OFAC FAQ (Current) # 126 - Basic Information on OFAC and Sanctions (PDF contains previous versions)

Date issued: Aug. 21 2024

Last substantive commentary amendment:
Aug. 22 2024

TURBOFAC Commentary (252 words)

Notes:

1) FAQ amended on 8-21-24 concurrent with Modernizing Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (Press Release), detailing several modernization efforts, including the updating of a number of general interest FAQs containing dated language. This FAQ does not appear to provide guidance in a way that adds to or deviates from OFAC’s other modern guidance. The comments below were drafted (not amended) prior to the 8-21-24 amendment.

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Notes:

1) FAQ amended on Aug. 11, 2020 "to reflect that Sudan has not been a comprehensively sanctioned country since October 12, 2017" (by adding the reference to § 596.506) (see https://web.archive.org/web/20221207223105/https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20200811). The original FAQ read as follows:

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 and program webpages 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