Frequently Asked Questions

1204. On December 27, 2024, OFAC designated Bidzina Ivanishvili (Ivanishvili) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. Can I continue to engage in transactions or other dealings with entities owned by Ivanishvili that are not listed on OFAC's Specially Designation Nationals and Blocked Person List (SDN List) without facing sanctions risk?

… Yes. Although transactions or other dealings involving Ivanishvili are generally prohibited as a result of OFAC's designation, OFAC concurrently issued General License (GL) 116 authorizing U.S. persons to engage in all transactions with any entity … Yes.… Read more

763. If an authorized export to Cuba requires servicing or repair, may a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction import the item into the United States or a third country for such servicing or repair?

… pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.533(a) or 31 CFR § 515.559 . For a complete description of what this general licenses authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see 31 CFR § 515.533(b) . The … pursuant to 31 CFR § 515.533(a) or 31 CFR § 515.559 . For a complete description of what this… Read more

963. Can humanitarian organizations ship cash into Afghanistan for use in delivering humanitarian assistance?

… Yes, cash shipments to Afghanistan may be authorized under General Licenses (GL) 14 , GL 18 , GL 19 , or GL 20 provided that they are ordinarily incident … Yes, cash shipments to Afghanistan may be authorized under General Licenses (GL) 14 , GL 18 , GL 19 , or… Read more

558. Are news reporting organizations and journalists authorized to conduct activities in North Korea?

… The general license at § 510.522 of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510 (NKSR), authorizes … Exports and reexports of items that are subject to the EAR must be authorized pursuant to a license or license exception (for example… Read more

755. Is a U.S. or third-country financial institution required to independently verify that the underlying transactions giving rise to U.S. dollar monetary instruments presented for processing and payment pursuant to § 515.584(g) are authorized?

… not authorized, exempt, or otherwise not prohibited. For a complete description of what this general license authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see 31 CFR § 515.584(g) . … not authorized, exempt, or otherwise not prohibited. For a complete description of what this… Read more

411. What does the prohibition contained in Directive 3 under Executive Order 13662 mean? What is the scope of prohibited services?

… maturity of longer than 30 days issued by a person subject to Directive 3 are authorized by General License 1B pursuant to Executive Order 13662. … maturity of longer than 30 days issued by a person subject to Directive 3 are authorized by General License 1B… Read more

589. Will foreign persons be subject to sanctions under the Section 5 of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act (UFSA) or Section 10 of the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act (SSIDES), as amended, respectively, by Sections 226 or Section 228 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for engaging in activities with GAZ Group or any entity in which GAZ Group owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest?

… 5 of UFSA , as amended by section 226 of CAATSA, if a U.S. person would not require a specific license from OFAC to participate in such a transaction. Therefore, activity authorized by General License (GL) 15L, and occurring within the time period authorized by… Read more

932. Do U.S. sanctions prohibit U.S. persons from visiting, or making donations to, the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad, Iran?

… the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), 31 C.F.R. part 560, and therefore generally are not prohibited. See, e.g., 31 CFR. § 560.210(d) . Exempt transactions include … the Imam Reza Holy Shrine may contact the OFAC Compliance Hotline or may request a specific… Read more

1105. What actions did OFAC take to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2664 of December 9, 2022 relating to a new UN sanctions exception for humanitarian assistance?

… actors. On December 20, 2022, OFAC announced the issuance or amendment of four categories of general licenses (GLs) that support the conduct of U.S. government and humanitarian-related … activity that may fall outside the scope of these authorizations, OFAC considers specific… Read more

746. Can Cuban nationals lawfully present in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to another non-immigrant travel authorization issued by the U.S. government earn a salary?

… the receipt of such salary or other compensation. For a complete description of what the OFAC general license authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see 31 CFR § 515.571 . … the receipt of such salary or other compensation. For a complete description of what the OFAC… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence