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Sanctions Brochures
Sanctions Brochures are an overview of OFAC's regulations with regard to the Syria Sanctions. They are useful quick reference tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies.
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 Syria Sanctions. Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license.
Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy
Certain activities related to the Syria 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 Syria Sanctions.
- Statements of Licensing Policy - On Activities Related to The Telecommunications And Agricultural Sectors Of Syria And Petroleum And Petroleum Products of Syrian Origin For The Benefit of The National Coalition Of Syrian Revolutionary And Opposition Forces or its Supporters
- 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
General Licenses
OFAC issues general licenses in order to authorize activities that would otherwise be prohibited with regard to the Syria 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 - Amendment to the Syrian Sanctions Regulations to authorize certain activities relating to publishing (April 13, 2015)
Executive Orders, Statutes, Rules and Regulations Relating to the Syria Sanctions
The Syria 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. In addition to all of these authorities, OFAC may also implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) with regard to Syria
Executive Orders
- 13608 Prohibiting Certain Transactions With and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders With Respect to Iran and Syria (Effective Date - May 1, 2012)
- 13606 Blocking the Property and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Certain Persons With Respect to Grave Human Rights Abuses by the Governments of Iran and Syria via Information Technology (Effective Date - April 23, 2012)
- 13582 Blocking Property of the Government of Syria and Prohibiting Certain Transactions with Respect to Syria (August 18, 2011)
- 13573 Blocking Property Of Senior Officials Of The Government Of Syria (May 18, 2011)
- 13572 Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to Human Rights Abuses in Syria (April 29, 2011)
- 13460 Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection With the National Emergency With Respect to Syria (February 15, 2008)
- 13399 Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection With the National Emergency With Respect to Syria (Effective Date - April 26, 2006)
- 13338 Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Export of Certain Goods to Syria (Effective Date - May 12, 2004)
Statutes
Code of Federal Regulations
Federal Register Notices
- 80 FR 19532-15 - Publication of Final Rule to authorize by general license certain activities relating to publishing
- 79 FR 25414-14 - Publication of Final Rule in the Federal Register, amending and reissuing in their entirety the Syrian Sanctions Regulations
- 71 FR 29251-06 - Revisions to IEEPA made by the Combating Terrorism Financing Act of 2005
- 70 FR 17201-05 - New regulations to implement Executive Order 13338
United Nations Security Council Resolutions
- 1636 Reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security (31 October 2005)
- 1595 Reaffirming its unequivocal condemnation of the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon (7 April 2005)