OFAC FAQ (Current) # 499 - Cross-Programmatic Compliance Services Guidance

Date issued: Jan. 12 2017

You've hit a wall. Sign in if you have an account, learn more about TURBOFAC and subscription options, or purchase access to the text of the document on this page, the native .pdf file, and the associated TURBOFAC original commentary.
TURBOFAC is a module of the compliance platform OverRuled. To learn more about OverRuled, visit www.overruled.com.

TURBOFAC Commentary (343 words)

Notes:

1) See detailed discussion on the guidance at comments to Guidance on the Provision of Certain Services Relating to the Requirements of U.S. Sanctions Laws, including what OFAC appears to have in mind concerning the "import" of "services." Engaging Iranian lawyers and other service providers for the purpose of conducting Iran-related due diligence would apparently constitute a prohibited import of a service, even if the service is provided specifically for the purpose of ensuring compliance with sanctions laws. Recall that the guidance is not a license, but instead a view on what is "not prohibited" by the broad sanctions prohibitions.

2) Of particular pertinence to this FAQ, we reproduce a portion of the comment to the guidance document:

In general, one cannot do indirectly what one cannot do directly. A U.S. person cannot solicit information from a sanctioned party, even if the solicitation...