Embargo and Sanction Programs Guidance
What are Embargo and Sanctions Programs?
The Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets (OFAC) administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.
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What is the difference between an embargo and a sanction?
- Embargo is a ban on trade for all transactions without a license.
- Sanction is a prohibition on certain exports or activities without a license.
Depending upon the sanction program, restrictions may include: financial transactions, provision of services, shipment of particular items, travel, sharing of information that is not Publicly Available, in the Public Domain, or Published.
What are the most restricted sanction and embargo programs?
The following countries are subject to OFAC's most restrictive sanctions and embargoes:
What should be done before engaging with or traveling to an OFAC sanctioned country?
Before engaging with or traveling to an OFAC sanctioned country a review of the proposed activity in conjunction with the sanctions MUST be completed, please contact the Export Compliance Officer. Details of each sanction program are available on the OFAC website.
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