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Frequently Asked Questions
OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies. The link below sends the user to the entire list of OFAC's FAQs.
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 the Libya Sanctions. Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license.
Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy
Certain activities related to the Libya 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 Libya 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
- Statement of Licensing Policy - Statement of Licensing Policy Establishing A Favorable Licensing Regime Through Which U.S. Persons Can Request From OFAC Specific Authorization To Trade In Hydrocarbon Fuel
General Licenses
OFAC issues general licenses in order to authorize activities that would otherwise be prohibited with regard to the Libya 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.
- General License No. 4 with Respect to Investment Funds in Which There Is a Blocked Non-Controlling, Minority Interest of the Government of Libya
- General License No. 5 Authorizing Transactions Related to Certain Oil, Gas, or Petroleum Products Exported from Libya
- General License No. 6 Guidance and General License with Respect to the Transitional National Council of Libya as the Legitimate Governing Authority for Libya
- General License No. 7a with Respect to the Libyan National Oil Corporation and its Subsidiaries
- General License No. 8a with Respect to the Government of Libya, its Agencies, Instrumentalities, and Controlled Entities, and the Central Bank of Libya
- General License No. 9 with Respect to the General National Maritime Transport Company
- General License No.10 with Respect to Arab Turkish Bank and North African International Bank
- General License No.11 with respect to Unblocking the Government of Libya, its Agencies, Instrumentalities, and Controlled Entities, and the Central Bank of Libya, With Certain Exceptions
Executive Orders, Statutes, Rules and Regulations Relating to the Libya Sanctions
The Libya Sanctions represent 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 the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Modifications to these regulations are posted in the Federal Register.
Executive Orders
- 13726 - Blocking Property and Suspending Entry into the United States of Persons Contributing to the Situation in Libya (April 19, 2016)
- 13566 - Blocking Property and Prohibiting Certain Transactions Related to Libya (Effective Date - February 25, 2011)
Statutes
Code of Federal Regulations
Federal Register Notices