Afghanistan-Related Sanctions

IMPORTANT ADVISORIES AND INFORMATION

Fact Sheet: Provision of Humanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan and Support for the Afghan People

Frequently Asked Questions

OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies. The link below sends the user to the entire list of OFAC's FAQs.

OFAC Frequently Asked Questions

Interpretive Guidance

OFAC issues interpretive guidance on specific issues related to the sanctions programs it administers. These interpretations of OFAC policy are sometimes published in response to a public request for guidance or may be released proactively by OFAC in order to address a complex topic.

Index of Interpretative Guidance

Applying for a Specific OFAC License

It may be in your and the U.S. government’s interest to authorize particular economic activity related to the Afghanistan-Related Sanctions. Certain activities related to the Afghanistan-Related Sanctions may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license.

Apply for an OFAC License Online - Authorization from OFAC to engage in a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited.

Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy

Certain activities related to Afghanistan may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Below OFAC has issued guidance and statements on specific licensing policies as they relate to the Afghanistan-Related Sanctions.

Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs Incurred in Challenging the Blocking of U.S. Persons in Administrative or Civil Proceedings
Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked

General Licenses

OFAC issues general licenses in order to authorize activities that would otherwise be prohibited with regard to Afghanistan. General licenses allow all US persons to engage in the activity described in the general license without needing to apply for a specific license.

General License 14 - Authorizing Humanitarian Activities in Afghanistan (September 24, 2021)
General License 15 - Transactions Related to the Exportation or Reexportation of Agricultural Commodities, Medicine, Medical Devices, Replacement Parts and Components, or Software Updates in Afghanistan (September 24, 2021)
General License 16 - Authorizing Noncommercial, Personal Remittances to Afghanistan (December 10, 2021)
General License 17 - Authorizing Official Business of the United States Government (December 22, 2021)
General License 18 - Authorizing Official Activities of Certain International Organizations and Other International Entities (December 22, 2021)
General License 19 - Authorizing Certain Transactions in Support of Nongovernmental Organizations’ Activities in Afghanistan (December 22, 2021)
General License 20 - Authorizing Transactions Involving Afghanistan or Governing Institutions in Afghanistan (February 25, 2022)

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR Afghanistan-RELATED SANCTIONS

The Afghanistan-Related Sanctions program represents the implementation of multiple legal authorities. Some of these authorities are in the form of executive orders issued by the President. Other authorities are public laws (statutes) passed by The Congress. These authorities are further codified by OFAC in its regulations which are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Modifications to these regulations are posted in the Federal Register. In addition to all of these authorities, OFAC may also implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) with regard to the Afghanistan-Related Sanctions.

Executive Orders

14064 Protecting Certain Property of Da Afghanistan Bank for the Benefit of the People of Afghanistan (February 11, 2022)
13268 Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Taliban and Amendment of Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001 (July 2, 2002)
13224 Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support Terrorism (Effective Date - September 24, 2001)