Frequently Asked Questions

1180. What changes did OFAC make in the June 5, 2024 regulatory amendments to the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 542 (SySR)?

1180 … On June 5, 2024, OFAC, in consultation with the Department of State, amended the SySR to, among other things, incorporate certain sanctions statutes, including the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, which are designed to deny the Assad Regime the resources it needs to support its… Read more

1181. Effective June 12, 2024, how is Treasury interpreting Russia’s military-industrial base under section 11 of Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, as amended by E.O. 14114?

1181 … In line with G7 commitments and in response to the Government of the Russian Federation’s continued efforts to reorient its economy and government resources to support its war effort, Treasury has updated its definition of Russia’s military-industrial base to include all persons blocked… Read more

1182. Are foreign financial institutions (FFIs) subject to sanctions risk for providing all financial services involving persons blocked pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, as amended? What about agricultural, medical, and other transactions authorized by OFAC General Licenses?

1182 … Treasury remains focused on counteracting activity that involves sanctions evasion or third-country support to Russia's military-industrial base. At the same time, legitimate humanitarian activity and agricultural and medical trade are not the target of our sanctions. Accordingly, FFIs may… Read more

1183. What authorizations are in place with respect to the Moscow Exchange (MOEX), National Clearing Center (NCC), and Non-Bank Credit Institution Joint Stock Company National Settlement Depository (NSD)?

1183 … On June 12, 2024, OFAC issued Russia-related general licenses (GLs) GL 99 , GL 100 , and amended GL 8J , authorizing certain transactions involving MOEX, NCC, NSD, or any entity in which one of these entities owns, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or… Read more

1184. What action did Treasury take on June 12, 2024 with regards to prohibiting certain information technology (IT) and software-related services?

1184 … In line with G7 efforts to disrupt Russia’s defense industry’s reliance on western IT systems, on June 12, 2024, Treasury issued a determination that restricts the provision of certain IT and software-related services to Russia. The determination, “ Prohibition on Certain Information… Read more

1185. What activities are considered prohibited “information technology (IT) consultancy and design services” under the determination, “Prohibition on Certain Information Technology and Software Services,” pursuant to Executive Order (E.O. 14071) (the “IT and Software Services Determination”)?

1185 … IT consultancy and design services include the development and implementation of software, as well as assistance or advice relating to the development and implementation of software, including the supply and installation of bespoke software. However, the retail sale of off-the-shelf… Read more

1186. What activities are considered prohibited “IT support services” and “cloud-based services” for enterprise management software and design and manufacturing software (collectively “Covered Software”) under the determination, “Prohibition on Certain Information Technology and Software Services”, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14071 (the “IT and Software Services Determination”)?

1186 … The IT and Software Services Determination prohibits the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States, or by a United States person, wherever located, of both IT support services and cloud-based services for the Covered Software to a person… Read more

1187. How does OFAC intend to interpret the following terms in the determination, “Prohibition on Certain Information Technology and Software Services,” pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14071 (the “IT and Software Services Determination”): “enterprise management software,” “design and manufacturing software,” “cloud-based services,” “information technology support services,” and “information technology consultancy and design services”?

1187 … OFAC expects to promulgate regulations that define or interpret these terms as follows: The term enterprise management software means the following types of software: enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence (BI), supply chain… 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?

1122 … The United States generally supports the free flow of information globally as facilitated by telecommunications and certain internet-based communications. Accordingly, GL 25D authorizes — with certain exceptions and exclusions — (i) all transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the… Read more

1123. In Crystallex Int’l Corp. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 17-mc-00151 (D. Del.), the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware has entered a Sale Procedures Order with respect to certain shares in PDV Holding (PDVH) to satisfy a U.S. district court judgment confirming an arbitral award against Venezuela. May persons participate in or comply with steps relating to a judicial sale of such shares?

1123 … OFAC will not take enforcement action against any individuals or entities for participating in, facilitating, or complying with the prefatory steps set out in the court’s Sale Procedures Order, or for engaging in transactions that are ordinarily incident and necessary to participating in,… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence