Frequently Asked Questions

454. Does General License No. 9 authorize U.S. persons to export or reexport services or software with knowledge or reason to know that such services or software are intended for an individual or entity identified on the Sectoral Sanctions Identification List (SSI List)?

… General License No. 9 authorizes the exportation or reexportation, directly or indirectly, of … the SSI List or who are otherwise subject to directives under Executive Order 13662 . However, General License No. 9 does not authorize the exportation or… Read more

931. Do non-U.S. persons risk exposure to U.S. sanctions for engaging in transactions that U.S. persons would be authorized to engage in under Afghanistan-related General Licenses (GLs) 14, 15, 16, or 20?

… related to these authorizations, they can contact OFAC Compliance hotline . OFAC prioritizes license applications, compliance questions and other requests that are related to humanitarian … in transactions that U.S. persons would be authorized to engage in under Afghanistan-… Read more

1122. Certain transactions related to telecommunications and certain internet-based communications are already authorized by Russia-related General License (GL) 25D. What additional transactions does Russia-related GL 65 authorize?

… The United States generally supports the free flow of information globally as facilitated by telecommunications and … Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730-774 (EAR) , or that would be eligible for a license exception or otherwise authorized for export to… Read more

1243. What authorizations exist to develop oil or gas projects in Venezuela for companies that are not listed in Venezuela General License (GL) 50A (Authorizing Transactions Related to Oil or Gas Sector Operations in Venezuela of Certain Entities)?

… new investments in the Venezuela oil or gas sectors pursuant to GL 49 and submit a specific license application to OFAC to request additional authorization to perform any contingent … to develop oil or gas projects in Venezuela for companies that are not listed in Venezuela… Read more

1011. My U.S. bank refused to process a requested payment related to energy despite the authorization in Russia-related General License (GL) 115D under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. What can I do?

… to process a requested payment related to energy despite the authorization in Russia-related General License (GL) 115D under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. What can I do? … to process a requested payment related to energy despite the authorization in Russia-related General… Read more

1268. Do I need to include a dispute resolution provision in my contract with the Government of Venezuela to fall within certain Venezuela General Licenses (e.g., 46D, 47B, 48B, 50C, 51C, 52B, 54B, and 61A)?

… Yes. Certain Venezuela general licenses (GLs), including 46D , 47B , 48B , 50C , 51C , 52B , 54B , and 61A , require … or certain other blocked persons (e.g., Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. in GL 52B or CVG Compañía General de Minería de Venezuela CA in GL 51C )… Read more

724. Do travel service providers (such as travel agents and tour group operators) need to obtain specific licenses from OFAC to provide services for travel to Cuba?

… No. A general license authorizes persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including travel agents and tour … to provide travel services in connection with authorized travel without the need for specific licenses from OFAC. For a complete description of what this… Read more

75. How do I apply for an OFAC specific license?

… OFAC encourages applicants to file an electronic license application, available via the OFAC Specific Licenses and Interpretive Guidance page on OFAC's website. It is essential to follow instructions … How do I apply for an OFAC specific license… Read more

567. I am a U.S. person employee or work at an office of a company that was designated under E.O. 13661 or E.O. 13662, or blocked by operation of law pursuant to OFAC’s 50 percent rule on April 6, 2018 as a result of such a designation. What am I authorized to do with respect to continuing activities of the blocked entity?

… In issuing General License 12A , OFAC is authorizing a time-limited maintenance or wind down of operations, … that were in effect prior to April 6, 2018 and in which the blocked entities listed in General License 12A have an interest, provided that any payment… Read more

582. I am located outside of the United States and seek to export goods from a third-country location in connection with activity for the maintenance or wind down of contracts or agreements with an entity listed on General License 12B (or any other entity in which a listed entity in 12B owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest). Are such exports excluded from the authorization in General License 12B or otherwise subject to section 10 of SSIDES, as amended by section 228 of CAATSA, or section 5 of UFSA, as amended by section 226 of CAATSA?

… No. Although General License 12B does not authorize the exportation of goods from the United States, paragraph (d)(4) of General License 12B does not similarly apply to the exportation of goods from a third country to … activity for the maintenance or wind down… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence