Frequently Asked Questions

501. What does General License 1C (GL 1C), “Authorizing Certain Transactions with the Federal Security Service,” authorize?

501 … GL 1C authorizes transactions with the Federal Security Service (a.k.a. Federalnaya Sluzhba Bezopasnosti) (a.k.a. FSB) that are ordinarily incident and necessary to requesting, receiving, utilizing, paying for, or dealing in certain licenses and authorizations for the importation,… Read more

502. What sanctions remain in place on the Federal Security Service following the issuance of GL 1C?

502 … GL 1C only authorizes certain transactions and activities with the Federal Security Service acting in its administrative and law enforcement capacities. The GL was issued in order to ensure that U.S. persons engaging in certain business activities in Russia that are not otherwise prohibited… Read more

503. Does GL 1C authorize the exportation of hardware or software directly to the Federal Security Service, or where the Federal Security Service is the end user of such hardware and software?

503 … No. GL 1C does not authorize the export of any goods, technology, or services directly or indirectly to the Federal Security Service or any other blocked person, except for the limited purposes of complying with rules and regulations administered by, and certain actions and investigations… Read more

504. I understand that travel to Russia involves clearing Russian border control, which is part of the FSB. Do I need a license from OFAC to travel to Russia, or to clear Russian customs?

504 … No, the sanctions on the FSB do not apply to transactions by U.S. persons that are ordinarily incident to travel to or from Russia, including those transactions required to enter into or exit the country (i.e., complying with Russian border control requirements). … I understand that travel to… Read more

130. Can my organization provide humanitarian assistance in Somalia?

130 … Yes, non-governmental organizations may provide humanitarian assistance in Somalia without the need for a license from OFAC. Organizations considering entering Somali territory to conduct assistance operations should be aware that areas of Somalia are extremely unstable and dangerous, and… Read more

131. What if, in delivering humanitarian assistance, my organization unintentionally provides food or medicine to members of al-Shabaab?

131 … Due to the dangerous and highly unstable environment combined with urgent humanitarian needs in south and central Somalia, some food and/or medicine delivered in these areas may end up in the hands of al-Shabaab members. Such incidental benefits are not a focus for OFAC sanctions enforcement… Read more

132. What if, in delivering humanitarian assistance, my organization unintentionally provides cash to members of al-Shabaab?

132 … U.S. persons should be extremely cautious in making cash payments in areas under the control of al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab has, in the past, demanded “taxes” and “access” payments from assistance organizations. To the extent that such a payment is made unintentionally by an organization in the… Read more

134. I have family members or friends in Somalia and would like to send remittances to them. Can I do that without violating OFAC sanctions?

134 … Yes, you can send remittances to Somalia, as long as the transactions do not involve parties listed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List . Additional information on can be found on OFAC’s Somalia-related sanctions program page . To request additional information… Read more

368. Are humanitarian aid groups prohibited from making payments to or otherwise transacting with non-designated individuals or entities in South Sudan, including militias and armed groups under the command or control of a designated individual?

368 … An entity in South Sudan that is commanded or controlled by an individual designated under Executive Order 13664 is not considered blocked by operation of law. Payments, including “taxes” or “access payments,” made to non-designated individuals or entities under the command or control of an… Read more

661. What does General License 9H authorize with respect to Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) debt and equity and what are the implications for U.S. and non-U.S. persons?

661 … General License (GL) 9H authorizes U.S. persons to engage in all transactions prohibited by subsection 1(a)(iii) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13808 or by E.O. 13850 , each as amended by E.O. 13857 , or by E.O. 13884 , as collectively incorporated into the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence