OFAC has updated its List of Authorized Carrier and Travel Service Providers and Remittance Forwarders
OFAC has released the following frequently asked questions and answers regarding packages that are blocked or rejected pursuant to OFAC regulations.
I tried to ship a package and it was returned to me “due to OFAC sanctions.” Why?
There may have been one or more reasons the package was rejected. For example, was it destined for Iran, Sudan or Cuba and lacking a description of the contents? Was it an unlicensed commercial shipment destined for Iran, Sudan or Cuba? Was it a personal gift destined for an individual in Iran or Sudan, with a stated value exceeding $100? These are legitimate reasons for shipping companies to refuse to process such packages. Not only could you be liable for attempting to send such packages, but the shipping companies also could be liable for their role in processing them.
See OFAC’s country brochures for more information on the restrictions on shipping goods to Iran, Sudan and Cuba:
Overview of Iran sanctions
Overview of Sudan sanctions
Overview of Cuba sanctions
I tried to ship a package and it was “blocked” by the shipping company “due to OFAC sanctions.” Why? And how can I get the package unblocked?
Shipping companies are required to “block” packages in which a Specially Designated National (“SDN”) or other blocked person has an interest. When a package is required to be “blocked,” the shipper must retain the package rather than reject and return it to the sender. Blocking is not required if a general or specific license from OFAC authorizes the shipper to reject or process the package, or if the transaction is otherwise exempt based on the type of contents. To request a license for the package’s release, send a letter with a detailed description of the package’s contents and an explanation of the parties involved in the transaction, along with a copy of the package’s air waybill or Customs Declaration and Dispatch form, to:
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Office of Foreign Assets Control
Licensing Division
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20220