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Financial Services Law Insights and Observations

OFAC guidance addresses Covid-19 humanitarian assistance and trade

Federal Issues Financial Crimes Department of Treasury OFAC Covid-19 Of Interest to Non-US Persons Sanctions

Federal Issues

On April 16, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a Fact Sheet providing guidance to ensure humanitarian-related trade and assistance reaches at-risk populations through legitimate and transparent channels during the global Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Fact Sheet highlights the most pertinent exemptions, exceptions, and authorizations for humanitarian assistance and trade under the IranVenezuelaNorth KoreaSyriaCuba, and Ukraine/Russia-related​ sanctions programs. OFAC notes, however, that under certain sanctions program, entities may be required to obtain separate authorization from other U.S. government agencies. The Fact Sheet also provides guidance for persons seeking to export personal protective equipment from the U.S. Additional questions regarding the scope or applicability of any humanitarian-related authorizations can be directed to OFAC’s Sanction Compliance and Evaluation Division.