The CAPTA list was created in March 2019 to implement certain trading restrictions on foreign financial institutions which are subject to correspondent or payable-through account sanctions pursuant to the Ukrainian, Russian, Iranian and Lebanon sanctions programmes.

The US has operated sanctions programmes targeting major narcotics suppliers, primarily in Latin America, since the mid-1990s.

On 13th December 2023 the US renewed Executive Order 14059 for a further year, until 15th December 2024.

On 7th February 2024 OFAC sanctioned one of Ecuador’s most violent gangs, Los Choneros, and its leader, José Adolfo Macías Villamar (also known by the alias “Fito”), pursuant to counter narcotics authorities following a steep rise in violence in Ecuador attributed to the actions of Los Choneros and other drug trafficking gangs in the country.

On 28th February 2024 OFAC redesignated the Los Pochos Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), and designated three members and four affiliated companies based in Guatemala. First sanctioned in 2019 pursuant to the Kingpin Act, the Los Pochos DTO is a Guatemala-based organisation primarily engaged in cocaine trafficking from Guatemala through Mexico to the United States. This action followed a change in leadership and involvement of its members in local Guatemalan politics.

On 22nd March 2024, OFAC sanctioned operatives in a Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE) scheme to launder millions in illicit fentanyl proceeds for the Sinaloa Cartel. OFAC designated 15 Sinaloa Cartel members—several of whom are fugitives—and six Mexico-based businesses pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059.

Sanction Name

Narcotics Sanctions Program

First Imposed

October 21, 1995

Last updated

March 27, 2024

Targets

Specially Designated National:
• Any foreign person determined to be involved in international narcotics trafficking or supporting such activities.

A range of counter terrorist sanctions programmes have been imposed by the UN and in a number of global jurisdictions, intensifying in the years following the 2001 attacks on New York by Al-Qaeda and the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Sanction Name

UN Sanctions for Preventing Terrorism

First Imposed

June 17, 2011

Last updated

February 7, 2024

Targets

Asset Freeze, Arms Embargo and Travel Ban:
• Persons and entities deemed to be linked to or supporting Al-Qaeda or ISIS/Daesh.

Exemptions

1. The travel ban does not apply where entry or transit is necessary for the fulfilment of a judicial process.

2. Exemptions to the Asset Freeze for basic and extraordinary expenses may be applied by the Daesh and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee on a case by case basis.

On 7th December 2023 the EU designated two individuals – Mohammed Deif, the Commander General of the military wing of Hamas (Brigades Ezzedin al-Qassam) since 2002, and Marwan Issa, the deputy Commander of the military wing of Hamas – linked to Hamas to its terrorist list, the first Hamas-related designations the EU has made in response to the attacks in Israel on 7th October 2023.

On 16th January 2024 the EU designated Yahia Sinouar, the political leader of Hamas, as part of its terrorist list in response to the attacks in Israel on 7th October 2023. The EU also added Ahmed Khaled Muller, a member of Al-Shabab, to its ISIL (D’aesh) and Al-Qaida list, for participating in combat operations and committing numerous terrorist acts.

Sanction Name

Restrictive Measures Directed Against Certain Persons And Entities With A View To Combating Terrorism

SANCTIONS

Asset Freeze, Arms Embargo, Travel Ban,

First Imposed

December 27, 2001

Last updated

February 19, 2024

Targets

Asset Freeze, Arms Embargo and Travel Ban:
• Those determined to be involved in the preparation, carrying out or funding of acts of terrorism, including any entities deemed to be associated with Al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, ISIS/Daesh or the Taliban. Includes prohibitions on travel and the provision of arms or related materiel to these entities.

Exemptions

1. Travel ban exemptions can be granted on a case-by-case basis on humanitarian grounds, for the purpose of a judicial process or where a member state is bound by an obligation towards an international organisation.

2. Asset freeze exemptions are also permitted for humanitarian purposes, basic expenses, the provision of legal and professional services, fees for holding of frozen funds and for the satisfaction of judicial, administrative or arbitral liens or judgments dated before the party in question was listed.

Sanction Name

Measures against entities linked to Osama bin Laden, the Al-Qaeda group or the Taliban

SANCTIONS

Asset Freeze, Arms Embargo, Travel Ban,

First Imposed

October 2, 2000

Last updated

December 14, 2023

Targets

Asset Freeze, Arms Embargo and Travel Ban:
• Persons and entities linked to Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaeda or the Taliban. This programme includes a prohibition on the supply of arms and related material and travel bans.

Exemptions

1. Asset freeze exemptions can be granted to protect Swiss interests or prevent cases of rigor. Travel ban exemptions may be granted to protect Swiss interests.

On 12th January 2024 OFAC designated two additional companies that have been involved in the shipment of Iranian commodities in support of the Iran-based, Houthi financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal and his network.

On 22nd January 2024 OFAC designated Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad and its CEO for providing assistance to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and its proxy groups in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. OFAC also designated three leaders and supporters of one of the IRGC-QF’s main Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, Kata’ib Hizballah (KH), as well as a business that moves and launders funds for KH.

On 25th January 2024 OFAC and the UK jointly imposed sanctions on key officials of the forces of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, for their support to acts of terrorism targeting commercial shipping. This action targeted four individuals who have supported the Houthis’ recent attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, including holding civilian crews hostage.

On 29th January 2024 OFAC designated Hamad al-Moussawi, the owner and president of Al-Huda Bank, an Iraqi bank that was identified by the US Treasury as a conduit for terrorist financing, as a foreign financial institution of primary money laundering concern.

On 30th January 2024 OFAC designated two cybersecurity experts affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for providing ISIS leadership and supporters with cybersecurity training, enabling their use of virtual currency, and supporting the terrorist group’s recruitment. Additionally, OFAC designated an ISIS financial facilitator involved in transferring funds to ISIS-affiliated individuals in Syria. The following day, on 31st January 2024, OFAC sanctioned three entities and one individual located in Lebanon and Turkey for providing critical financial support to an Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah financial network.

On 17th January 2024, the US Department of State announced the designation of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorists, terrorist organizations, leaders of terrorist groups, and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. The designation is effective from 16th February 2024, and follows Ansarallah’s continued attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as well as military forces operating in the area to defend the safety and security of commercial shipping. On 18th January 2024 OFAC issued General Licenses 22-26 authorising certain transactions and provisions involving Houthis. On 16th February 2024 OFAC also issued General Licence 28, authorising transactions for third-country diplomatic and consular missions involving Ansarallah.

On 27th February 2024 OFAC and OFSI took a joint action against the Deputy Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force, Mohammad Reza Falahzadeh, as well as a Houthi group member.

On 6th March 2024, OFAC took additional action to target shipments of Iranian commodities undertaken by the network of Iran-based, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF)-backed Houthi financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal. OFAC targeted two Hong Kong- and Marshall Islands-based ship owners and two vessels for their role in shipping commodities on behalf of al-Jamal, and follows a February 27 action targeting a related vessel, the ARTURA. The revenue generated through al-Jamal’s network continues to enable Houthi militant efforts, including ongoing and unprecedented attacks on international maritime commerce in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

On 11th March 2024, OFAC imposed sanctions on 16 entities and individuals who compose an expansive business network spanning the Horn of Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Cyprus that raises and launders funds for al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qa’ida.

On 12th March 2024 OFAC took action in coordination with the Kingdom of Bahrain against key Iran-based operatives and a financial facilitator for designated terrorist group Al-Ashtar Brigades.

On 15th March 2024 OFAC took action against Marshall Islands-registered shipping company Vishnu Inc., whose vessel, the LADY SOFIA, is involved in illicit shipments to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in support of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Houthi financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal, who is sanctioned under U.S. counterterrorism authorities.

On 26th March 2024 OFAC sanctioned six entities, one individual and two tankers that are based or registered in Liberia, India, Vietnam, Lebanon, and Kuwait that have engaged in facilitating commodity shipments and financial transactions for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), the Houthis, and Hizballah. This action, the sixth round of sanctions targeting the network of Iran-based, IRGC-QF-backed Houthi financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal since December 2023, represents yet another step in a concerted campaign to disrupt IRGC-QF finances and its support to terrorist proxies such as the Houthis.

On 27th March 2024 OFAC designated two individuals and three entities as key financial facilitators involved in fundraising for Hamas.

Sanction Name

Executive Orders Blocking Property and Prohibiting Certain Transactions

SANCTIONS

Specially Designated National,

First Imposed

March 24, 2016

Last updated

March 27, 2024

Targets

Specially Designated National:
• Foreign persons determined to have committed or to pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism that threaten the security of US nationals or the national security, foreign policy or economy of the US and those providing material support to such activities.

Exemptions

1. OFAC authorises certain transactions, the majority of which relate to activities concerning the Palestinian authority, concerning such areas as travel, employment, residence and maintenance; for the payment of taxes and incidental fees; and if they are necessary for the conclusion of activities with the Authority. US persons are also permitted to donate medicine to the Palestinian Authority and authorised to engage in transactions with several entities and individuals within the Palestinian Authority Presidency, Palestinian Judiciary and Palestinian Legislative Council.

2. OFAC permits humanitarian transactions in Iran with the direct or indirect involvement of the Central Bank of Iran.

3. OFAC also permits payments from funds originating from outside the United States for the provision of certain legal services to or on behalf of blocked persons. Transactions involving property and interests in the property of the Government of Iran or Iranian financial institutions are also authorised.

4. General Licence 8, introduced on 27th February 2020, permits certain humanitarian transactions that involve the Central Bank of Iran, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by OFAC.

5. On 10th December 2021 OFAC issued General License 16 which authorised transactions involving the Taliban or the Haqqani Network that are necessary to the transfer of non-commercial personal remittances to Afghanistan.

6. On 22nd December 2021 OFAC issued General Licenses 17, 18, and 19 adding to the exemption for personal remittance an exemption for the provision of humanitarian assistance to a range of civil society bodies under the control of the Taliban or Haqqani network.

7. On 15th November 2022 OFAC issued General License 21 authorising limited safety and environmental transactions involving certain vessels that are prohibited by the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations. On 14th December 2022 OFAC issued General License 21A updating the exemptions laid out in General License 21.

8. On 12th January 2023 OFAC issued General License 21B, authorising until 13th April 2023 limited safety and environmental transactions involving certain individuals and vessels which are subject to Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations. This includes transactions necessary to the safe docking and anchoring of any of the sanctioned vessels in port; the preservation of the health and safety of the crew of any sanctioned vessel; emergency repairs of any sanctioned vessel; or environmental mitigation or protection activities related to any sanctioned vessel.

Links 1

Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations
Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations
Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations
Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
Executive Order 12947 - Prohibiting Transactions With Terrorists Who Threaten To Disrupt the Middle East Peace Process (January 23, 1995)
Executive Order 13099 - Prohibiting Transactions With Terrorists Who Threaten To Disrupt the Middle East Peace Process (21/08/1998)
Executive Order 13224 - Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support Terrorism (24/09/2001)
Executive Order 13268 - Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Taliban and Amendment of Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001 (02/07/2002)
Executive Order 13372 - Clarification of Certain Executive Orders Blocking Property and Prohibiting Certain Transactions (16/02/2005)
Executive Order 13886 - Modernizing Sanctions to Combat Terrorism (10/09/2019)
General License 2 - Travel, employment, residence and maintenance transactions with the Palestinian Authority (12/04/2006)
General License 3 - Payment of taxes and incidental fees to the Palestinian Authority (12/04/2006)
General License 4 - Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other entities (12/04/2006)
General License 5 - Concluding activities with the Palestinian Authority (12/04/2006)
General License 6 - In-kind donations of medicine, medical devices, and medical services (06/07/2006)
General License 7 - Broad authorization for U.S. persons to engage in all transactions otherwise prohibited by the terrorism sanctions programs with the Palestinian Authority (20/06/2007)
General License 7a - Transactions with the Palestinian Authority authorized (14/05/2013)
General License 8a - Authorizing Certain Humanitarian Trade Transactions Involving the Central Bank of Iran or the National Iranian Oil Company (26/10/2020)
General License 14 - Authorizing Humanitarian Activities in Afghanistan (24/09/2021)
General License 15 - Transactions Related to the Exportation or Reexportation of Agricultural Commodities, Medicine, Medical Devices, Replacement Parts and Components, or Software Updates in Afghanistan (24/09/2021)
General License 16 - Authorizing Noncommercial, Personal Remittances to Afghanistan (10/12/2021)
General License 17 - Authorizing Official Business of the United States Government (22/12/2021)
General License 18 - Authorizing Official Activities of Certain International Organizations and Other International Entities (22/12/2021)
General License 19 - Authorizing Certain Transactions in Support of Nongovernmental Organizations’ Activities in Afghanistan (22/12/2021)
General License 20 - Authorizing Transactions Involving Afghanistan or Governing Institutions in Afghanistan (25/02/2022)
General License 21B - Authorizing Limited Safety and Environmental Transactions Involving Certain Vessels (12/01/2023)
General Licence 22 - Authorising Transactions Related to the Provision of Agricultural Commodities, Medicine, Medical Devices, Replacement Parts and Components, or Software Updates Involving Ansarallah
General Licence 23 - Authorizing Transactions Related to Telecommunications Mail, and Certain Internet-Based Communications Involving Ansarallah
General Licence 24 - Authorizing Noncommercial, Personal Remittances Involving Ansarallah
General Licence 25 - Authorizing Transactions Related to Refined Petroleum Products in Yemen Involving Ansarallah
General Licence 25 - Authorizing Certain Transactions Necessary to Port and Airport Operations Involving Ansarallah
General Licence 28 - Authorizing Transactions for Third-Country Diplomatic and Consular Missions Involving Ansarallah
General License 29- Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Haleel Commodities LLC

Sanction Name

Non-SDN Palestinian Legislative Council Sanctions

SANCTIONS

Trade Restrictions,

First Imposed

April 12, 2006

Last updated

November 14, 2023

Targets

Trade Restrictions:
US financial institutions are required to reject transactions with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council who were elected on the party slate of Hamas, or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization, Specially Designated Terrorist, or Specially Designated Global Terrorist, provided that any such individuals are not named on OFAC’s list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List).

US sanctions programmes targeting cyber-related activities were first instituted by executive order in 2015 and strengthened by additional measures the following year.

Sanction Name

Restrictive Measures Against Cyber-Attacks Threatening The Union or its Member States

SANCTIONS

Asset freeze, Travel Ban,

First Imposed

May 17, 2019

Last updated

November 29, 2023

Targets

Asset Freeze and Travel Ban:
• Individuals and/or entities responsible for cyber-attacks or attempted cyber-attacks, as well as those involved in or offering financial, technical or material support for these attacks and those who assist, encourage, facilitate or are associated with them.

On 23rd January 2024 OFAC, in coordination with Australia and the UK, designated Alexander Ermakov, a cyber actor who played a pivotal role in the 2022 ransomware attack against Medibank Private Limited, an Australian healthcare insurer.

On 20th February 2024 OFAC designated two individuals who are affiliates of the Russia-based ransomware group LockBit. This action was the first in an ongoing collaborative effort between OFAC, the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and international partners targeting LockBit.

On 5th March, OFAC designated two individuals and five entities associated with the Intellexa Consortium for their role in developing, operating, and distributing commercial spyware technology used to target Americans, including U.S. government officials, journalists, and policy experts.

On 25th March 2024, OFAC sanctioned Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, Limited (Wuhan XRZ), a Wuhan, China-based Ministry of State Security (MSS) front company that has served as cover for multiple malicious cyber operations. OFAC is also designating Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, two Chinese nationals affiliated with Wuhan XRZ, for their roles in malicious cyber operations targeting U.S. entities that operate within U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, directly endangering U.S. national security.

Sanction Name

Specially Designated National of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities

First Imposed

April 1, 2015

Last updated

March 25, 2024

Targets

Specially Designated National:
• Individuals involved in cyber-enabled activities likely to contribute to a significant threat to US national security, foreign policy, economic health or financial stability. This includes the theft of trade secrets, personal identifiers, or financial information and those who benefit from such theft.

Exemptions

1. On 2nd February 2017 OFAC issued a general licence authorising transactions with Russia’s FSB to a value of under $5,000, provided that any transfer of goods or technology subject to Export Administration Regulations is licensed by the Department of Commerce.
2. On March 2nd 2021 OFAC issued General License 1B permitting certain transactions with the FSB for administrative reasons, as long as said transactions do not exceed $5,000 per calendar year.

The US-programme on foreign election interference was precipitated by allegations that Russia sought to manipulate the result of the country’s 2016 Presidential election, which saw Donald Trump secure the office.

Sanction Name

Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Interference in a United States Election

First Imposed

September 12, 2018

Last updated

February 2, 2024

Targets

Specially Designated National:
• Any foreign person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General and the Security of Homeland Security to have directly or indirectly engaged in foreign interference in a US election. Those deemed to have provided financial assistance or technological support for above persons are also sanctioned.

Since 2012 the US has published a list of foreign individuals and entities determined to have violated, attempted to violate, conspired to violate, or caused violations of US sanctions on Syria or Iran.

Sanction Name

Foreign Sanctions Evaders List

First Imposed

May 1, 2012

Last updated

December 12, 2022

Targets

Trade Restrictions:
• Transactions by US persons or within the US involving individuals and entities on the Foreign Sanctions Evaders list are prohibited.

In December 2020 the EU introduced its new Global Human Rights sanctions programme to target state and non-state actors guilty of human rights abuses.

On 8th September 2023 the EU designated six Russian individuals allegedly responsible for the investigation of and court proceedings against journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko and Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyalov.

On 4th December 2023 the European Council prolonged its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime for three years until 8th December 2026.

On 29th January 2024 the European Council designated four individuals and one entity under its global human rights sanctions regime. Designations included Valentina Levashova, Ludmila Smolkina, and Oleg Alypov, who are respectively two judges and a prosecutor involved in the arrest and detention of opposition Russian politician, Vladimir Kara-Murza; and the Safe Internet League and its Chairwoman, Ekaterina Mizulina, allegedly responsible for censorship against internet content creators.

Sanction Name

Global Human Rights Sanctions

SANCTIONS

Asset Freeze and Travel Ban,

First Imposed

December 7, 2020

Last updated

January 29, 2024

Targets

Asset Freeze and Travel Ban
• Any individuals, entities or bodies responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide, no matter where they occurred. It applies to acts such as genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious human rights violations or abuses. Other human rights violations or abuses can also fall under the scope of this sanctions regime, if they are widespread, systematic or otherwise of serious concern as regards the objectives of the EU common foreign and security policy.

The Global Magnitsky act, signed into law in 2016 by then US-President Donald Trump, extends the principles of the Magnitsky sanctions programme to all global actors.

On 20th December 2023 the US extended Executive Order 13818 with respect to human rights abusers and corrupt players for a further year until December 2024.

On 17th January 2024 OFAC sanctioned Alberto Pimentel Mata (Pimentel) for his role in exploiting the Guatemalan mining sector through widespread bribery schemes, including schemes related to government contracts and mining licenses. Pimentel was designated pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

On 11th March 2024 OFAC amended the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Regulations and reissued them in their entirety.

Sanction Name

Specially Designated Nationals on Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption

First Imposed

December 21, 2017

Last updated

March 11, 2024

Targets

Specially Designated National:
• Individuals determined to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged in, certain human rights abuses or corrupt acts anywhere in the world.
• On 20th December 2017 an Executive Order was issued by then-President Trump, declaring a national emergency with respect to serious human rights abuses and corruption globally, and implementing the provisions of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, signed into law on 23rd December 2016. The sanctions, effective from 21st December 2017, comprise financial sanctions and visa restrictions on persons deemed to be corrupt or accountable for human rights abuses.

Exemptions

1. General License 5 authorises certain transactions relating to Frigorifico Chajha SAE, and General License 6 authorises the wind down of transactions involving Bebidas USA Inc, Tabacos USA Inc, Frigorifico Chajha SAE, Dominica Acquisition SA, or certain blocked entities owned by Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara.
2. General Licence 7,authorises certain transactions involving Tabacalera del Este SA or Tabacos USA Inc pursuant to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

On 19th July 2022 OFAC introduced a new sanctions programme to bolster efforts to bring hostages and wrongfully detained US nationals home.

Sanction Name

Bolstering Efforts To Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home

First Imposed

July 19, 2022

Last updated

September 18, 2023

Targets

Asset Freeze and Travel Ban
• Any individuals, entities or bodies found to be responsible for or complicit in, to have directly or indirectly engaged in, or to be responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the hostage-taking of a United States national or the wrongful detention of a United States national abroad.

Magnitsky sanctions were imposed by the US in 2012 specifically targeting officials involved in the death of Russian accountant Sergei Magnitsky. Magnitsky died in 2009 while being detained in relation to an investigation by Russian law enforcement into the alleged theft of state assets by brokerage firm Hermitage Capital. He is alleged to have been tortured while in detention and the investigation itself is alleged to have been politically motivated.

On 17th August 2023 OFAC designated three individuals involved in the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny.

Sanction Name

Magnitsky Rule Of Law Accountability Act Of 2012

First Imposed

December 14, 2012

Last updated

August 17, 2023

Targets

Specially Designated National:
• Russian officials determined to be responsible for Magnitsky’s death in custody.
• On 21st December 2017 OFAC added regulations to implement certain provisions of the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012. These included prohibited transactions involving blocked property; effect of transfers violating such provisions; the holding of funds in interest-bearing accounts, as well as those used for investment and re-investment; expenses of maintaining blocked physical property and liquidation of such property; evasions, attempts, causing violations and conspiracies; and exempt transactions.

Non-proliferation sanctions are operated by the US and the EU, targeting users and developers of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

On 9th October 2023 the European Council extended its chemical weapons sanctions regime for three years until 16th October 2026. It also prolonged existing restrictive measures against persons and entities for another year, until 16th October 2024.

Sanction Name

Restrictive Measures Against The Proliferation And Use Of Chemical Weapons

First Imposed

October 15, 2018

Last updated

October 11, 2023

Targets

Asset Freeze and Travel Ban
• Any individuals or entities responsible for the development and use of chemical weapons as well as those who provide financial, technical or material support for such activities and those who assist or who are associated with them.

Exemptions

1. Travel ban exemptions can be granted on a case-by-case basis on humanitarian grounds, for the attendance of intergovernmental meetings or for the fulfilment of judicial processes.

On 2nd February 2024 OFAC sanctioned a key procurement network of prolific suppliers of materials and sensitive technology for Iran’s ballistic missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs, including the Shahed-series UAV produced by Iran’s Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center (SAIRC). The four designated Iran- and Hong Kong-based entities have operated as covert procurement entities for OFAC-designated Hamed Dehghan and Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra, who are actively engaged in supporting multiple Iranian military organisations, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Additionally, OFAC designated a Hong Kong-based front company involved in the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian commodities for the benefit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force. .

On 20th March, OFAC targeted three procurement networks –– based in Iran, Türkiye, Oman, and Germany –– that have supported Iran’s ballistic missile, nuclear, and defence programs. These networks have procured carbon fibre, epoxy resins, and other missile-applicable goods for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF SSJO), Ministry of Défense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), other U.S.-designated entities in Iran’s defence industrial base, and Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA), which is linked to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

On 27th March 2024, OFAC sanctioned six individuals and two entities based in Russia, China, and the United Arab Emirates, that generate revenue and facilitate financial transactions for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Funds generated through these actors are ultimately funnelled to support the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs.

Sanction Name

Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and Their Supporters

SANCTIONS

Specially Designated National,

First Imposed

June 28, 2005

Last updated

March 27, 2024

Targets

Specially Designated National:
• Any individuals found to be involved in the proliferation of material or knowledge relating to the construction of weapons of mass destruction and their wider support networks.

Exemptions

1. Under five General Licences, OFAC authorises certain transactions related to the arrest, detention and judicial sale of six specific vessels on its SDN list.

2. On 30th September 2020 OFAC issued amendments to the programme entitled Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and Their Supporters.

Links 1

Overview of Sanctions
Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations
Weapons of Mass Destruction Trade Control Regulations
Executive Order 12938 - Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (14/11/1994)
Executive Order 13094 - Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (29/07/1998)
Executive Order 13382 - Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and Their Supporters (29/06/2005)
Executive Order 13608 - Prohibiting Certain Transactions With And Suspending Entry Into The United States Of Foreign Sanctions Evaders With Respect To Iran And Syria (01/05/2012)​
Executive Order 13883 - Administration of Proliferation Sanctions and Amendment of Executive Order 12851 (03/08/2019)​
​General License 2 - Authorizing certain transactions related to the arrest, detention, and judicial sale of the MV Dandle and the MV Decretive Vessels
General License 4 - Exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical devices to Iran through any Iranian port operated by Tidewater Middle East Company is authorized in certain circumstances.
General License 5C - Authorizing certain transactions related to the arrest, detention, and judicial sale of the MV Dianthe Vessel
​General License 6 - Authorizing certain transactions related to the arrest, detention, and judicial sale of the MV Uppercourt Vessel
General License 8 - Authorizing certain transactions related to the arrest, detention, and judicial sale of the of the AMIN Crude Oil Tanker
General License 9 - Authorizing certain transactions related to the arrest, detention, and judicial sale of the Motor Vessel SININ

OFAC and SECO both operate sanctions programmes in support of the Kimberley Process, which seeks to eliminate blood diamonds from the global market.

Sanction Name

Rough Diamond Trade Restrictions

First Imposed

January 1, 2003

Last updated

January 19, 2022

Targets

Trade Restrictions:
• The importation, export and storage of rough diamonds requires a tamper-proof certificate. Trade in rough diamonds is allowed only with countries participating in the Kimberly Process.

Sanction Name

Rough Diamonds Control Regulations

SANCTIONS

Trade Restrictions,

First Imposed

July 29, 2003

Last updated

June 18, 2018

Targets

Trade Restrictions:
• Prohibits the importation into and export from the US of any rough diamonds not controlled through the Kimberley Process.

OFAC operates sanctions against international criminal groups deemed to threaten the country’s national security.

On 16th June 2023 OFAC imposed sanctions on the Hernandez Salas transnational criminal organization (TCO), a human smuggling organization based in Mexicali, Mexico, as well as several members and entities in its support network.

On 14th December 2023 OFAC sanctioned the Malas Mañas transnational criminal organization, a human smuggling and narcotics trafficking organisation based in Sonora, Mexico, along with two individuals in its support network.

Sanction Name

Specially Designated Nationals of Transnational Criminal Organizations

First Imposed

July 24, 2011

Last updated

March 14, 2024

Targets

Specially Designated National:
• Foreign entities determined to constitute significant transnational criminal organisations or to have materially assisted such organisations.