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OFAC FAQ (Current) # 825 - Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement FAQs

Date issued: Oct. 26 2020

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825. How can parties participate in the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA) to export humanitarian goods to Iran?

The SHTA is overseen by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and intended for use by U.S. and non-U.S. persons domiciled in Switzerland. Exporters within Swiss jurisdiction may reach out to SECO at [email protected] for further details on requirements and instructions for participating in the SHTA. In addition to any due diligence imposed under the SHTA, U.S. persons and their owned or controlled foreign entities must continue to comply with the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 560 (ITSR), when conducting exports of humanitarian goods to Iran. Certain exports and sales of humanitarian goods to Iran are authorized pursuant to sections 560.530, 560.532, and 560.533 of the ITSR. In addition, General License 8A provides additional authorizations that may be necessary for such humanitarian-related transactions due to the designations of the Central Bank of Iran and the National Iranian Oil Company under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. For further information regarding General License 8A, please see associated FAQs 821, 822, and 823. General License L also extends the authorizations, exemptions, and activity that would otherwise be excluded from prohibition under the ITSR to apply to Iranian financial institutions blocked pursuant to E.O. 13902, including those authorizations and exemptions for exports of humanitarian goods to Iran. For further information regarding General License L, please see associated FAQs 842, 843, and 844.

Date Released
October 26, 2020
External link location:
https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/825

TURBOFAC Commentary (94 words)

Notes:

1) Refer to Financial Channels to Facilitate Humanitarian Trade with Iran and Related Due Diligence and Reporting Expectations (2019).

2) The FAQ was initially released on 02-27-2020, when the CBI was first designated pursuant to EO 13224, and was amended on 10-26-2020 to account for the designation of NIOC pursuant to EO 13224. The substance of the FAQ did not otherwise change as a result of the 10-26-2020 designation. The FAQ was also amended on 10-26-2020 to include the reference to Iran General License L.