On August 2, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued two revised general licenses regarding conducting financial transactions involving: (i) the Moscow Exchange (MOEX), Russia’s largest public trading markets for equity, fixed income, derivative, foreign exchange, and money market products, as well as Russia’s central securities depository and the
Sanctions
OFAC Continues to Extend Authorizations Under Russia General License 13
On July 10, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) again extended previous Russia-related General License (GL) 13 by issuing a revised GL 13J, “Authorizing Certain Administrative Transactions Prohibited by Directive 4 under Executive Order 14024,” which states that U.S. persons are authorized to pay taxes, fees, or import…
OFAC Issues General License 40C Continuing to Authorize Certain Transactions Involving the Export of LP Gas to Venezuela
On July 8, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Venezuela-related General License 40C, “Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving the Exportation or Reexportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas to Venezuela.” This revised general license continues authorization of all transactions and activities related to the exportation or reexportation, directly or indirectly…
OFAC and BIS Significantly Extend Sanctions and Export Control Restrictions Against Russia and Belarus
- New sanctions and export controls on Russia and Belarus became effective June 12, 2024.
- New OFAC prohibition on certain IT and software services to Russia begins September 12, 2024.
- Hundreds of individuals and entities designated as SDNs for supporting Russia’s war efforts.
- New license requirements for certain software exports to Russia and Belarus
Commerce and Treasury Departments Announce New Sanctions and Export Control Restrictions on Russia and Belarus
On June 12, 2024, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced new sanctions and export control restrictions on Russia and Belarus. These measures have significant implications for companies that do business with or in these regions, as they may face new licensing requirements, limitations, or prohibitions…
OFAC Again Extends Venezuela General License for Limited Maintenance or Wind-Down of Transactions Involving PdVSA and Certain Entities
On May 10, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Venezuela-related General License 8N, extending authorization until November 15, 2024 for certain activities previously authorized under General License 8M. General License 8N authorizes the continuation of transactions and activities “ordinarily incident and necessary to the limited maintenance of…
U.S. Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific Incorporates Extensive Sanctions and Export Control Reforms
On April 24, 2024, President Biden signed into law a broad national security package which included the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; 21st Century Peace through Strength Act; FEND off Fentanyl Act; and the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act.
OFAC and State Target Russia’s Military-Industrial Base and Third-Country Support with Additional Sanctions
On May 1, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of State announced further sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial base and chemical and biological weapons programs as well as companies and individuals in third countries that continue to help Russia acquire key inputs for weapons or defense-related production.
New Legislation Extends U.S. Sanctions Enforcement Period to Ten Years
On April 24, 2024, President Biden signed into law a significant amendment to the statute of limitations for violations under U.S. sanctions laws, as part of the national security package (H.R. 815). This change extends the period for enforcement actions from five to ten years, reflecting a more robust approach to national security…
OFAC Again Extends Russia-Related General License No. 8 Regarding Transactions Related to Energy
On April 29, 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued amended Russia-related General License No. 8I, once again extending the authorization to conduct transactions involving Vnesheconombank, Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie, Sovcombank, Sberbank, VTB Bank, Alfa-Bank, Rosbank, Bank Zenit, Bank Saint-Petersburg, and the Central Bank of Russia that are…
