June, 2021 - Sanctions update: Covid-19 authorisations for Syria, Venezuela and Iran (podcast also available)

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On 17th June, 2021 OFAC issued three new general licences, in order to supplement the existing authorisations for COVID-19-related transactions and activities involving Syria, Venezuela and Iran. The new licences expand upon current humanitarian exemptions  and authorisations, covering additional transactions and activities including the delivery of face masks, ventilators, oxygen tanks and vaccines, and the production of vaccines, COVID-19 tests, air filtration systems, and COVID-19-related field hospitals.  

The new authorisations aim to support the critical work of governments, international organisations, NGOs and private sector actors in providing COVID-19-related assistance in these countries.  

OFAC has also issued six FAQs that provide further clarity on these new general licences (FAQs 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, and 911).  

OFAC encourages entities engaged in providing COVID-19-related activities and services to Iran, Syria, and Venezuela to avail themselves of the exemptions and authorisations pertaining to humanitarian assistance, including those set out in the latest general licences (Iran GL N, Syria GL 21, or Venezuela GL 39).