Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024
Title 31 - Money and Finance: Treasury last revised: Nov 18, 2024
§ 542.501 - General and specific licensing procedures.
For provisions relating to licensing procedures, see part 501, subpart E of this chapter. Licensing actions taken pursuant to part 501 of this chapter with respect to the prohibitions contained in this part are considered actions taken pursuant to this part. General licenses and statements of licensing policy relating to this part also may be available through the Syria sanctions page on OFAC's Web site www.treasury.gov/ofac.
§ 542.502 - Effect of license or authorization.
(a) No license or other authorization contained in this part, or otherwise issued by OFAC, authorizes or validates any transaction effected prior to the issuance of such license or other authorization, unless specifically provided in such license or authorization.
(b) No regulation, ruling, instruction, or license authorizes any transaction prohibited under this part unless the regulation, ruling, instruction, or license is issued by OFAC and specifically refers to this part. No regulation, ruling, instruction, or license referring to this part shall be deemed to authorize any transaction prohibited by any other part of this chapter unless the regulation, ruling, instruction, or license specifically refers to such part.
(c) Any regulation, ruling, instruction, or license authorizing any transaction otherwise prohibited under this part has the effect of removing a prohibition contained in this part from the transaction, but only to the extent specifically stated by its terms. Unless the regulation, ruling, instruction, or license otherwise specifies, such an authorization does not create any right, duty, obligation, claim, or interest in, or with respect to, any property which would not otherwise exist under ordinary principles of law.
(d) Nothing contained in this part shall be construed to supersede the requirements established under any other provision of law or to relieve a person from any requirement to obtain a license or other authorization from another department or agency of the U.S. Government in compliance with applicable laws and regulations subject to the jurisdiction of that department or agency. For example, exports of goods, services, or technical data which are not prohibited by this part or which do not require a license by OFAC, nevertheless may require authorization by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of State, or other agencies of the U.S. Government. See also § 542.701(f).
(e) No license or other authorization contained in or issued pursuant to this part authorizes transfers of or payments from blocked property or debits to blocked accounts unless the license or other authorization explicitly authorizes the transfer of or payment from blocked property or the debit to a blocked account.
(f) Any payment relating to a transaction authorized in or pursuant to this part that is routed through the U.S. financial system should reference the relevant OFAC general or specific license authorizing the payment to avoid the blocking or rejection of the transfer.
§ 542.503 - Exclusion from licenses.
OFAC reserves the right to exclude any person, property, transaction, or class thereof from the operation of any license or from the privileges conferred by any license. OFAC also reserves the right to restrict the applicability of any license to particular persons, property, transactions, or classes thereof. Such actions are binding upon actual or constructive notice of the exclusions or restrictions.
§ 542.504 - Payments and transfers to blocked accounts in U.S. financial institutions.
Any payment of funds or transfer of credit in which the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201 has any interest that comes within the possession or control of a U.S. financial institution must be blocked in an account on the books of that financial institution. A transfer of funds or credit by a U.S. financial institution between blocked accounts in its branches or offices is authorized, provided that no transfer is made from an account within the United States to an account held outside the United States, and further provided that a transfer from a blocked account may be made only to another blocked account held in the same name.
Note to § 542.504:
See § 501.603 of this chapter for mandatory reporting requirements regarding financial transfers. See also § 542.203 concerning the obligation to hold blocked funds in interest-bearing accounts.
§ 542.505 - Entries in certain accounts for normal service charges authorized.
(a) A U.S. financial institution is authorized to debit any blocked account held at that financial institution in payment or reimbursement for normal service charges owed it by the owner of that blocked account.
(b) As used in this section, the term normal service charges shall include charges in payment or reimbursement for interest due; cable, telegraph, Internet, or telephone charges; postage costs; custody fees; small adjustment charges to correct bookkeeping errors; and, but not by way of limitation, minimum balance charges, notary and protest fees, and charges for reference books, photocopies, credit reports, transcripts of statements, registered mail, insurance, stationery and supplies, and other similar items.
Note to § 542.505:
See § 542.515 which authorizes, subject to certain restrictions, the operation of an account in a U.S. financial institution for an individual in Syria other than an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
§ 542.506 - Investment and reinvestment of certain funds authorized.
Subject to the requirements of § 542.203, U.S. financial institutions are authorized to invest and reinvest assets blocked pursuant to § 542.201, subject to the following conditions:
(a) The assets representing such investments and reinvestments are credited to a blocked account or subaccount that is held in the same name at the same U.S. financial institution, or within the possession or control of a U.S. person, but funds shall not be transferred outside the United States for this purpose;
(b) The proceeds of such investments and reinvestments shall not be credited to a blocked account or subaccount under any name or designation that differs from the name or designation of the specific blocked account or subaccount in which such funds or securities were held; and
(c) No immediate financial or economic benefit accrues (e.g., through pledging or other use) to the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
§ 542.507 - Provision of certain legal services authorized.
(a) The provision of the following legal services to or on behalf of the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, or to or on behalf of a person in Syria, or in circumstances in which the benefit is otherwise received in Syria is authorized, provided that receipt of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses are authorized by or pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section or otherwise authorized pursuant to this part:
(1) Provision of legal advice and counseling on the requirements of and compliance with the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, provided that such advice and counseling are not provided to facilitate transactions in violation of this part;
(2) Representation of persons named as defendants in or otherwise made parties to legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings before any United States federal, state, or local court or agency;
(3) Initiation and conduct of legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings before any United States federal, state, or local court or agency;
(4) Representation of persons before any U.S. federal, state, or local court or agency with respect to the imposition, administration, or enforcement of U.S. sanctions against such persons or Syria; and
(5) Provision of legal services in any other context in which prevailing U.S. law requires access to legal counsel at public expense.
(b) The provision of any other legal services to the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, or to or on behalf of a person in Syria, or in circumstances in which the benefit is otherwise received in Syria, not otherwise authorized in this part, requires the issuance of a specific license.
(c) Ordinarily incident services. U.S. persons do not need to obtain specific authorization to provide related services, such as making filings and providing other administrative services, that are ordinarily incident to the provision of services authorized by paragraph (a) of this section. Additionally, U.S. persons who provide services authorized by paragraph (a) do not need to obtain specific authorization to contract for related services that are ordinarily incident to the provision of those legal services, such as those provided by private investigators or expert witnesses, or to pay for such services. See § 542.404.
(d) Entry into a settlement agreement or the enforcement of any lien, judgment, arbitral award, decree, or other order through execution, garnishment, or other judicial process purporting to transfer or otherwise alter or affect property or interests in property blocked pursuant to § 542.201 is prohibited unless licensed pursuant to this part.
(e) Receipts of payment. (1) Legal services to or on behalf of blocked persons. All receipts of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses for the provision of legal services authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section to or on behalf of the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201 must be specifically licensed or otherwise authorized pursuant to § 542.508, which authorizes certain payments from funds originating outside the United States.
(2) Legal services to or on behalf of all others. All receipts of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses for the provision of legal services authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section to or on behalf of a person in Syria, or in circumstances in which the benefit is otherwise received in Syria, other than those described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, are authorized, except that nothing in this section authorizes the debiting of any blocked account or the transfer of any blocked property.
Note to § 542.507:
U.S. persons seeking administrative reconsideration or judicial review of their designation or the blocking of their property and interests in property may apply for a specific license from OFAC to authorize the release of a limited amount of blocked funds for the payment of legal fees where alternative funding sources are not available. For more information, see OFAC's 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, which is available on OFAC's Web site at: www.treasury.gov/ofac.
[79 FR 25416, May 2, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 48320, June 6, 2024]
§ 542.508 - Payments for legal services from funds originating outside the United States.
(a) Professional fees and incurred expenses. (1) Receipt of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses for the provision of legal services authorized pursuant to § 542.507(a) to or on behalf of the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201 is authorized from funds originating outside the United States, provided that the funds do not originate from:
(i) A source within the United States;
(ii) Any source, wherever located, within the possession or control of a U.S. person; or
(iii) Any individual or entity, other than the person on whose behalf the legal services authorized pursuant to § 542.507(a) are to be provided, whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to any part of this chapter or any Executive order or statute.
(2) Nothing in this paragraph (a) authorizes payments for legal services using funds in which any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, any other part of this chapter, or any Executive order or statute has an interest.
(b) Records. Consistent with § 501.601 of this chapter, U.S. persons who receive payments pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section must retain for five years from the date of the relevant payment a record that specifies the following for each payment:
(1) The individual or entity from whom the funds originated and the amount of funds received; and
(2) If applicable:
(i) The names of any individuals or entities providing related services to the U.S. person receiving payment in connection with authorized legal services, such as private investigators or expert witnesses;
(ii) A general description of the services provided; and
(iii) The amount of funds paid in connection with such services.
(3) These records must be furnished to OFAC on demand consistent with § 501.602 of this chapter.
[79 FR 25416, May 2, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 48320, June 6, 2024]
§ 542.509 - Syrian diplomatic missions in the United States.
(a) The provision of goods or services in the United States to the diplomatic missions of the Government of Syria to the United States and to international organizations in the United States and payment for such goods or services are authorized, provided that:
(1) The goods or services are for the conduct of the official business of the missions, or for personal use of the employees of the missions, and are not for resale;
(2) The transaction does not involve the purchase, sale, financing, or refinancing of real property; and
(3) The transaction is not otherwise prohibited by law.
Note 1 to paragraph (a) of § 542.509:
U.S. financial institutions are reminded of their obligation to comply with 31 CFR 501.603.
Note 2 to paragraph (a) of § 542.509:
U.S. financial institutions are required to obtain specific licenses to operate accounts for, or extend credit to, the diplomatic missions of the Government of Syria to the United States and to international organizations in the United States.
(b) The provision of goods or services in the United States to the employees of the diplomatic missions of the Government of Syria to the United States and to international organizations in the United States and payment for such goods or services are authorized, provided that:
(1) The goods or services are for personal use of the employees of the missions, and are not for resale; and
(2) The transaction is not otherwise prohibited by law.
Note to § 542.509:
Nothing in this section authorizes the transfer of any property to the Government of Syria, or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, other than the diplomatic missions of the Government of Syria to the United States and to international organizations in the United States.
§ 542.510 - Exports or reexports to Syria of items licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce authorized; exports or reexports of certain services authorized.
(a) The exportation or reexportation of items to Syria from the United States or by a U.S. person, wherever located, to the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, and all transactions ordinarily incident thereto, are authorized, provided that the exportation or reexportation of such items to Syria is licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce.
(b) The exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by a U.S. person, wherever located, to Syria, including to the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, of services that are ordinarily incident to the exportation or reexportation of items to Syria, or of services to install, repair, or replace such items, is authorized, provided that the exportation or reexportation of such items to Syria is licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce.
(c) This section does not authorize any debit to a blocked account.
Note to § 542.510:
This section does not authorize the exportation or reexportation of any item not subject to the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730-774 (the “EAR”), or the exportation or reexportation of services related thereto. See 15 CFR 734.3 for a definition of “items subject to the EAR.” See 31 CFR 542.525 for a general license authorizing the exportation or reexportation of services to Syria related to the exportation or reexportation of certain non-U.S.-origin goods.
§ 542.511 - Exportation of certain services incident to internet-based communications.
(a) Authorized services—(1) Services related to the exchange of communications over the internet. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, all transactions prohibited by this part that are related to the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, to persons in Syria of services incident to the exchange of communications over the internet, such as instant messaging, chat and email, social networking, sharing of photos and movies, web browsing, blogging, social media platforms, collaboration platforms, video conferencing, e-gaming, e-learning platforms, automated translation, web maps, and user authentication services, as well as cloud-based services in support of the foregoing, are authorized.
(2) Services incident to the export or reexport of software and hardware not subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, all transactions prohibited by this part that are related to the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, of services incident to the exportation or reexportation to persons in Syria of software or hardware that is incident to, or enables services incident to, the exchange of communications over the internet, such as instant messaging, chat and email, social networking, sharing of photos and movies, web browsing, blogging, social media platforms, collaboration platforms, video conferencing, e-gaming, e-learning platforms, automated translation, web maps, and user authentication services, as well as cloud-based services in support of the foregoing, are authorized, provided that any such hardware would be designated EAR99 if it were subject to the EAR, 15 CFR parts 730 through 774, and that any such software is the type of software described in 15 CFR 734.3(b)(3) or would be classified under Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 5D992.c or designated EAR99 if it were subject to the EAR.
Note 1 to paragraph (a)(2).
See § 542.510 for a general license authorizing the exportation or reexportation of certain items subject to the EAR and services to Syria.
(b) Internet connectivity services and telecommunications capacity. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, all transactions prohibited by this part that are related to the exportation or reexportation to Syria of non-commercial-grade internet connectivity services, to include non-commercial-grade cloud-based services, and the provision, sale, or leasing of capacity on telecommunications transmission facilities (such as satellite or terrestrial network connectivity) incident to communications, are authorized.
(c) Exclusions. This section does not authorize:
(1) The direct or indirect exportation of services with knowledge or reason to know that such services are intended for the benefit of the Government of Syria, except for services described in paragraph (a) of this section that are publicly available at no cost to the user, or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201;
(2) The direct or indirect exportation of commercial-grade internet connectivity services or commercial-grade telecommunications transmission facilities (such as dedicated satellite links or dedicated lines that include quality of service guarantees); or
(3) The direct or indirect exportation of web-hosting services that are for websites of commercial entities located in Syria or of domain name registration services for or on behalf of the Government of Syria, as defined in § 542.308, or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
(d) Specific licensing policy. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis to authorize transactions not specified in paragraph (a) of this section that are incident to communications, involve the telecommunications sector, or support internet freedom in Syria, including to enable private persons in Syria to better and more securely access the internet.
Note 2 to § 542.511.
Nothing in this section relieves the exporter from compliance with the export license application requirements of another Federal agency.
[79 FR 25416, May 2, 2014, as amended 89 FR 48320, June 6, 2024]
§ 542.512 - Noncommercial, personal remittances authorized.
(a)(1) U.S. persons are authorized to send and receive, and U.S. depository institutions, U.S. registered brokers or dealers in securities, and U.S. registered money transmitters are authorized to process transfers of, funds to or from Syria or for or on behalf of an individual ordinarily resident in Syria in cases in which the transfer involves a noncommercial, personal remittance, provided the transfer is not by, to, or through the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
(2) Noncommercial, personal remittances do not include charitable donations of funds to or for the benefit of an entity or funds transfers for use in supporting or operating a business, including a family-owned business.
(b) The transferring institutions identified in paragraph (a) of this section may rely on the originator of a funds transfer with regard to compliance with paragraph (a) of this section, provided that the transferring institution does not know or have reason to know that the funds transfer is not in compliance with paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) An individual who is a U.S. person is authorized to carry funds as a noncommercial, personal remittance, as described in paragraph (a) of this section, to an individual in Syria or ordinarily resident in Syria, other than an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, provided that the individual who is a U.S. person is carrying the funds on his or her behalf, but not on behalf of another person.
§ 542.513 - Official business of certain international organizations and entities.
All transactions prohibited by this part that are for the conduct of the official business of the following entities by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof are authorized:
(a) The United Nations, including its Programmes, Funds, and Other Entities and Bodies, as well as its Specialized Agencies and Related Organizations;
(b) The International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; and
(c) The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Note 1 to § 542.513.
The authorization in this section includes the processing or transfer of funds on behalf of third-country entities to or from Syria in support of the transactions authorized by this section. U.S. financial institutions may rely on the originator of a funds transfer with regard to compliance with this section, provided that the financial institution does not know or have reason to know that the funds transfer is not in compliance with this section.
[79 FR 25416, May 2, 2014, as amended 89 FR 48321, June 6, 2024]
§ 542.514 - Transactions related to U.S. persons residing in Syria authorized.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, individuals who are U.S. persons residing in Syria are authorized to pay their personal living expenses in Syria and to engage in other transactions, including with the Government of Syria, otherwise prohibited by this part that are ordinarily incident and necessary to their personal maintenance within Syria, including, but not limited to, payment of housing expenses, acquisition of goods or services for personal use, payment of taxes or fees to the Government of Syria, and purchase or receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services from the Government of Syria.
(b) This section does not authorize:
(1) Any debit to a blocked account of the Government of Syria on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any other account blocked pursuant to § 542.201;
(2) Any transaction with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201 other than the Government of Syria; or
(3) Transactions or services ordinarily incident to operating or supporting a business in Syria, employment in Syria, or any new investment in Syria prohibited by § 542.206.
§ 542.515 - Operation of accounts authorized.
The operation of an account in a U.S. financial institution for an individual in Syria other than an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, is authorized, provided that transactions processed through the account:
(a) Are of a personal nature and not for use in supporting or operating a business;
(b) Do not involve transfers directly or indirectly to Syria or for the benefit of individuals ordinarily resident in Syria unless authorized by § 542.512; and
(c) Are not otherwise prohibited by this part.
§ 542.516 - Certain transactions in support of nongovernmental organizations' activities.
(a) Nongovernmental organizations, including employees, contractors, and grantees thereof, are authorized to engage in all transactions prohibited by this part that are in support of the activities described in paragraph (b) of this section, provided that the nongovernmental organization is not a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this part.
(b) The activities referenced in paragraph (a) of this section are non-commercial activities designed to directly benefit the civilian population that fall into one of the following categories:
(1) Activities to support humanitarian projects to meet basic human needs in Syria, including, disaster, drought, or flood relief; food, nutrition, or medicine distribution; the provision of health services; assistance for vulnerable or displaced populations, including refugees, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly; and environmental programs;
(2) Activities to support democracy building in Syria, including activities to support rule of law, citizen participation, government accountability and transparency, human rights and fundamental freedoms, access to information, and civil society development projects;
(3) Activities to support education in Syria, including combating illiteracy, increasing access to education, and assisting education reform projects;
(4) Activities to support non-commercial development projects directly benefiting the Syrian people, including those related to health, food security, and water and sanitation;
(5) Activities to support the preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites in Syria, including museums, historic buildings, and archaeological sites;
(6) Activities to support environmental and natural resource protection in Syria, including the preservation and protection of threatened or endangered species, responsible and transparent management of natural resources, and the remediation of pollution or other environmental damage; and
(7) Activities to support disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs and peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and conflict resolution programs.
(c) U.S. financial institutions are authorized to process transfers of funds on behalf of U.S. or third-country non-governmental organizations, including their employees, contractors, and grantees, in support of the activities authorized by paragraph (a) of this section, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section.
Note 1 to paragraph (c).
U.S. financial institutions may rely on the originator of a funds transfer with regard to compliance with this section, provided that the financial institution does not know or have reason to know that the funds transfer is not in compliance with this section.
(d) This section does not authorize:
(1) Any funds transfers initiated or processed with knowledge or reason to know that the intended beneficiary of such transfers is a person blocked pursuant to this part, except for persons who meet the definition of the term Government of Syria, as defined in § 542.308(a) or for the purposes of effecting the payment of taxes, fees, or import duties, or for the purchase or receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services as ordinarily incident and necessary to the activities authorized in paragraph (a) of this section; or
(2) The importation into the United States of petroleum or petroleum products of Syrian origin prohibited by § 542.208.
(e) Nothing in this section authorizes nongovernmental organizations to undertake any transaction or dealing that involves any foreign person that has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189), or otherwise designated as a terrorist organization, by the Secretary of State, in consultation with or upon the request of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(f) U.S. persons engaging in transactions or processing transfers of funds to or from Syria in support of activities described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section (preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites in Syria) are required to file quarterly reports no later than 30 days following the end of the calendar quarter with OFAC. The reports should include complete information on all activities and transactions undertaken pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section in support of the activities described in paragraph (b)(5) of this section that took place during the reporting period, including the parties involved, the value of the transactions, the services provided, and the dates of the transactions. The reports should be submitted via email to [email protected].
(g) Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis to authorize nongovernmental organizations or other entities to engage in other activities designed to directly benefit the civilian population, including support for the removal of landmines and economic development projects directly benefiting the civilian population.
Note 2 to § 542.516.
See § 542.510 for a general license authorizing the exportation or reexportation of certain items and services to Syria.
[79 FR 25416, May 2, 2014, as amended 89 FR 48321, June 6, 2024]
§ 542.517 - Third-country diplomatic and consular funds transfers authorized.
U.S. depository institutions, U.S. registered brokers or dealers in securities, and U.S. registered money transmitters are authorized to process funds transfers for the operating expenses or other official business of third-country diplomatic or consular missions in Syria, provided that the transfer is not by, to, or through the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
§ 542.518 - Payments for overflights of Syrian airspace or emergency landings in Syria authorized.
Payments to Syria of charges for services rendered by the Government of Syria in connection with the overflight of Syria or emergency landing in Syria of aircraft owned or operated by a United States person or registered in the United States are authorized, provided that no payment may be made by, to, or through any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201 other than the Government of Syria.
§ 542.519 - Transactions related to telecommunications and mail authorized.
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, all transactions with respect to the receipt and transmission of telecommunications involving Syria are authorized, provided that no payment pursuant to this section may involve any debit to a blocked account of the Government of Syria on the books of a U.S. financial institution, or any transaction with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201 other than the Government of Syria.
(2) This section does not authorize:
(i) The provision, sale, or lease of telecommunications equipment or technology; or
(ii) The provision, sale, or lease of capacity on telecommunications transmission facilities (such as satellite or terrestrial network connectivity).
(b) All transactions of common carriers incident to the receipt or transmission of mail and packages between the United States and Syria are authorized, provided that the importation or exportation of such mail and packages is exempt from or authorized pursuant to this part.
§ 542.520 - Certain transactions related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property authorized.
(a) All of the following transactions in connection with patent, trademark, copyright or other intellectual property protection in the United States or Syria are authorized, including exportation of services to Syria, payment for such services, and payment to persons in Syria directly connected to such intellectual property protection:
(1) The filing and prosecution of any application to obtain a patent, trademark, copyright or other form of intellectual property protection;
(2) The receipt of a patent, trademark, copyright, or other form of intellectual property protection;
(3) The renewal or maintenance of a patent, trademark, copyright or other form of intellectual property protection;
(4) The filing and prosecution of opposition or infringement proceedings with respect to a patent, trademark, copyright or other form of intellectual property protection, or the entrance of a defense to any such proceedings; and
(5) The assignment or transfer of a patent, trademark, copyright, or other form of intellectual property protection.
(b) This section authorizes the payment of fees currently due to the United States Government or the Government of Syria, or of the reasonable and customary fees and charges currently due to attorneys or representatives within the United States or Syria, in connection with the transactions authorized in paragraph (a) of this section, except that payment effected pursuant to the terms of this paragraph may not be made from a blocked account.
§ 542.521 - Activities and services related to certain nonimmigrant and immigrant categories authorized.
(a) U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions in the United States with persons otherwise eligible for non-immigrant classification under categories A-3 and G-5 (attendants, servants and personal employees of aliens in the United States on diplomatic status), D (crewmen), F (students), I (information media representatives), J (exchange visitors), M (non-academic students), O (aliens with extraordinary ability), P (athletes, artists, and entertainers), Q (international cultural exchange visitors), R (religious workers), or S (witnesses), to the extent such a visa has been granted by the U.S. Department of State or such non-immigrant status, or related benefit, has been granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
(b) U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions in the United States with persons otherwise eligible for non-immigrant classification under categories E-2 (treaty investor), H (temporary worker), or L (intra-company transferee) and all immigrant classifications, to the extent such a visa has been granted by the U.S. Department of State or such non-immigrant or immigrant status, or related benefit, has been granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and provided that the persons are not coming to the United States to work as an agent, employee, or contractor of the Government of Syria or an entity in Syria.
(c) U.S. persons are authorized to export services to persons in Syria in connection with the filing of an individual's application for the visa categories listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
(d)(1) Accredited U.S. graduate and undergraduate degree-granting academic institutions are authorized to export services to Syria for the filing and processing of applications to enroll, and the acceptance of payments for submitted applications to enroll and tuition from persons ordinarily resident in Syria, provided that any transfer of funds is not by, to, or through the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
(2) In the event services are exported under paragraph (d)(1) of this section in connection with an application to enroll that is denied or withdrawn, U.S. persons are authorized to transfer, in a lump sum back to Syria or to a third country, any funds paid by the applicant in connection with such an application, provided that any transfer of funds is not by, to, or through the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
(e)(1) U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions necessary to export financial services to Syria in connection with an individual's application for a non-immigrant visa under category E-2 (treaty investor) or an immigrant visa under category EB-5 (immigrant investor), provided that any transfer of funds is not by, to, or through the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
(2) In the event services are exported under paragraph (e)(1) of this section in connection with an application for an E-2 or EB-5 visa that is denied, withdrawn, or otherwise does not result in the issuance of such visa, U.S. persons are authorized to transfer, in a lump sum back to Syria or to a third country, any funds belonging to the applicant that are held in an escrow account during the pendency of, and in connection with such a visa application, provided that any transfer of funds is not by, to, or through the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
(3) Paragraph (d)(1) of this section does not authorize:
(i) The exportation of financial services by U.S. persons other than in connection with funds used in pursuit of an E-2 or EB-5 visa;
(ii) Any investment in Syria by a U.S. person; or
(iii) The provision of services to any persons coming to the United States to work as an agent, employee, or contractor of the Government of Syria or an entity in Syria.
§ 542.522 - Official business of the United States Government.
All transactions prohibited by this part that are for the conduct of the official business of the United States Government by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof are authorized.
[87 FR 78473, Dec. 21, 2022]
§ 542.523 - Certain services to the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces authorized.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, U.S. persons are authorized to export, reexport, sell, or supply, directly or indirectly, to the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (“the Coalition”) services otherwise prohibited by § 542.207.
Note to paragraph (a):
See § 542.510 for a general license authorizing the exportation and reexportation of certain items and services to Syria.
(b) This section does not authorize:
(1) Any transaction with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201; or
(2) The exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, of any services in support of the exportation or reexportation to Syria of any item listed on the United States Munitions List (22 CFR part 121).
(c) Any transfer of funds to or from the Coalition under this section must be conducted through the Coalition's U.S. office through an account of the Coalition at a U.S. financial institution specifically licensed for that purpose by OFAC.
Note to paragraph (c):
For additional information on the bank account that is specifically licensed for receipt of funds transfers, please contact the U.S. office of the Coalition at 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Ste # 6620, Washington, DC 20004, ATTN: OFAC-authorized bank account, or by phone at (202) 800-1130.
Note 1 to § 542.523:
Financial institutions transferring funds to or from the Coalition pursuant to this section may rely on the originator of a funds transfer with regard to compliance with paragraph (b), provided that the transferring institution does not know or have reason to know that the funds transfer is not in compliance with paragraph (b) of this section.
Note 2 to § 542.523:
Consistent with sections § 542.101 and § 542.502, this section does not authorize any transaction prohibited by any part of 31 CFR Chapter V other than § 542.207. For example, this section does not authorize any transaction with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 594.201 of this chapter, such as al-Nusrah.
§ 542.524 - Bunkering and emergency repairs.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, services provided in the United States to a non-Syrian carrier transporting passengers or goods to or from Syria are permissible if they are:
(1) Bunkers or bunkering services;
(2) Supplied or performed in the course of emergency repairs; or
(3) Supplied or performed under circumstances which could not be anticipated prior to the carrier's departure for the United States.
(b) This section does not authorize the provision of services in connection with the transport of any goods to or from the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
§ 542.525 - Exportation or reexportation of services to Syria related to the exportation or reexportation of certain non-U.S.-origin goods authorized.
The exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by a U.S. person, wherever located, to Syria, including to the Government of Syria, of services that are ordinarily incident to the exportation or reexportation to Syria, including to the Government of Syria, of non-U.S.-origin food, medicine, and medical devices that would be designated as EAR 99 under the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730-774 (the “EAR”), if it were subject to the EAR, are authorized.
Note to § 542.525:
See § 542.510 for a general license authorizing the exportation or reexportation of certain items and services to Syria from the United States or by a U.S. person.
§ 542.526 - Exportation of services related to conferences in the United States or third countries authorized.
(a) The exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply of services from the United States or by a U.S. person are authorized where such services are performed or provided in the United States by or for a person who is ordinarily resident in Syria, other than the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201, is authorized, for the purpose of, or which directly relate to, participating in a conference, performance, exhibition or similar event, and such services are consistent with that purpose.
(b) To the extent not otherwise exempt from the prohibitions of this part, the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply of services directly related to the sponsorship by a U.S. person of a conference or other similar event in a third country that is attended by persons who are ordinarily resident in Syria, other than the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201(a), is authorized, provided that the conference or other similar event is not tailored in whole or in part to or for Syria or persons who are ordinarily resident in Syria.
§ 542.527 - [Reserved]
§ 542.528 - Policy on activities related to the agricultural sector of Syria.
(a) Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis to authorize U.S. persons to engage in transactions involving Syria's agricultural sector that are otherwise prohibited by § 542.206, § 542.207, or § 542.210. The purpose of this policy is to enable projects to benefit and support the people of Syria by enhancing and strengthening the agricultural sector in a food insecure country.
(b) Specific licenses issued pursuant to this policy will not authorize any transaction or activity, directly or indirectly, with the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
§ 542.529 - Policy on activities related to petroleum and petroleum products of Syrian origin for the benefit of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces.
(a) Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis to authorize U.S. persons to engage in any transaction otherwise prohibited by § 542.206, § 542.207, § 542.208, § 542.209, or § 542.210, including but not limited to new investment, involving the purchase, trade, export, import, or production of petroleum or petroleum products of Syrian origin for the benefit of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces.
(b) Specific licenses issued pursuant to this policy will not authorize any transaction or activity, directly or indirectly, with the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201(a).
§ 542.530 - Transactions incident to importations from Syria authorized.
All transactions otherwise prohibited by § 542.207 that are ordinarily incident to an importation into the United States from Syria, directly or indirectly, of goods technology, or services, are authorized, provided the importation is not from or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201.
Note to § 542.530:
This section does not authorize transactions that are ordinarily incident to an importation that is prohibited pursuant to 542.208 or any transaction prohibited pursuant to 542.209.
§ 542.531 - Emergency medical services.
The provision and receipt of nonscheduled emergency medical services that are prohibited by this part are authorized.
[89 FR 58322, June 6, 2024]
§ 542.532 - Authorized transactions necessary and ordinarily incident to publishing.
(a) Subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section, U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions necessary and ordinarily incident to the publishing and marketing of manuscripts, books, journals, and newspapers in paper or electronic format (collectively, “written publications”). This section does not apply if the parties to the transactions described in this paragraph include the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201. For the purposes of this section, the term “Government of Syria” includes the state and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, which includes the Central Bank of Syria, and any person acting or purporting to act directly or indirectly on behalf of any of the foregoing with respect to the transactions described in this paragraph. For the purposes of this section, the term “Government of Syria” does not include any academic or research institutions and their personnel. Pursuant to this section, the following activities are authorized, provided that U.S. persons ensure that they are not engaging, without separate authorization, in the activities identified in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section:
(1) Commissioning and making advance payments for identifiable written publications not yet in existence, to the extent consistent with industry practice;
(2) Collaborating on the creation and enhancement of written publications;
(3)(i) Augmenting written publications through the addition of items such as photographs, artwork, translation, explanatory text, and, for a written publication in electronic format, the addition of embedded software necessary for reading, browsing, navigating, or searching the written publication; and
(ii) Exporting embedded software necessary for reading, browsing, navigating, or searching a written publication in electronic format, provided that the software is designated as “EAR99” under the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730 through 774 (the “EAR”), or is not subject to the EAR;
(4) Substantive editing of written publications;
(5) Payment of royalties for written publications;
(6) Creating or undertaking a marketing campaign to promote a written publication; and
(7) Other transactions necessary and ordinarily incident to the publishing and marketing of written publications as described in this paragraph (a).
(b) This section does not authorize transactions involving the provision of goods or services not necessary and ordinarily incident to the publishing and marketing of written publications as described in paragraph (a) of this section. For example, this section does not authorize U.S. persons:
(1) To provide or, if involving blocked property, to receive individualized or customized services (including accounting, legal, design, or consulting services), other than those necessary and ordinarily incident to the publishing and marketing of written publications, even though such individualized or customized services are delivered through the use of information or informational materials;
(2) To create or undertake for any person a marketing campaign with respect to any service or product other than a written publication, or to create or undertake a marketing campaign of any kind for the benefit of the Government of Syria;
(3) To engage in the exportation or, if involving blocked property, the importation of goods to or from Syria other than the exportation of embedded software described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section; or
(4) To operate a publishing house, sales outlet, or other office in Syria.
Note 1 to paragraph (b) of § 542.532:
The importation from Syria and the exportation to Syria of information or informational materials, as defined in § 542.310, whether commercial or otherwise, regardless of format or medium of transmission, are exempt from the prohibitions and regulations of this part. See § 542.211(b).
(c) This section does not authorize U.S. persons to engage the services of publishing houses or translators in Syria that involves dealing in property unless such activity is primarily for the dissemination of written publications in Syria.
(d) This section does not authorize:
(1) The exportation from or, if involving blocked property, the importation into the United States of services for the development, production, or design of software;
(2) Transactions for the development, production, design, or marketing of technology specifically controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, 22 CFR parts 120 through 130 (the “ITAR”), the EAR, or the Department of Energy Regulations set forth at 10 CFR part 810;
(3) The exportation of information or technology subject to the authorization requirements of 10 CFR part 810, or Restricted Data as defined in section 11 y. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, or of other information, data, or technology the release of which is controlled under the Atomic Energy Act and regulations therein;
(4) The exportation of any item (including information) subject to the EAR where a U.S. person knows or has reason to know that the item will be used, directly or indirectly, with respect to certain nuclear, missile, chemical, or biological weapons or nuclear-maritime end-uses as set forth in part 744 of the EAR. In addition, U.S. persons are precluded from exporting any item subject to the EAR to certain restricted end-users, as set forth in part 744 of the EAR, as well as certain persons whose export privileges have been denied pursuant to parts 764 or 766 of the EAR, without authorization from the Department of Commerce; or
(5) The exportation of information subject to licensing requirements under the ITAR or exchanges of information that are subject to regulation by other government agencies.
[80 FR 19532, Apr. 13, 2015, as amended at 89 FR 48322, June 6, 2024]
§ 542.533 - Activities in certain economic sectors in non-regime held areas of Northeast and Northwest Syria.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, transactions prohibited by § 542.206 or § 542.207 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to activities in the following economic sectors in the areas of northeast and northwest Syria described in the List of Areas of Northeast and Northwest Syria in Which Activities are Authorized by § 542.533 on OFAC's website (https://ofac.treasury.gov) and published in the Federal Register are authorized:
(1) Agriculture;
(2) Information and telecommunications;
(3) Power grid infrastructure;
(4) Construction;
(5) Finance;
(6) Clean energy;
(7) Transportation and warehousing;
(8) Water and waste management;
(9) Health services;
(10) Education;
(11) Manufacturing; and
(12) Trade.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the purchase of refined petroleum products of Syrian origin for use in Syria prohibited by § 542.209 that is ordinarily incident and necessary to the activities described in paragraph (a) of this section is authorized.
Note 1 to paragraphs (a) and (b).
The authorizations in this section include the processing or transfer of funds on behalf of third-country entities to or from Syria in support of the transactions authorized by this section. U.S. financial institutions and U.S. registered money transmitters may rely on the originator of a funds transfer with regard to compliance with this section, provided that the financial institution does not know or have reason to know that the funds transfer is not in compliance with this section.
(c) This section does not authorize:
(1) Any transactions involving any person, including the Government of Syria, as defined in § 542.308, whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201; or
(2) The importation into the United States of petroleum or petroleum products of Syrian origin prohibited by § 542.208.
Note 2 to § 542.533.
See § 542.510 for a general license authorizing the exportation or reexportation of certain items and services to Syria.
[89 FR 48322, June 6, 2024]
§ 542.534 - Transactions involving persons subject to certain sanctions pursuant to this part.
Any transaction prohibited pursuant to § 542.212 due to the involvement of a person determined to be subject to the prohibitions of § 542.212 is authorized to the same extent such transaction would be authorized for a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 542.201 by a general license set forth in or issued pursuant to this part.
[89 FR 48322, June 6, 2024]
authority: 3 U.S.C. 301;
31 U.S.C. 321(b);
18 U.S.C. 2332d;
22 U.S.C. 287c;
22 U.S.C. 8791-8793;
22 U.S.C. 9528;
50 U.S.C. 1601-1651,
1701; Pub. L. 108-175 (
22 U.S.C. 2151 note); Pub. L. 116-92, Div. F, Title LXXIV, 133 Stat. 2291 (
22 U.S.C. 8791 note); Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended (
28 U.S.C. 2461 note); E.O. 13338, 69 FR 26751, 3 CFR, 2004 Comp., p. 168; E.O. 13399, 71 FR 25059, 3 CFR, 2006 Comp., p. 218; E.O. 13460, 73 FR 8991,
3 CFR 2008 Comp., p. 181; E.O. 13572, 76 FR 24787,
3 CFR 2011 Comp., p. 236; E.O. 13573, 76 FR 29143,
3 CFR 2011 Comp., p. 241; E.O. 13582, 76 FR 52209,
3 CFR 2011 Comp., p. 264; E.O. 13606, 77 FR 24571,
3 CFR 2012 Comp., p. 243; E.O.13608, 77 FR 26409, 3 CFR, 2012 Comp., p. 252
source: 79 FR 25416, May 2, 2014, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 31 CFR 542.534