Frequently Asked Questions

1132. Does the determination of August 23, 2023, made pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14014 with regard to the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy mean that all persons that operate or have operated in this sector of the Burmese economy are sanctioned by OFAC?

No. The OFAC Director, in consultation with the Department of State, has issued a determination pursuant to E.O. 14014 that authorizes the imposition of economic sanctions on any foreign person determined to operate in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy. A sector determination pursuant to… Read more

1133. For the purposes of the determination of August 23, 2023, made pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14014, what is meant by the term “jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy”?

For the purposes of the determination of August 23, 2023 made pursuant to E.O. 14014 , OFAC interprets the term “jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy” to include activities related to the importation, exportation, reexportation, sale, supply, or transport, directly or indirectly, of jet fuel in… Read more

1134. What is the humanitarian channel in Qatar?

The humanitarian channel in Qatar (HC) was established to further facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Iran consistent with the U.S. government’s longstanding support for humanitarian trade. Similar to humanitarian channels established under previous administrations, the… Read more

1135. How can companies participate in the humanitarian channel in Qatar to export humanitarian goods to Iran?

Financial institutions participating in the humanitarian channel in Qatar (HC) have received specific guidance from the U.S. government. Companies interested in participating in transactions under the HC should coordinate directly with the Qatari International Media Office at info@imo.gov.qa and… Read more

1136. Can U.S. persons purchase bonds issued by the Government of Venezuela or Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) prior to August 25, 2017 on the secondary market?

Yes. On October 18, 2023, OFAC issued amended General Licenses (GLs) 3I and 9H , to remove the restriction that any divestment by U.S. persons of holdings in GL 3I Bonds (as defined in GL 3I and FAQ 662 ) or PdVSA Securities (as defined in GL 9H and FAQ 661 ) must be to non-U.S. persons. GL 3I… Read more

1137. For purposes of General License (GL) 45B, “Authorizing Certain Repatriation Transactions Involving Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A.,” what countries are included in the “Western Hemisphere”?

For the purposes of GL 45B, OFAC considers the term “Western Hemisphere” to mean those countries and areas identified by the Department of State on its website as comprising the Western Hemisphere. Please see: Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs - United States Department of State. Date updated… Read more

1139. Does the 50 Percent Rule apply to Directive 1 under Executive Order 14014, “Prohibitions Related to Financial Services to or for the Benefit of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise” (MOGE Financial Services Directive)?

Yes. The prohibitions in the MOGE Financial Services Directive apply to MOGE “or its property or interests in property,” including any entity, such as a subsidiary or joint venture, that is 50 percent or more owned, directly or indirectly, by MOGE, except to the extent otherwise provided by law or… Read more

1140. In light of the designation of Orka Holding, are U.S. persons authorized to engage in transactions related to the provision of medicine, medical devices, and medical services involving Orka Holding and its subsidiaries?

Yes. As a general matter, humanitarian trade is not the target of U.S. sanctions. Concurrent with the designation of Orka Holding AD, OFAC issued Western Balkans General License (GL) 3 , which authorizes all transactions involving Orka Holding AD related to: (1) the production, manufacturing,… Read more

1141. Does Venezuela General License (GL) 45B authorize U.S. persons to provide certain services, including refueling services, repair, and maintenance, to blocked Conviasa aircraft that are carrying out flights for the exclusive purpose of repatriating Venezuelan nationals from a third country in the Western Hemisphere to Venezuela?

Yes. Date updated: March 01, 2024 …

1145. What if a governing institution in Afghanistan is led by an individual who has been blocked pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Regulations?

Generally, the designation of an individual with a leadership role in a governing institution does not itself block the governing institution. Accordingly, engaging in a routine interaction with a governing institution in which a blocked individual is an official, but that does not directly or… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence