Frequently Asked Questions

889. Does Directive 1A under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, “Prohibitions Related to Certain Sovereign Debt of the Russian Federation” (Russia-related Sovereign Debt Directive) prohibit participation in the secondary market for bonds issued by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation?

889 … Yes (see FAQ 888 and FAQ 965 ). Date Updated: February 22, 2022 … Does Directive 1A under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, “Prohibitions Related to Certain Sovereign Debt of the Russian Federation” (Russia-related Sovereign Debt Directive) prohibit participation in the secondary market for bonds… Read more

890. Prior to June 14, 2021, are U.S. financial institutions prohibited from participating in the primary market for ruble or non-ruble denominated bonds issued by, or lending ruble or non-ruble denominated funds to, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation?

890 … Even prior to June 14, 2021, “U.S. banks” were prohibited from participating in the primary market for non-ruble denominated bonds issued by the Russian sovereign (including the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of… Read more

891. Does the 50 Percent Rule apply to Directive 1A under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, “Prohibitions Related to Certain Sovereign Debt of the Russian Federation” (Russia-related Sovereign Debt Directive)?

891 … No. The prohibitions of the Russia-related Sovereign Debt Directive apply only to bonds issued by, or loans made to, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. The prohibitions of the… Read more

1160. What changes did the February 15, 2024 regulatory amendment to the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510 (NKSR), make?

1160 … On February 15, 2024, OFAC, in consultation with the Department of State, amended the NKSR to modify an existing general license (GL) and add three new GLs to facilitate humanitarian-related and other activities in North Korea. These changes include: Additional non-governmental organization… Read more

1161. Does the general license for non-governmental organization (NGO) activities at section 510.512 of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510 (NKSR), authorize NGOs to engage in transactions involving the Government of North Korea?

1161 … Yes, subject to certain conditions and limitations. NGOs may engage in transactions with the Government of North Korea to the extent ordinarily incident and necessary to the activities authorized by § 510.512(a). Such transactions may not include partnerships and partnership agreements… Read more

1162. What must a non-governmental organization (NGO) do before relying on the general license (GL) at § 510.512 of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510 (NKSR)?

1162 … To be eligible for the NGO GL, an NGO must first submit a report to the U.S. Department of State via email to DPRK-NGO-GL-Notification-DL@state.gov no fewer than 30 days before the commencement of their activities, with one of the following: (1) a copy of approval by the UN Security Council… Read more

1163. Can I export tobacco or other luxury goods to North Korea?

1163 … No. The general license for the exportation or reexportation of certain agricultural and medical items at § 510.521 of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510, does not authorize the exportation or reexportation to North Korea of luxury goods, including tobacco, as set forth… Read more

1164. What prohibitions has OFAC implemented with respect to diamonds and diamond jewelry under the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions program?

1164 … On March 11, 2022, the Biden Administration issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 , prohibiting the importation into the United States of non-industrial diamonds of Russian Federation origin. See FAQs 1019 and 1027 for the definition of Russian Federation origin and non-industrial diamonds,… Read more

1165. What does the determination “Prohibitions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Diamonds” pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 (the “Diamonds Determination”), prohibit?

1165 … The Diamonds Determination prohibits the importation and entry into the United States of two categories of diamonds, effective on the dates indicated below. Effective March 01, 2024, the Diamonds Determination prohibits the importation of non-industrial diamonds that were mined, extracted,… Read more

1166. What does the determination “Prohibitions Related to Imports of Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds of Russian Federation Origin and Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Exported From the Russian Federation” pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 (the “Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Determination”), prohibit?

1166 … The Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Determination prohibits the importation and entry into the United States of diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds of Russian Federation origin, as well as diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds that were exported from the Russian Federation. For… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence