Belarus Sanctions

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Sanctions Brochures​

Sanctions Brochures are an overview of OFAC's regulations with regard to the Belarus Sanctions. They are useful quick reference tools.

• Overview of Sanctions

Frequently Asked Questions

OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies. The links below send the user to OFAC's FAQ pages.

• Belarus Sanctions FAQ Topic Page
• OFAC Frequently Asked Questions

BELARUS SANCTIONS DIRECTIVE

• Directive 1 Under Executive Order 14038

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.

• ​Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws(January 12, 2017)
• 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 Belarus Sanctions. Certain activities related to the Belarus 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.

General Licenses

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

• General License 8 - Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Joint Stock Company Byelorussian Steel Works Management Company of Holding Byelorussian Metallurgical Company (August 09, 2023)
• General License 9 - Authorizing Transactions Related to Civil Aviation Safety or the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Open Joint Stock Company Belavia Belarusian Airlines (August 09, 2023)
• General License 10 - Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Tabak Invest LLC (December 05, 2023)
• Archive of Expired General Licenses​ 

Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy

Certain activities related to the Belarus Sanctions 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 Belarus 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
• Persons Undermining the Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus.- Guidance on the Blocking of Property of Certain Persons Undermining the Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus by Executive Order 13405.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR Belarus SANCTIONS

The Belarus 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.

Executive Orders

• 14038 Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Belarus (Effective Date - August 9, 2021)
• 13405 Blocking Property of Certain Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus (Effective Date - June 19, 2006)

Statutes

• International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1706
• National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 U.S.C.§§ 1601-1651

Code of Federal Regulations

• 31 CFR Part 548 - Belarus Sanctions Regulations

Federal Register Notices

• 88 FR 63017-23 - Publication of Belarus Sanctions Regulations Web General Licenses 8 and 9
• 88 FR 36947-23 - Publication of Belarus Sanctions Regulations Web General Licenses 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
• 88 FR 36946-23 - Publication of Belarus Sanctions Regulations Web General License 1 and Subsequent Iterations
• 88 FR 36942-23 - Publication of Belarus Sanctions Regulations Web General License 2 and Subsequent Iterations
• 88 FR 18038-23 - Amended Belarus Sanctions Regulations
• 87 FR 78484-22 - Publication of Humanitarian Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses (Nongovernmental Organizations, Agricultural, and Medicine)
• 87 FR 78470-22 - Publication of United States Government and International Organizations Official Business Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses
• 76 FR 5482-11 - Final rule to revoke a general license authorizing U.S. persons to engage until May 31, 2011, in otherwise prohibited transactions with two blocked entities, Lakokraska OAO and/or Polotsk Steklovolokno OAO
• 75 FR 73598-10​- Belarus Sanctions Regulations​
• 75 FR 5502-10-  New regulations to implement Executive Order 13405