Recent Updates:
Statement Relating to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action "Implementation Day" of January 16, 2016
Implementation Day Statement:
On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and Iran reached a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful. October 18, 2015 marked Adoption Day of the JCPOA, the date on which the JCPOA came into effect and participants began taking steps necessary to implement their JCPOA commitments. Today, January 16, 2016, marks Implementation Day of the JCPOA. On this historic day, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified that Iran has implemented its key nuclear-related measures described in the JCPOA, and the Secretary State has confirmed the IAEA’s verification. As a result of Iran verifiably meeting its nuclear commitments, the United States is today lifting nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, as described in the JCPOA. Click here for additional information on the JCPOA.
In connection with reaching Implementation Day, today the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued several documents. Specifically, OFAC posted to its website: Guidance Relating to the Lifting of Certain Sanctions Pursuant to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Implementation Day; Frequently Asked Questions Relating to the Lifting of Certain U.S. Sanctions Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Implementation Day; General License H: Authorizing Certain Transactions relating to Foreign Entities Owned or Controlled by a United States Person; and a Statement of Licensing Policy for Activities Related to the Export or Re-Export to Iran of Commercial Passenger Aircraft and Related Parts and Services. The aforementioned documents are effective today, January 16, 2016.
In addition, OFAC has submitted for publication in the Federal Register a final rule adding a general license under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 560, relating to the importation into the United States of Iranian-origin carpets and foodstuffs, including pistachios and caviar ; this general license will be effective upon publication in the Federal Register.
OFAC has also published to its website additional information regarding actions to give effect to other JCPOA commitments, including removals from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, the Foreign Sanctions Evaders List and/or the Non-SDN Iran Sanctions Act List, as appropriate. In addition, OFAC has made available on its website a list of persons identified as blocked solely pursuant to Executive Order 13599 ("E.O. 13599 List"), which consists of persons that OFAC previously identified as meeting the definition of the Government of Iran or an Iranian financial institution.Information regarding these changes to OFAC’s sanctions lists is available on OFAC’s Recent Actions website.This information will be published subsequently in the Federal Register.
Implementation Day also marks the close of the Joint Plan of Action of November 24, 2013, as extended (JPOA), including the provision of sanctions relief pursuant to the JPOA. Effective Implementation Day, all specific licenses that: (1) were issued pursuant to OFAC’s Second Amended Statement of Licensing Policy on Activities Related to the Safety of Iran’s Civil Aviation Industry, and (2) have an expiration date on or before July 14, 2015, are hereby authorized to remain in effect according to their terms until May 31, 2016. Important Advisories and Information
OFAC issues advisories to the public on important issues related to the Iran sanctions, while these documents may focus on specific industries and activities they should be reviewed by any party interested in OFAC compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies. The links below send the user to Iran sanctions-related frequently asked questions. There is also a link to the entire list of OFAC's FAQs.
List of Foreign Sanctions Evaders (FSE)
On May 1, 2012, the President signed Executive Order 13608, “Prohibiting Certain Transactions With and Suspending Entry Into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders With Respect to Iran and Syria.” This Executive Order strengthens Treasury’s ability to address behavior by foreign individuals and entities determined to have violated, attempted to violate, conspired to violate, or caused a violation of U.S. sanctions on Syria or Iran.
List of CISADA and NDAA Prohibitions or Conditions
In order to implement certain provisions of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (CISADA), the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2012 (NDAA), the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) and certain executive orders, OFAC has developed a list of foreign financial Institutions that are subject to sanctions under these laws and orders. This list can be found below in multiple formats.
Non-SDN Iranian Sanctions Act (NS-ISA) List
On October 9, 2012, the President signed Executive Order (E.O.) 13628, which provides for, among other things, the implementation of certain sanctions set forth in the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (TRA). Section 1 of E.O. 13628 provides that the Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), shall take action to implement certain sanctions set forth in Section 6 of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as amended (ISA), when the President, the Secretary of State, or the Secretary of the Treasury imposes such sanctions on a person pursuant to provisions of ISA, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, as amended, or the TRA. Section 6 of ISA includes both blocking and non-blocking sanctions. Click here for additional information on the NS-ISA List. In order to implement the non-blocking provisions of Section 6 of ISA, OFAC developed the NS-ISA List. OFAC implements the blocking sanction under Section 6 of ISA by adding persons subject to that sanction to the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons with the identifying tag “[ISA]”. Pursuant to the United States commitment set out in Section 4.8.1 of Annex II and Section 17.3 of Annex V of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of July 14, 2015, the Secretary of State determined, effective on Implementation Day, that the sanctions previously imposed on all the persons that had been named on the NS-ISA List as of the day prior to Implementation Day should be terminated. On Implementation Day, OFAC gave effect to the Secretary of State’s determination, and as a result, the NS-ISA List is, as of Implementation Day, currently empty.
Specific Guidance on the Iran Sanctions
OFAC offers guidance on a variety of subjects related to the Iran sanctions. Most of this guidance is specific in nature. General guidance on the Iran sanctions can be found in the Sanctions Brochures section at the top of this page.
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 Iran. Certain activities related to Iran may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license.
Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy
Certain activities related to Iran may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC. Below OFAC has issued guidance and statements on specific licensing policies as they relate to Iran.
General Licenses
OFAC issues general licenses in order to authorize activities that would otherwise be prohibited with regard to Iran. General licenses allow all US persons to engage in the activity described in the general license without needing to apply for a specific license.
Executive Orders, Statutes, Rules and Regulations Relating to Iran
The Iran sanctions program represents 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 Iran.
Executive Orders
- 13716 - Revocation Of Executive Orders 13574, 13590, 13622, And 13645 With Respect To Iran, Amendment Of Executive Order 13628 With Respect To Iran, And Provision Of Implementation Authorities For Aspects Of Certain Statutory Sanctions Outside The Scope Of U.S. Commitments Under The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action Of July 14, 2015 (Effective Date - January 16, 2016)
- 13645 Authorizing the Implementation of Certain Sanctions Set Forth in the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 and Additional Sanctions With Respect To Iran (Effective Date - July 1, 2013)
- 13628 Authorizing the Implementation of Certain Sanctions Set Forth in the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 and Additional Sanctions with Respect to Iran (Effective Date - October 9, 2012)
- 13622 Authorizing Additional Sanctions With Respect to Iran (Effective Date - July 30, 2012)
- 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)
- 13599 Blocking Property of the Government of Iran and Iranian Financial Institutions (Effective Date - February 6, 2012)
- 13590 Authorizing the Imposition of Certain Sanctions With Respect to the Provision of Goods, Services, Technology, or Support for Iran’s Energy and Petrochemical Sectors (Effective Date - November 20, 2011)
- 13574 Authorizing the Implementation of Certain Sanctions Set Forth in the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended (Effective Date - May 23, 2011)
- 13553 Blocking Property of Certain Persons With Respect to Serious Human Rights Abuses By The Government of Iran and Taking Certain Other Actions (Effective Date - September 29, 2010)
- 13059 Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Iran (Effective Date - August 20, 1997)
- 12959 Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Iran (Effective Date - May 7, 1995)
- 12957 Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to the Development of Iranian Petroleum Resources (Effective Date - March 16, 1995)
- 12613 Prohibiting Imports From Iran (Effective Date - October 29, 1987)
- 12294 Suspension of Litigation Against Iran (Effective Date - February 26, 1981)
- 12284 Restrictions on the Transfer of Property of the Former Shah of Iran (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12283 Non-Prosecution of Claims of Hostages and for Actions at the United States Embassy and Elsewhere (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12282 Revocation of Prohibitions Against Transactions Involving Iran (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12281 Direction To Transfer Certain Iranian Government Assets (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12280 Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Financial Assets Held By Non-Banking Institutions (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12279 Direction To Transfer Iranian Govt. Assets Held By Domestic Banks (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12278 Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Assets Overseas (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12277 Direction To Transfer Iranian Government Assets (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12276 Direction Relating to Establishment of Escrow Accounts (Effective Date - January 23, 1981)
- 12211 Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Iran (Effective Date - April 17, 1980)
- 12205 Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Iran (Effective Date - April 17, 1980)
- 12170 Blocking Iranian Government Property (Effective Date - November 14, 1979)
Statutes
- Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), 18 U.S.C. § 2332d
- Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (CISADA), PL 111-195
- Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), PL 115-44
- Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) (PL 112-239)
- International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1706
- Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, as Amended, 50 U.S.C. § 1701 note
- International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1985 (ISDCA), 22 U.S.C. § 2349aa-9
- Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 H.R. 1905 (PL 112-158)
- National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2012 PL 112-81
- National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1651
- Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA), 22 U.S.C. §§ 7201-7211
Code of Federal Regulations
Federal Register Notices
- 81 FR 94254-16 Changes to the Iran TSRA regulations and definition of Iranian-origin goods
- 79 FR 18990-14 - Final Rule Amending the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations by expanding an existing general license that authorizes the exportation or reexportation of food to individuals and entities in Iran to include the broader category of agricultural commodities.
- 78 FR 16403-13 - Amendement to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 561 (the “IFSR”), to implement sections 503 and 504 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (the “TRA”) and certain provisions of Executive Order 13622
- 77 FR 75845-12 - Publication of Final Rule Amending the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 560
- 77 FR 66918-12 - Amendments to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations to implement sections 214 through 216 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012
- 77 FR 64666-12 - 31 CFR Part 560 - Iranian Transactions Regulations; Final Rule
- 77 FR 16170-12 - Amendement to the Iranian Transactions Regulations to redefine the term "entity owned or controlled by the Government of Iran" to substantially conform to the definition in the amended Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations
- 77 FR 11724-12 - Amendment to the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations: Implementing subsection 1245(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 ("NDAA")
- 76 FR 63197-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendments to authorize certain consular funds transfers and the transportation of human remains
- 76 FR 63191-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendments to authorize the exportation or reexportation of food items
- 76 FR 7695-11 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - regulations with respect to Iran to implement Executive Order 13553
- 75 FR 59611-10 - Iranian Transactions Regulations - Amendment to remove general licenses authorizing the importation of, and dealings in, certain foodstuffs and carpets of Iranian origin and related services
- 75 FR 49836-10 - Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations - New regulations to implement the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010
- 75 FR 34630-10 - amendment to the Iranian Transactions Regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations to expand the scope of Appendix A to Part 560 to encompass any person determined by OFAC to be the Government of Iran
- 75 FR 10997-10 - Amendments to authorize certain types of exportation
- 74 FR 61030-09 - an interim final rule which makes technical changes to certain sections of the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations and the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 CFR parts 538 and 560
- 74 FR 36397-09 - allows U.S. banks to continue operating the accounts of U.S. persons who are temporarily in Iran
- 73 FR 73788-08 - Final rule amending the Iranian Transactions Regulations to expand the scope of Appendix A
- 73 FR 66541-08 - Revoking an authorization previously granted to U.S. depository institutions to process U-turn transfers
- 72 FR 15831-07 - Amendment to the Iranian Transactions Regulations related to the movement of specific goods via diplomatic pouch
- 72 FR 12980-07 - Clarification of Policy with Respect to the Process for Issuing Certain TSRA Licenses
- 71FR 53569-06 - Treasury Cuts Iran's Bank Saderat Off From U.S. Financial System
- 71 FR 48795-06 - Official Activities of Certain U.S. Organizations
- 71 FR 29251-06 - Revisions to IEEPA made by the Combating
Terrorism Financing Act of 2005
- 70 FR 15761-05 - Administrative Collection of Civil Penalties
- 70 FR 15583-05 - Broker-dealer amendment to ITR.
- 69 FR 75468-04 - General License for Publishing Activities
- 68 FR 11741-03 - Authorization of Certain Humanitarian Activities by Nongovernmental Organizations in Iraq and Iran
- 66 FR 38553-01 - Amendments to the Iranian Assets Control Regulations
- 66 FR 36683-01 - Exports of Agricultural Products, Medicines, and Medical Devices to Cuba, Sudan, Libya, and Iran; Cuba Travel-Related Transactions
United Nations Security Council Resolutions
- 2231 - Endorses the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (20 July 2015)
The provisions of Security Council resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008), 1929 (2010), and 2224 (2015) have been terminated subject to re-imposition in the event of significant non-performance of JCPOA commitments.
- 1929 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (9 June 2010)
- 1803 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (3 March 2008)
- 1747 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (24 March 2007)
- 1737 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (23 December 2006)
- 1696 - Reaffirming its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (31 July 2006)
|
|