31 C.F.R. PART 594—GLOBAL TERRORISM SANCTIONS REGULATIONS
Title 31 - Money and Finance: Treasury
Authority: 3 U.S.C. 301; 22 U.S.C. 287c; 31 U.S.C. 321(b); 50 U.S.C. 1601–1651, 1701–1706; Pub. L. 101–410, 104 Stat. 890 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note); E.O. 13224, 66 FR 49079, September 25, 2001; E.O. 13268, 67 FR 44751, July 3, 2002; 3 CFR, 2002 Comp., p. 240; E.O. 13284, 64 FR 4075, January 28, 2003; Pub. L. 109–177, 120 Stat. 192.
Source: 68 FR 34197, June 6, 2003, unless otherwise noted.
This part is separate from, and independent of, the other parts of this chapter, with the exception of part 501 of this chapter, the recordkeeping and reporting requirements and license application and other procedures of which apply to this part. 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. Differing foreign policy and national security circumstances may result in differing interpretations of similar language among the parts of this chapter. No license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to those other parts authorizes any transaction prohibited by this part. No license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to any other provision of law or regulation authorizes any transaction prohibited by this part. No license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to this part relieves the involved parties from complying with any other applicable laws or regulations. (a) Except as authorized by statutes, regulations, orders, directives, rulings, instructions, licenses or otherwise, and notwithstanding any contracts entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date, property and interests in property of the following persons that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that hereafter come within the possession or control of U.S. persons, including their overseas branches, are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn or otherwise dealt in: (1) Foreign persons listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, as may be amended; (2) Foreign persons determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, to have committed, or to pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States; (3) Persons determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, to be owned or controlled by, or to act for or on behalf of, any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4)(i) of this section; or (4) Except as provided in section 5 of Executive Order 13224, any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General: (i) To assist in, sponsor, or provide financial, material, or technological support for, or financial or other services to or in support of: (A) Acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States, or (B) Any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section; or (ii) To be otherwise associated with any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4)(i) of this section. Note 1 to paragraph Note 2 to paragraph Note 3 to paragraph (b) Unless otherwise authorized by this part or by a specific license expressly referring to this section, any dealing in any security (or evidence thereof) held within the possession or control of a U.S. person and either registered or inscribed in the name of or known to be held for the benefit of any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) is prohibited. This prohibition includes but is not limited to the transfer (including the transfer on the books of any issuer or agent thereof), disposition, transportation, importation, exportation, or withdrawal of any such security or the endorsement or guaranty of signatures on any such security. This prohibition applies irrespective of the fact that at any time (whether prior to, on, or subsequent to the effective date) the registered or inscribed owner of any such security may have or might appear to have assigned, transferred, or otherwise disposed of the security. Note 1 to §594.201. Section 106 of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (Pub. L. 107–56, Oct. 26, 2001) amended section 203 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702) to authorize explicitly the blocking of property and interests in property of a person or entity during the pendency of an investigation. The name of any person or entity whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this authority appears on the Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) blocked persons list with the descriptor “[BPI-PA].” The scope of the property or interests in property blocked during the pendency of an investigation may be more limited than the scope of the blocking set forth in §594.201(a). Inquiries regarding the scope of any such blocking should be directed to OFAC's Compliance Division at 202/622–2490. Note 2 to §594.201. The prohibitions set forth in this part are separate from and in addition to other parts of 31 CFR chapter V, including but not limited to the Terrorism Sanctions Regulations (part 595), the Terrorism List Government Sanctions Regulations (part 596), and the Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations (part 597). The prohibitions set forth in this part also are separate and apart from the criminal prohibition, set forth at 18 U.S.C. 2339B, against providing material support or resources to foreign terrorist organizations designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. (a) Any transfer after the effective date that is in violation of any provision of this part or of any regulation, order, directive, ruling, instruction, or license issued pursuant to this part, and that involves any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to §594.201(a), is null and void and shall not be the basis for the assertion or recognition of any interest in or right, remedy, power, or privilege with respect to such property or property interests. (b) No transfer before the effective date shall be the basis for the assertion or recognition of any right, remedy, power, or privilege with respect to, or any interest in, any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to §594.201(a), unless the person with whom such property is held or maintained, prior to that date, had written notice of the transfer or by any written evidence had recognized such transfer. (c) Unless otherwise provided, an appropriate license or other authorization issued by or pursuant to the direction or authorization of the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control before, during, or after a transfer shall validate such transfer or make it enforceable to the same extent that it would be valid or enforceable but for the provisions of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, this part, and any regulation, order, directive, ruling, instruction, or license issued pursuant to this part. (d) Transfers of property that otherwise would be null and void or unenforceable by virtue of the provisions of this section shall not be deemed to be null and void or unenforceable as to any person with whom such property was held or maintained (and as to such person only) in cases in which such person is able to establish to the satisfaction of the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control each of the following: (1) Such transfer did not represent a willful violation of the provisions of this part by the person with whom such property was held or maintained; (2) The person with whom such property was held or maintained did not have reasonable cause to know or suspect, in view of all the facts and circumstances known or available to such person, that such transfer required a license or authorization issued pursuant to this part and was not so licensed or authorized, or, if a license or authorization did purport to cover the transfer, that such license or authorization had been obtained by misrepresentation of a third party or withholding of material facts or was otherwise fraudulently obtained; and (3) The person with whom such property was held or maintained filed with the Office of Foreign Assets Control a report setting forth in full the circumstances relating to such transfer promptly upon discovery that: (i) Such transfer was in violation of the provisions of this part or any regulation, ruling, instruction, license, or other direction or authorization issued pursuant to this part; (ii) Such transfer was not licensed or authorized by the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control; or (iii) If a license did purport to cover the transfer, such license had been obtained by misrepresentation of a third party or withholding of material facts or was otherwise fraudulently obtained. Note to paragraph (e) Except to the extent otherwise provided by law or unless licensed pursuant to this part, any attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process is null and void with respect to any property in which on or since the effective date there existed an interest of a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a). (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, or as otherwise directed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, any U.S. person holding funds, such as currency, bank deposits, or liquidated financial obligations, subject to §594.201(a) shall hold or place such funds in a blocked interest-bearing account located in the United States. (b)(1) For purposes of this section, the term blocked interest-bearing account means a blocked account: (i) In a federally-insured U.S. bank, thrift institution, or credit union, provided the funds are earning interest at rates that are commercially reasonable; or (ii) With a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, provided the funds are invested in a money market fund or in U.S. Treasury bills. (2) For purposes of this section, a rate is commercially reasonable if it is the rate currently offered to other depositors on deposits or instruments of comparable size and maturity. (3) Funds held or placed in a blocked account pursuant to this paragraph (b) may not be invested in instruments the maturity of which exceeds 180 days. If interest is credited to a separate blocked account or subaccount, the name of the account party on each account must be the same. (c) Blocked funds held in instruments the maturity of which exceeds 180 days at the time the funds become subject to §594.201(a) may continue to be held until maturity in the original instrument, provided any interest, earnings, or other proceeds derived therefrom are paid into a blocked interest-bearing account in accordance with paragraph (b) or (d) of this section. (d) Blocked funds held in accounts or instruments outside the United States at the time the funds become subject to §594.201(a) may continue to be held in the same type of accounts or instruments, provided the funds earn interest at rates that are commercially reasonable. (e) This section does not create an affirmative obligation for the holder of blocked tangible property, such as chattels or real estate, or of other blocked property, such as debt or equity securities, to sell or liquidate such property at the time the property becomes subject to §594.201(a). However, the Office of Foreign Assets Control may issue licenses permitting or directing such sales or liquidation in appropriate cases. (f) Funds subject to this section may not be held, invested, or reinvested in a manner that provides immediate financial or economic benefit or access to any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a), nor may their holder cooperate in or facilitate the pledging or other attempted use as collateral of blocked funds or other assets. Except as otherwise authorized, no U.S. person may engage in any transaction or dealing in property or interests in property of persons whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a), including but not limited to the making or receiving of any contribution of funds, goods, or services to or for the benefit of persons whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a). (a) Except as otherwise authorized, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date, any transaction by any U.S. person or within the United States on or after the effective date that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this part is prohibited. (b) Except as otherwise authorized, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date, any conspiracy formed for the purpose of engaging in a transaction prohibited by this part is prohibited. (a) Except as otherwise authorized, and notwithstanding the existence of any rights or obligations conferred or imposed by any international agreement or contract entered into or any license or permit granted before the effective date, all expenses incident to the maintenance of physical property blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) shall be the responsibility of the owners or operators of such property, which expenses shall not be met from blocked funds. (b) Property blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) may, in the discretion of the Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control, be sold or liquidated and the net proceeds placed in a blocked interest-bearing account in the name of the owner of the property. The terms blocked account and blocked property shall mean any account or property subject to the prohibition in §594.201 held in the name of a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a), or in which such person has an interest, and with respect to which payments, transfers, exportations, withdrawals, or other dealings may not be made or effected except pursuant to an authorization or license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control expressly authorizing such action. The term effective date refers to the effective date of the applicable prohibitions and directives contained in this part as follows: (a) With respect to a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a)(1), 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, September 24, 2001; (b) With respect to a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4), the earlier of the date on which is received actual or constructive notice of such person's designation by the Secretary of State or the Secretary of the Treasury. The term entity means a partnership, association, corporation, or other organization, group, or subgroup. The term foreign person means any citizen or national of a foreign state (including any such individual who is also a citizen or national of the United States), or any entity not organized solely under the laws of the United States or existing solely in the United States, but does not include a foreign state. (a) For purposes of this part, the term information or informational materials includes, but is not limited to, publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact disks, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds. Note to paragraph (b) The term information or informational materials, with respect to United States exports, does not include items: (1) That were, as of April 30, 1994, or that thereafter became, controlled for export pursuant to section 5 of the Export Administration Act of 1979, 50 U.S.C. App. 2401–2420 (1979) (the “EAA”), or section 6 of the EAA to the extent that such controls promote the nonproliferation or antiterrorism policies of the United States; or (2) With respect to which acts are prohibited by 18 U.S.C. chapter 37. Except as otherwise provided in this part, the term interest when used with respect to property (e.g., “an interest in property”) means an interest of any nature whatsoever, direct or indirect. (a) Except as otherwise specified, the term license means any license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to this part. (b) The term general license means any license or authorization the terms of which are set forth in subpart E of this part. (c) The term specific license means any license or authorization not set forth in subpart E of this part but issued pursuant to this part. Note to §594.307. See §501.801 of this chapter on licensing procedures. The term person means an individual or entity. The terms property and property interest include, but are not limited to, money, checks, drafts, bullion, bank deposits, savings accounts, debts, indebtedness, obligations, notes, guarantees, debentures, stocks, bonds, coupons, any other financial instruments, bankers acceptances, mortgages, pledges, liens or other rights in the nature of security, warehouse receipts, bills of lading, trust receipts, bills of sale, any other evidences of title, ownership or indebtedness, letters of credit and any documents relating to any rights or obligations thereunder, powers of attorney, goods, wares, merchandise, chattels, stocks on hand, ships, goods on ships, real estate mortgages, deeds of trust, vendors' sales agreements, land contracts, leaseholds, ground rents, real estate and any other interest therein, options, negotiable instruments, trade acceptances, royalties, book accounts, accounts payable, judgments, patents, trademarks or copyrights, insurance policies, safe deposit boxes and their contents, annuities, pooling agreements, services of any nature whatsoever, contracts of any nature whatsoever, and any other property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, or interest or interests therein, present, future or contingent. The term specially designated global terrorist or SDGT means any foreign person or person listed in the Annex or designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001. The term terrorism means an activity that: (a) Involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, property, or infrastructure; and (b) Appears to be intended: (1) To intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (2) To influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (3) To affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, kidnapping, or hostage-taking. The term transfer means any actual or purported act or transaction, whether or not evidenced by writing, and whether or not done or performed within the United States, the purpose, intent, or effect of which is to create, surrender, release, convey, transfer, or alter, directly or indirectly, any right, remedy, power, privilege, or interest with respect to any property and, without limitation upon the foregoing, shall include the making, execution, or delivery of any assignment, power, conveyance, check, declaration, deed, deed of trust, power of attorney, power of appointment, bill of sale, mortgage, receipt, agreement, contract, certificate, gift, sale, affidavit, or statement; the making of any payment; the setting off of any obligation or credit; the appointment of any agent, trustee, or fiduciary; the creation or transfer of any lien; the issuance, docketing, filing, or levy of or under any judgment, decree, attachment, injunction, execution, or other judicial or administrative process or order, or the service of any garnishment; the acquisition of any interest of any nature whatsoever by reason of a judgment or decree of any foreign country; the fulfillment of any condition; the exercise of any power of appointment, power of attorney, or other power; or the acquisition, disposition, transportation, importation, exportation, or withdrawal of any security. The term United States means the United States, its territories and possessions, and all areas under the jurisdiction or authority thereof. The term U.S. financial institution means any U.S. person (including its foreign branches) that is engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making, granting, transferring, holding, or brokering loans or credits, or purchasing or selling foreign exchange, securities, commodity futures or options, or procuring purchasers and sellers thereof, as principal or agent; including but not limited to, depository institutions, banks, savings banks, trust companies, securities brokers and dealers, commodity futures and options brokers and dealers, forward contract and foreign exchange merchants, securities and commodities exchanges, clearing corporations, investment companies, employee benefit plans, and U.S. holding companies, U.S. affiliates, or U.S. subsidiaries of any of the foregoing. This term includes those branches, offices and agencies of foreign financial institutions that are located in the United States, but not such institutions' foreign branches, offices, or agencies. The term United States person or U.S. person means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States. Except as otherwise specified, reference to any provision in or appendix to this part or chapter or to any regulation, ruling, order, instruction, direction, or license issued pursuant to this part refers to the same as currently amended. Unless otherwise specifically provided, any amendment, modification, or revocation of any provision in or appendix to this part or chapter or of any order, regulation, ruling, instruction, or license issued by or under the direction of the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control does not affect any act done or omitted, or any civil or criminal suit or proceeding commenced or pending prior to such amendment, modification, or revocation. All penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities under any such order, regulation, ruling, instruction, or license continue and may be enforced as if such amendment, modification, or revocation had not been made. A setoff against blocked property (including a blocked account), whether by a U.S. bank or other U.S. person, is a prohibited transfer under §§594.201 and 594.204 if effected after the effective date. (a) Whenever a transaction licensed or authorized by or pursuant to this part results in the transfer of property (including any property interest) away from a person, such property shall no longer be deemed to be property blocked pursuant to §594.201(a), unless there exists in the property another interest that is blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) or any other part of this chapter, the transfer of which has not been effected pursuant to license or other authorization. (b) Unless otherwise specifically provided in a license or authorization issued pursuant to this part, if property (including any property interest) is transferred or attempted to be transferred to a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a), such property shall be deemed to be property in which that person has an interest and therefore blocked. Any transaction ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction and necessary to give effect thereto is also authorized, except: (a) An incidental transaction, not explicitly authorized within the terms of the license, by or with a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a); or (b) An incidental transaction, not explicitly authorized within the terms of the license, involving a debit to a blocked account or a transfer of blocked property. (a) Except as provided in §594.207, the prohibitions on transactions or dealings involving blocked property contained in §§594.201 and 594.204 apply to services performed in the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, including by an overseas branch of an entity located in the United States: (1) On behalf of or for the benefit of a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a); or (2) With respect to property interests subject to §§594.201 and 594.204. (b) Example: U.S. persons may not, except as authorized by or pursuant to this part, provide legal, accounting, financial, brokering, freight forwarding, transportation, public relations, educational, or other services to a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a). Note to §594.406. See §§594.506 and 594.507, respectively, on licensing policy with regard to the provision of certain legal or medical services. The prohibitions in §§594.201 and 594.204 on transactions or dealings involving blocked property apply to transactions or dealings by any U.S. person in a location outside the United States with respect to property that the U.S. person knows, or has reason to know, is held in the name of a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) or in which the U.S. person knows, or has reason to know, a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) has or has had an interest since the effective date. Pursuant to §§594.201 and 594.204, no debits may be made to a blocked account to pay obligations to U.S. persons or other persons, except as authorized pursuant to this part. Unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control by or pursuant to this part, no charitable contribution or donation of funds, goods, services, or technology, including those to relieve human suffering, such as food, clothing, or medicine, may be made to or for the benefit of a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a). For purposes of this part, a contribution or donation is made to or for the benefit of a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) if made to or in the name of such a person; if made to or in the name of an entity or individual acting for or on behalf of, or owned or controlled by, such a person; or if made in an attempt to violate, to evade or to avoid the bar on the provision of contributions or donations to such a person. The prohibitions in §§594.201 and 594.204 on engaging in transactions or dealings in property subject to those sections prohibits U.S. financial institutions from performing under any existing credit agreements, including, but not limited to, charge cards, debit cards, or other credit facilities issued by a U.S. financial institution to a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a). Following the January 2006 Palestinian elections, Hamas, a designated terrorist entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201, has been determined to have a property interest in the transactions of the Palestinian Authority. Accordingly, pursuant to §§594.201 and 594.204, U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the Palestinian Authority unless authorized. Certain transactions with the Palestinian Authority may be authorized by license, see subpart E of this part. [71 FR 27200, May 10, 2006] 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. [68 FR 53660, Sept. 11, 2003] (a) No license or other authorization contained in this part, or otherwise issued by or under the direction of the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, authorizes or validates any transaction effected prior to the issuance of the license, 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 the Office of Foreign Assets Control 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 provision of this chapter unless the regulation, ruling, instruction, or license specifically refers to such provision. (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. The Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control reserves the right to exclude any person, property, or transaction from the operation of any license or from the privileges conferred by any license. The Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control also reserves the right to restrict the applicability of any license to particular persons, property, transactions, or classes thereof. Such actions are binding upon all persons receiving actual or constructive notice of the exclusions or restrictions. Any payment of funds or transfer of credit in which a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) 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 only be made to another blocked account held in the same name. Note to §594.504. Please refer to §501.603 of this chapter for mandatory reporting requirements regarding financial transfers. See also §594.203 concerning the obligation to hold blocked funds in interest-bearing accounts. (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 charge 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. (a) The provision of the following legal services to or on behalf of persons whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) is authorized, provided that all receipts of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses must be specifically licensed: (1) Provision of legal advice and counseling on the requirements of and compliance with the laws of 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 when named as defendants in or otherwise made parties to domestic U.S. legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings; (3) Initiation and conduct of domestic U.S. legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings in defense of property interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction; (4) Representation of persons before any federal or state agency with respect to the imposition, administration, or enforcement of U.S. sanctions against such persons; 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 persons whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a), not otherwise authorized in this part, requires the issuance of a specific license. (c) Entry into a settlement agreement affecting property or interests in property 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 §594.201(a) is prohibited except to the extent otherwise provided by law or unless specifically licensed in accordance with §594.202(e). The provision of nonscheduled emergency medical services in the United States to persons whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) is authorized, provided that all receipt of payment for such services must be specifically licensed. All transactions ordinarily incident to the receipt or transmission of telecommunications involving persons whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) are authorized, provided that any payment owed to any such person is paid into a blocked account in a U.S. financial institution. This section does not authorize the provision, sale, or lease to persons whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) of telecommunications equipment or technology; nor does it authorize the provision, sale, or leasing of capacity on telecommunications transmission facilities (such as satellite or terrestrial network connectivity). All transactions by U.S. persons, including payment and transfers to common carriers, incident to the receipt or transmission of mail between a U.S. person and a person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to §594.201(a) are authorized, provided the mail is limited to personal communications not involving a transfer of anything of value and not exceeding 12 ounces in weight. (a) Effective April 12, 2006, all transactions and activities with the Palestinian Authority otherwise prohibited under this part that are for the conduct of the official business of the United Nations are authorized, provided that no payment pursuant to this license may involve a debit to an account of the Palestinian Authority on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to this part. (b) Effective April 12, 2006, U.S. persons who are employees of the governments of states bordering the West Bank or Gaza are authorized to engage in all transactions and activities outside of the United States with the Palestinian Authority that are otherwise prohibited under this part in support of the U.S. persons' official duties, provided that no payment pursuant to this license may involve a debit to an account of the Palestinian Authority on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to this part. (c) For purposes of this section only, the term “United Nations” means its principal organs, including funds, bodies, commissions, agencies, departments and other entities of the Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council and Secretariat, specifically including, among others, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Food Programme, and the World Health Organization. [71 FR 27200, May 10, 2006] Effective April 12, 2006, U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions with the Palestinian Authority otherwise prohibited under this part that are ordinarily incident to their travel to or from, or employment, residence or personal maintenance within, the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, including, but not limited to, receipt of salaries, payment of living expenses and acquisition of goods or services for personal use. Nothing in this license authorizes any debit to an account of the Palestinian Authority on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to this part. [71 FR 27200, May 10, 2006] Effective April 12, 2006, U.S. persons are authorized to pay taxes or fees to, and purchase or receive permits or public utility services from, the Palestinian Authority where such transactions are necessary and ordinarily incident to such persons' day-to-day operations. Nothing in this license authorizes a debit to an account of the Palestinian Authority on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to this part. [71 FR 27200, May 10, 2006] (a) Effective April 12, 2006, U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions otherwise prohibited under this part with the following entities and individuals: (1) The Palestinian Authority Presidency, including only the Office of the President, Presidential Security, General Intelligence Apparatus, Governors and Governorate staff, the Attorney General's Office, the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF), the Border Crossings Administration, and the Palestine Broadcasting Corporation (including the Voice of Palestine, Wafa News Agency, and the General Public Information Agency/State Information Services); (2) The Palestinian Judiciary, including the Higher Judicial Council; (3) Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were not elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Specially Designated Terrorist (SDT), or Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT); and (4) The following independent agencies: The Central Elections Commission; the Independent Citizens Rights Commission; the General Audit Authority/External Audit Agency; and the Palestinian Monetary Authority. (b) Effective April 12, 2006, U.S. financial institutions are authorized to reject transactions with members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) who were elected to the PLC on the party slate of Hamas or any other Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), Specially Designated Terrorist (SDT), or Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), provided that any such individuals are not named on OFAC's list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. (c) Nothing in this license authorizes a debit to an account of the Palestinian Authority on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to this part. [71 FR 27200, May 10, 2006] Effective April 12, 2006, all transactions and activities with the Palestinian Authority otherwise prohibited under this part are authorized through May 12, 2006, provided that they are necessary to conclude ongoing contracts or programs with the Palestinian Authority, and further provided that no payment pursuant to this license may involve a debit to an account of the Palestinian Authority on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to this part. [71 FR 27200, May 10, 2006] Effective April 12, 2006, nongovernmental organizations that are U.S. persons are authorized to provide in-kind donations of medicine to the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health, provided that such donations are strictly for distribution in the West Bank or Gaza and not intended for resale, and provided further that no payment pursuant to this license may involve a debit to an account of the Palestinian Authority on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to this part. [71 FR 27200, May 10, 2006] For provisions relating to required records and reports, see part 501, subpart C, of this chapter. Recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed by part 501 of this chapter with respect to the prohibitions contained in this part are considered requirements arising pursuant to this part. (a) Attention is directed to section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (the “Act”) (50 U.S.C. 1705), which is applicable to violations of the provisions of any license, ruling, regulation, order, direction, or instruction issued by or pursuant to the direction or authorization of the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to this part or otherwise under the Act. Section 206 of the Act, as adjusted by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101–410, as amended, 28 U.S.C. 2461 note), provides that: (1) A civil penalty not to exceed $50,000 per violation may be imposed on any person who violates or attempts to violate any license, order, or regulation issued under the Act; (2) Whoever willfully violates or willfully attempts to violate any license, order, or regulation issued under the Act, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $50,000, and if a natural person, may also be imprisoned for not more than twenty years; and any officer, director, or agent of any corporation who knowingly participates in such violation may be punished by a like fine, imprisonment, or both. (b) The criminal penalties provided in the Act are subject to increase pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3571. (c) Attention is directed to section 5 of the United Nations Participation Act (22 U.S.C. 287c(b)), which provides that any person who willfully violates or evades or attempts to violate or evade any order, rule, or regulation issued by the President pursuant to the authority granted in that section, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $10,000 and, if a natural person, may also be imprisoned for not more than 10 years; and the officer, director, or agent of any corporation who knowingly participates in such violation or evasion shall be punished by a like fine, imprisonment, or both and any property, funds, securities, papers, or other articles or documents, or any vessel, together with her tackle, apparel, furniture, and equipment, or vehicle, or aircraft, concerned in such violation shall be forfeited to the United States. The criminal penalties provided in the United Nations Participation Act are subject to increase pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3571. (d) Attention is also directed to 18 U.S.C. 1001, which provides that whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device, a material fact, or makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. (e) Violations of this part may also be subject to relevant provisions of other applicable laws. [68 FR 34197, June 6, 2003, as amended at 71 FR 29253, May 22, 2006] (a) When required. If the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control has reasonable cause to believe that there has occurred a violation of any provision of this part or a violation of the provisions of any license, ruling, regulation, order, direction, or instruction issued by or pursuant to the direction or authorization of the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to this part or otherwise under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and the Director determines that further proceedings are warranted, the Director shall notify the alleged violator of the agency's intent to impose a monetary penalty by issuing a prepenalty notice. The prepenalty notice shall be in writing. The prepenalty notice may be issued whether or not another agency has taken any action with respect to the matter. (b) Contents of notice—(1) Facts of violation. The prepenalty notice shall describe the violation, specify the laws and regulations allegedly violated, and state the amount of the proposed monetary penalty. (2) Right to respond. The prepenalty notice also shall inform the respondent of the respondent's right to make a written presentation within the applicable 30-day period set forth in §594.703 as to why a monetary penalty should not be imposed or why, if imposed, the monetary penalty should be in a lesser amount than proposed. (c) Informal settlement prior to issuance of prepenalty notice. At any time prior to the issuance of a prepenalty notice, an alleged violator may request in writing that, for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days, the agency withhold issuance of the prepenalty notice for the exclusive purpose of effecting settlement of the agency's potential civil monetary penalty claims. In the event the Director grants the request, under terms and conditions within his discretion, the Office of Foreign Assets Control will agree to withhold issuance of the prepenalty notice for a period not to exceed 60 days and will enter into settlement negotiations of the potential civil monetary penalty claim. (a) Deadline for response. The respondent may submit a response to the prepenalty notice within the applicable 30-day period set forth in this paragraph. The Director may grant, at his discretion, an extension of time in which to submit a response to the prepenalty notice. The failure to submit a response within the applicable time period set forth in this paragraph shall be deemed to be a waiver of the right to respond. (1) Computation of time for response. A response to the prepenalty notice must be postmarked or date-stamped by the U.S. Postal Service (or foreign postal service, if mailed abroad) or courier service provider (if transmitted to OFAC by courier) on or before the 30th day after the postmark date on the envelope in which the prepenalty notice was mailed. If the respondent refused delivery or otherwise avoided receipt of the prepenalty notice, a response must be postmarked or date-stamped on or before the 30th day after the date on the stamped postal receipt maintained at the Office of Foreign Assets Control. If the prepenalty notice was personally delivered to the respondent by a non-U.S. Postal Service agent authorized by the Director, a response must be postmarked or date-stamped on or before the 30th day after the date of delivery. (2) Extensions of time for response. If a due date falls on a federal holiday or weekend, that due date is extended to include the following business day. Any other extensions of time will be granted, at the Director's discretion, only upon the respondent's specific request to the Office of Foreign Assets Control. (b) Form and method of response. The response must be submitted in writing and may be handwritten or typed. The response need not be in any particular form. A copy of the written response may be sent by facsimile, but the original also must be sent to the Office of Foreign Assets Control Civil Penalties Division by mail or courier and must be postmarked or date-stamped, in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Contents of response. A written response must contain information sufficient to indicate that it is in response to the prepenalty notice. (1) A written response must include the respondent's full name, address, telephone number, and facsimile number, if available, or those of the representative of the respondent. (2) A written response should either admit or deny each specific violation alleged in the prepenalty notice and also state if the respondent has no knowledge of a particular violation. If the written response fails to address any specific violation alleged in the prepenalty notice, that alleged violation shall be deemed to be admitted. (3) A written response should include any information in defense, evidence in support of an asserted defense, or other factors that the respondent requests the Office of Foreign Assets Control to consider. Any defense or explanation previously made to the Office of Foreign Assets Control or any other agency must be repeated in the written response. Any defense not raised in the written response will be considered waived. The written response also should set forth the reasons why the respondent believes the penalty should not be imposed or why, if imposed, it should be in a lesser amount than proposed. (d) Default. If the respondent elects not to submit a written response within the time limit set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, the Office of Foreign Assets Control will conclude that the respondent has decided not to respond to the prepenalty notice. The agency generally will then issue a written penalty notice imposing the penalty proposed in the prepenalty notice. (e) Informal settlement. In addition to or as an alternative to a written response to a prepenalty notice, the respondent or respondent's representative may contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control as advised in the prepenalty notice to propose the settlement of allegations contained in the prepenalty notice and related matters. However, the requirements set forth in paragraph (f) of this section as to oral communication by the representative must first be fulfilled. In the event of settlement at the prepenalty stage, the claim proposed in the prepenalty notice will be withdrawn, the respondent will not be required to take a written position on allegations contained in the prepenalty notice, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control will make no final determination as to whether a violation occurred. The amount accepted in settlement of allegations in a prepenalty notice may vary from the civil penalty that might finally be imposed in the event of a formal determination of violation. In the event no settlement is reached, the time limit specified in paragraph (a) of this section for written response to the prepenalty notice will remain in effect unless additional time is granted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. (f) Representation. A representative of the respondent may act on behalf of the respondent, but any oral communication with the Office of Foreign Assets Control prior to a written submission regarding the specific allegations contained in the prepenalty notice must be preceded by a written letter of representation, unless the prepenalty notice was served upon the respondent in care of the representative. (a) No violation. If, after considering any response to the prepenalty notice and any relevant facts, the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control determines that there was no violation by the respondent named in the prepenalty notice, the Director shall notify the respondent in writing of that determination and of the cancellation of the proposed monetary penalty. (b) Violation. (1) If, after considering any written response to the prepenalty notice, or default in the submission of a written response, and any relevant facts, the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control determines that there was a violation by the respondent named in the prepenalty notice, the Director is authorized to issue a written penalty notice to the respondent of the determination of the violation and the imposition of the monetary penalty. (2) The penalty notice shall inform the respondent that payment or arrangement for installment payment of the assessed penalty must be made within 30 days of the date of mailing of the penalty notice by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. (3) The penalty notice shall inform the respondent of the requirement to furnish the respondent's taxpayer identification number pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 7701 and that such number will be used for purposes of collecting and reporting on any delinquent penalty amount. (4) The issuance of the penalty notice finding a violation and imposing a monetary penalty shall constitute final agency action. The respondent has the right to seek judicial review of that final agency action in a federal district court. In the event that the respondent does not pay the penalty imposed pursuant to this part or make payment arrangements acceptable to the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control within 30 days of the date of mailing of the penalty notice, the matter may be referred for administrative collection measures by the Department of the Treasury or to the United States Department of Justice for appropriate action to recover the penalty in a civil suit in a federal district court. For license application procedures and procedures relating to amendments, modifications, or revocations of licenses; administrative decisions; rulemaking; and requests for documents pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts (5 U.S.C. 552 and 552a), see part 501, subpart E, of this chapter. [68 FR 53660, Sept. 11, 2003] Any action that the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to take pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001 (66 FR 49079, September 25, 2001), and any further Executive orders relating to the national emergency declared therein, may be taken by the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or by any other person to whom the Secretary of the Treasury has delegated authority so to act. For approval by the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507) of information collections relating to recordkeeping and reporting requirements, licensing procedures (including those pursuant to statements of licensing policy), and other procedures, see 501.901 of this chapter. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid control number assigned by OMB.
Title 31: Money and Finance: Treasury
PART 594—GLOBAL TERRORISM SANCTIONS REGULATIONS
Section Contents
§ 594.101 Relation of this part to other laws and regulations.
§ 594.201 Prohibited transactions involving blocked property.
§ 594.202 Effect of transfers violating the provisions of this part.
§ 594.203 Holding of funds in interest-bearing accounts; investment and reinvestment.
§ 594.204 Prohibited transaction or dealing in property; contributions of funds, goods, or services.
§ 594.205 Evasions; attempts; conspiracies.
§ 594.206 Expenses of maintaining blocked property; liquidation of blocked property.
§ 594.301 Blocked account; blocked property.
§ 594.302 Effective date.
§ 594.303 Entity.
§ 594.304 Foreign person.
§ 594.305 Information or informational materials.
§ 594.306 Interest.
§ 594.307 Licenses; general and specific.
§ 594.308 Person.
§ 594.309 Property; property interest.
§ 594.310 Specially designated global terrorist; SDGT.
§ 594.311 Terrorism.
§ 594.312 Transfer.
§ 594.313 United States.
§ 594.314 U.S. financial institution.
§ 594.315 United States person; U.S. person.
§ 594.401 Reference to amended sections.
§ 594.402 Effect of amendment.
§ 594.403 Setoffs prohibited.
§ 594.404 Termination and acquisition of an interest in blocked property.
§ 594.405 Transactions incidental to a licensed transaction.
§ 594.406 Provision of services.
§ 594.407 Offshore transactions.
§ 594.408 Payments from blocked accounts to satisfy obligations prohibited.
§ 594.409 Charitable contributions.
§ 594.410 Credit extended and cards issued by U.S. financial institutions.
§ 594.411 Palestinian Authority.
§ 594.501 General and specific licensing procedures.
§ 594.502 Effect of license or authorization.
§ 594.503 Exclusion from licenses and other authorizations.
§ 594.504 Payments and transfers to blocked accounts in U.S. financial institutions.
§ 594.505 Entries in certain accounts for normal service charges authorized.
§ 594.506 Provision of certain legal services authorized.
§ 594.507 Authorization of emergency medical services.
§ 594.508 Transactions related to telecommunications authorized.
§ 594.509 Transactions related to mail authorized.
§ 594.510 Official activities of certain international organizations; U.S. person employees of certain governments.
§ 594.511 Travel, employment, residence and maintenance transactions with the Palestinian Authority.
§ 594.512 Payment of taxes and incidental fees to the Palestinian Authority.
§ 594.513 Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other entities.
§ 594.514 Concluding activities with the Palestinian Authority.
§ 594.515 In-kind donations of medicine.
§ 594.601 Records and reports.
§ 594.701 Penalties.
§ 594.702 Prepenalty notice.
§ 594.703 Response to prepenalty notice; informal settlement.
§ 594.704 Penalty imposition or withdrawal.
§ 594.705 Administrative collection; referral to United States Department of Justice.
§ 594.801 Procedures.
§ 594.802 Delegation by the Secretary of the Treasury.
§ 594.901 Paperwork Reduction Act notice.
Subpart A—Relation of This Part to Other Laws and Regulations
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§ 594.101 Relation of this part to other laws and regulations.
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Subpart B—Prohibitions
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§ 594.201 Prohibited transactions involving blocked property.
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§ 594.202 Effect of transfers violating the provisions of this part.
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§ 594.203 Holding of funds in interest-bearing accounts; investment and reinvestment.
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§ 594.204 Prohibited transaction or dealing in property; contributions of funds, goods, or services.
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§ 594.205 Evasions; attempts; conspiracies.
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§ 594.206 Expenses of maintaining blocked property; liquidation of blocked property.
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Subpart C—General Definitions
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§ 594.301 Blocked account; blocked property.
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§ 594.302 Effective date.
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§ 594.303 Entity.
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§ 594.304 Foreign person.
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§ 594.305 Information or informational materials.
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§ 594.306 Interest.
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§ 594.307 Licenses; general and specific.
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§ 594.308 Person.
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§ 594.309 Property; property interest.
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§ 594.310 Specially designated global terrorist; SDGT.
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§ 594.311 Terrorism.
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§ 594.312 Transfer.
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§ 594.313 United States.
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§ 594.314 U.S. financial institution.
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§ 594.315 United States person; U.S. person.
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Subpart D—Interpretations
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§ 594.401 Reference to amended sections.
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§ 594.402 Effect of amendment.
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§ 594.403 Setoffs prohibited.
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§ 594.404 Termination and acquisition of an interest in blocked property.
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§ 594.405 Transactions incidental to a licensed transaction.
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§ 594.406 Provision of services.
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§ 594.407 Offshore transactions.
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§ 594.408 Payments from blocked accounts to satisfy obligations prohibited.
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§ 594.409 Charitable contributions.
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§ 594.410 Credit extended and cards issued by U.S. financial institutions.
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§ 594.411 Palestinian Authority.
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Subpart E—Licenses, Authorizations and Statements of Licensing Policy
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§ 594.501 General and specific licensing procedures.
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§ 594.502 Effect of license or authorization.
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§ 594.503 Exclusion from licenses and other authorizations.
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§ 594.504 Payments and transfers to blocked accounts in U.S. financial institutions.
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§ 594.505 Entries in certain accounts for normal service charges authorized.
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§ 594.506 Provision of certain legal services authorized.
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§ 594.507 Authorization of emergency medical services.
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§ 594.508 Transactions related to telecommunications authorized.
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§ 594.509 Transactions related to mail authorized.
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§ 594.510 Official activities of certain international organizations; U.S. person employees of certain governments.
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§ 594.511 Travel, employment, residence and maintenance transactions with the Palestinian Authority.
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§ 594.512 Payment of taxes and incidental fees to the Palestinian Authority.
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§ 594.513 Transactions with entities under the control of the Palestinian President and certain other entities.
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§ 594.514 Concluding activities with the Palestinian Authority.
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§ 594.515 In-kind donations of medicine.
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Subpart F—Reports
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§ 594.601 Records and reports.
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Subpart G—Penalties
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§ 594.701 Penalties.
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§ 594.702 Prepenalty notice.
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§ 594.703 Response to prepenalty notice; informal settlement.
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§ 594.704 Penalty imposition or withdrawal.
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§ 594.705 Administrative collection; referral to United States Department of Justice.
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Subpart H—Procedures
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§ 594.801 Procedures.
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§ 594.802 Delegation by the Secretary of the Treasury.
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Subpart I—Paperwork Reduction Act
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§ 594.901 Paperwork Reduction Act notice.
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