Sign up for Ethiopia-Related Sanctions e-mail updates.
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.
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.
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 Ethiopia-Related Sanctions. Certain activities related to the Ethiopia-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.
General Licenses
OFAC issues general licenses in order to authorize activities that would otherwise be prohibited with regard to Ethiopia-Related Sanctions. General licenses allow all US persons to engage in the activity described in the general license without needing to apply for a specific license.
Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy
Certain activities related to Ethiopia-Related 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 Ethiopia-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
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ETHIOPIA-related Sanctions
The Ethiopia-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 Ethiopia-Related Sanctions.
Executive Orders
- 14046 - Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons with Respect to the Humanitarian and Human Rights Crisis in Ethiopia (September 17, 2021)
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 550 - Ethiopia Sanctions Regulations
Federal Register Notices
- 88 FR 64379-23 - Publication of Ethiopia Sanctions Regulations Web General License 4
- 87 FR 7374-22 - Issuance of Ethiopia Sanctions Regulations