria in a general license. Individuals wishing to engage in activities that may fall within the scope of a general license should review the relevant general licenses contained in the CACR… Read more

698. Is travel to Cuba for tourist activities permitted?

698 … No. Consistent with the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA ), travel-related transactions involving Cuba are only permitted for the 12 categories of activities identified in the CACR. Travel-related transactions for other purposes remain prohibited. … Is travel to… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence