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Authority:
3 U.S.C. 301; 18 U.S.C. 2339B, 2332d; 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); Pub. L. 106–387, 114 Stat. 1549; Pub. L. 109–344, 120 Stat. 1869; Pub. L. 110–96, 121 Stat. 1011; E.O. 13067, 62 FR 59989, 3 CFR, 1997 Comp., p. 230; E.O. 13412, 71 FR 61369, 3 CFR, 2006 Comp., p. 244. Source:
63 FR 35810, July 1, 1998, unless otherwise noted. (a) 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. Differing foreign policy and national security contexts 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. (b) 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 regulations, orders, directives, rulings, instructions, licenses, or otherwise, no property or interests in property of the Government of Sudan, that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of U.S. persons, including their overseas branches, may be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn or otherwise dealt in. (b) Unless otherwise authorized by this part or by a specific license expressly referring to this section, the transfer (including the transfer on the books of any issuer or agent thereof), disposition, transportation, importation, exportation, or withdrawal of, or the endorsement or guaranty of signatures on, or otherwise dealing in any security (or evidence thereof) registered or inscribed in the name of the Government of Sudan, and held within the possession or control of a U.S. person is prohibited, irrespective of the fact that at any time (either prior to, on, or subsequent to the effective date) the registered or inscribed owner thereof may have, or appears to have, assigned, transferred, or otherwise disposed of any such security. (c) When a transaction results in the blocking of funds at a financial institution pursuant to this section and a party to the transaction believes the funds have been blocked due to mistaken identity, that party may seek to have such funds unblocked pursuant to the administrative procedures set forth in §501.806 of this chapter. (a) Any transfer after the effective date, which is in violation of any provision of this part or of any regulation, order, directive, ruling, instruction, license, or other authorization hereunder and involves any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to §538.201 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 interest in, any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to §538.201, unless the person with whom such property is held or maintained, prior to such 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 render 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 hereunder. (d) Transfers of property which 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 by or 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 the 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 hereunder; or (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 the withholding of material facts or was otherwise fraudulently obtained. Note to paragraph (e) Unless licensed or authorized pursuant to this part, any attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process is null and void with respect to any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to §538.201. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (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 §538.201(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 which 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 sub-account, 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 §538.201 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 §538.201 may continue to be held in the same type of accounts or instruments, provided the funds earn interest at rates which 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 §538.201. However, the Office of Foreign Assets Control may issue licenses permitting or directing such sales in appropriate cases. (f) Funds subject to this section may not be held, invested, or reinvested in a manner which provides immediate financial or economic benefit or access to the Government of Sudan or its entities, 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, the importation into the United States, directly or indirectly, of any goods or services of Sudanese origin, other than information or informational materials, is prohibited. Except as otherwise authorized, the exportation or reexportation, directly or indirectly, to Sudan of any goods, technology (including technical data, software, or other information) or services from the United States or by a United States person, wherever located, or requiring the issuance of a license by a Federal agency, is prohibited. [66 FR 36688, July 12, 2001] Except as otherwise authorized, the facilitation by a United States person, including but not limited to brokering activities, of the exportation or reexportation of goods, technology, or services from Sudan to any destination, or to Sudan from any location, is prohibited. Except as otherwise authorized, the performance by any United States person of any contract, including a financing contract, in support of an industrial, commercial, public utility, or governmental project in Sudan is prohibited. Except as otherwise authorized, the grant or extension of credits or loans by any United States person to the Government of Sudan is prohibited. Except as otherwise authorized, the following are prohibited: (a) Any transaction by a U.S. person relating to transportation of cargo to or from Sudan; (b) The provision of transportation of cargo to or from the United States by any Sudanese person or any vessel or aircraft of Sudanese registration; or (c) The sale in the United States by any person holding authority under 49 U.S.C. subtitle VII of any transportation of cargo by air that includes any stop in Sudan. (a) Except as otherwise authorized, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to October 13, 2006, all transactions by United States persons relating to the petroleum or petrochemical industries in Sudan, including, but not limited to, oilfield services and oil or gas pipelines, are prohibited. (b) Except as otherwise authorized, the facilitation by a United States person, including but not limited to brokering activities, of any transaction relating to the petroleum or petrochemical industries in Sudan is prohibited. [72 FR 61515, Oct. 31, 2007] Any transaction by any United States person or within the United States that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in this part is prohibited. Any conspiracy formed for the purpose of engaging in a transaction prohibited by this part is prohibited. [63 FR 35810, July 1, 1998. Redesignated at 72 FR 61515, Oct. 31, 2007] (a) Personal communications. The prohibitions contained in this part do not apply to any postal, telegraphic, telephonic, or other personal communication, which does not involve the transfer of anything of value. (b) Humanitarian donations. The prohibitions of this part do not apply to donations by United States persons of articles, such as food, clothing, and medicine, intended to be used to relieve human suffering. (c) Information and informational materials. (1) The importation from any country and the exportation to any country of information or informational materials as defined in §538.306, whether commercial or otherwise, regardless of format or medium of transmission, are exempt from the prohibitions and regulations of this part. (2) This section does not authorize transactions related to information and informational materials not fully created and in existence at the date of the transactions, or to the substantive or artistic alteration or enhancement of informational materials, or to the provision of marketing and business consulting services. Such prohibited transactions include, without limitation, payment of advances for informational materials not yet created and completed, provision of services to market, produce or co-produce, create or assist in the creation of information and informational materials, and payment of royalties to the Government of Sudan or a person in Sudan with respect to income received for enhancements or alterations made by U.S. persons to information or informational materials imported from the Government of Sudan or a person in Sudan. (3) This section does not authorize transactions incident to the exportation of software subject to the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730–774, or to the exportation of goods, technology or software for use in the transmission of any data. The exportation of such items to the Government of Sudan or to Sudan is prohibited, as provided in §§538.201 and 538.205. (d) Travel. The prohibitions contained in this part do not apply to transactions ordinarily incident to travel to or from any country, including exportation or importation of accompanied baggage for personal use, maintenance within any country including payment of living expenses and acquisition of goods or services for personal use, and arrangement or facilitation of such travel including non-scheduled air, sea, or land voyages. (e) Official business. The prohibitions contained in this part do not apply to transactions for the conduct of the official business of the Federal Government or the United Nations by employees thereof. (f) Journalistic activity. The prohibitions contained in this part do not apply to transactions in Sudan for journalistic activity by persons regularly employed in such capacity by a news-gathering organization. (g)(1) Specified Areas of Sudan. Except for the provisions of §§538.201 through 538.203, 538.210, and 538.211, and except as provided in paragraph (g)(2) of this section, the prohibitions contained in this part do not apply to activities or related transactions with respect to the Specified Areas of Sudan. (2) The exemption in paragraph (g)(1) of this section does not apply to the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities (including bulk agricultural commodities listed in appendix A to this part 538), medicine, and medical devices. Note to §538.212 [63 FR 35810, July 1, 1998, as amended at 66 FR 36688, July 12, 2001. Redesignated and amended at 72 FR 61515, Oct. 31, 2007] The terms blocked account and blocked property shall mean any account or property subject to the prohibition in §538.201 held in the name of the Government of Sudan or in which the Government of Sudan 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 authorizing such action. The term effective date refers to the effective date of the applicable prohibitions and directives contained in this part which is 12:01 a.m. EST, November 4, 1997. The term entity means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, or other organization. The term general license means any license or authorization the terms of which are set forth in this part. (a) The term Government of Sudan includes: (1) The state and the Government of Sudan, as well as any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including the Central Bank of Sudan; (2) Any entity owned or controlled by the foregoing; (3) Any person to the extent that such person is, or has been, or to the extent that there is reasonable cause to believe that such person is, or has been, since the effective date, acting or purporting to act directly or indirectly on behalf of any of the foregoing; and (4) Any other person determined by the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control to be included within paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section. (b) Effective October 13, 2006, the term Government of Sudan, as defined in paragraph (a) of this section, does not include the regional government of Southern Sudan. Note to §538.305: Please refer to the appendices at the end of this chapter for listings of persons determined to fall within this definition who have been designated pursuant to this part. Section 501.807 of this chapter sets forth the procedures to be followed by persons seeking administrative reconsideration of their designation, or who wish to assert that the circumstances resulting in the designation are no longer applicable. [63 FR 35810, July 1, 1998, as amended at 72 FR 61516, Oct. 31, 2007] (a)(1) For purposes of this part, the term information and informational materials means publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact disks, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds, and other information and informational materials. (2) To be considered informational materials, artworks must be classified under chapter subheading 9701, 9702, or 9703 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. (b) The term information and informational materials with respect to U.S. exports does not include items: (1) That were, as of April 30, 1994, or that thereafter become, controlled for export pursuant to section 5 of the Export Administration Act of 1979, 50 U.S.C. App. 2401–2420 (the “EAA”), or section 6 of the EAA to the extent that such controls promote nonproliferation or antiterrorism policies of the United States. (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. Except as otherwise specified, the term license means any license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to this part. 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 specific license means any license or authorization not set forth in this part but issued pursuant to this part. The term goods or services of Sudanese origin includes: (a) Goods produced, manufactured, grown, extracted, or processed within Sudan; (b) Goods which have entered into Sudanese commerce; (c) Services performed in Sudan or by a person ordinarily resident in Sudan who is acting as an agent, employee, or contractor of the Government of Sudan or of a business entity located in Sudan. Services of Sudanese origin are not imported into the United States when such services are provided in the United States by a Sudanese national employed or resident in the United States. (d) The term services of Sudanese origin does not include: (1) Diplomatic and consular services performed by or on behalf of the Government of Sudan; (2) Diplomatic and consular services performed by or on behalf of the Government of the United States. 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 United States person or U.S. person means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States. The term U.S. financial institution means any U.S. entity (including 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 which are located in the United States, but not such institutions' foreign branches, offices, or agencies. The term U.S. depository institution means any entity (including its foreign branches) organized under the laws of the United States or of any jurisdiction within the United States, or any agency, office or branch located in the United States of a foreign entity, that is engaged primarily in the business of banking (for example, banks, savings banks, savings associations, credit unions, trust companies and United States bank holding companies) and is subject to regulation by federal or state banking authorities. [70 FR 34062, June 13, 2005] The term U.S. registered broker or dealer in securities means any U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or entity organized under the laws of the United States or of any jurisdiction within the United States, including its foreign branches, or any agency, office or branch of a foreign entity located in the United States, that: (a) Is a “broker” or “dealer” in securities within the meanings set forth in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (b) Holds or clears customer accounts; and (c) Is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. [70 FR 34062, June 13, 2005] The term U.S. registered money transmitter means any U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or entity organized under the laws of the United States or of any jurisdiction within the United States, including its foreign branches, or any agency, office or branch of a foreign entity located in the United States, that is a money transmitter, as defined in 31 CFR 103.11(uu)(5), that is registered pursuant to 31 CFR 103.41. [70 FR 34062, June 13, 2005] (a) The term Specified Areas of Sudan means Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, Abyei, Darfur, and marginalized areas in and around Khartoum. (b) The term marginalized areas in and around Khartoum means the following official camps for internally displaced persons: Mayo, El Salaam, Wad El Bashir, and Soba. [72 FR 61516, Oct. 31, 2007] Except as otherwise specified, reference to any section of this part or to any regulation, ruling, order, instruction, direction, or license issued pursuant to this part shall be deemed to refer to the same as currently amended. Any amendment, modification, or revocation of any section of this part 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 shall not, unless otherwise specifically provided, affect any act done or omitted to be done, 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) Whenever a transaction licensed or authorized by or pursuant to this part results in the transfer of property (including any property interest) away from the Government of Sudan, such property shall no longer be deemed to be property in which the Government of Sudan has or has had an interest unless there exists in the property another interest of the Government of Sudan, 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 the Government of Sudan, such property shall be deemed to be property in which there exists an interest of the Government of Sudan. 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 §538.201 if effected after the effective date. Any transaction ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction and necessary to give effect thereto is also authorized, except: (a) A transaction by an unlicensed Sudanese governmental entity or involving a debit to a blocked account or a transfer of blocked property not explicitly authorized within the terms of the license; (b) Provision of any transportation services to or from Sudan not explicitly authorized in or pursuant to this part other than loading, transporting, and discharging licensed or exempt cargo there. (c) Distribution or leasing in Sudan of any containers or similar goods owned or controlled by United States persons after the performance of transportation services to Sudan; and (d) Financing of licensed sales for exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities or products, medicine, or medical equipment to Sudan or the Government of Sudan. See §538.525. [64 FR 41786, Aug. 2, 1999, as amended at 66 FR 36688, July 12, 2001] (a) The prohibition on the exportation of services contained in §538.205 applies to services performed on behalf of the Government of Sudan, or where the benefit of such services is otherwise received in Sudan, when such services are performed: (1) In the United States; (2) By a U.S. person, wherever located; (3) By an entity located in the United States, including its overseas branches; or (4) Outside the United States by an individual U.S. person ordinarily resident in the United States. (b) The benefit of services performed anywhere in the world on behalf of the Government of Sudan, including services performed for a controlled entity or agent of the Government of Sudan, is presumed to be received in Sudan. (c) The prohibitions contained in §§538.201 and 538.207 apply to services performed by U.S. persons, wherever located: (1) On behalf of the Government of Sudan; (2) With respect to property interests of the Government of Sudan; or (3) In support of an industrial, commercial, public utility or governmental project in Sudan. (d) Example: U.S. persons may not, without specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, represent an individual or entity with respect to contract negotiations, contract performance, commercial arbitration, or other business dealings with the Government of Sudan. See §538.505 on licensing policy with regard to the provision of certain legal services. (a) The prohibition contained in §538.206 against facilitation by a United States person of the exportation or reexportation of goods, technology, or services between Sudan and any destination (including the United States) bars any unlicensed action by a U.S. person that assists or supports trading activity with Sudan by any person. Facilitation of a trade or financial transaction that could be engaged in directly by a U.S. person or from the United States consistent with the prohibitions, general licenses and exemptions contained in this part is not prohibited. Activity of a purely clerical or reporting nature that does not further trade or financial transactions with Sudan or the Government of Sudan is not considered prohibited facilitation. For example, reporting on the results of a subsidiary's trade with Sudan is not prohibited, while financing or insuring that trade or warranting the quality of goods sold by a subsidiary to the Government of Sudan constitutes prohibited facilitation. (b) To avoid potential liability for U.S. persons under this part, a U.S. parent corporation must ensure that its foreign subsidiaries act independently of any U.S. person with respect to all transactions and activities relating to the exportation or reexportation of goods, technology, or services between Sudan and any other location including but not limited to business and legal planning; decision making; designing, ordering or transporting goods; and financial, insurance, and other risks. See §538.505 with respect to exports of, inter alia, certain legal services benefitting Sudan. (c) No U.S. person may change its policies or operating procedures, or those of a foreign affiliate or subsidiary, in order to enable a foreign entity owned or controlled by U.S. persons to enter into a transaction that could not be entered into directly by a U.S. person or from the United States pursuant to this part. (d) No U.S. person may refer to a foreign person purchase orders, requests for bids, or similar business opportunities involving Sudan or the Government of Sudan to which the United States person could not directly respond as a result of the prohibitions contained in this part. (a) The prohibitions contained in §§538.201 and 538.206 apply to transactions by any U.S. person in a location outside the United States with respect to property in which the U.S. person knows, or has reason to know, the Government of Sudan has or has had an interest since the effective date, or with respect to goods, technology or services which the U.S. person knows, or has reason to know, are of Sudanese origin or owned or controlled by the Government of Sudan. (b) Prohibited transactions include, but are not limited to, importation into or exportation from locations outside the United States of, or purchasing, selling, financing, swapping, insuring, transporting, lifting, storing, incorporating, transforming, brokering, or otherwise dealing in, within such locations, goods, technology or services of Sudanese origin. (c) Examples. (1) A U.S. person may not, within the United States or abroad, purchase, sell, finance, insure, transport, act as a broker for the sale or transport of, or otherwise deal in, Sudanese crude oil or sugar refined in Sudan. (2) A U.S. person may not, within the United States or abroad, conduct transactions of any nature whatsoever with an entity that the U.S. person knows or has reason to know is the Government of Sudan, including a controlled entity or agent of that Government, or which benefits or supports the business of an entity located in Sudan, unless the entity is licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control to conduct such transactions with U.S. persons or the transaction is generally licensed in, or exempted from the prohibitions of, this part. (a) The prohibitions in §538.205 apply to the importation into the United States, for transshipment or transit, of goods which are intended or destined for Sudan, or an entity operated from Sudan. (b) The prohibitions in §538.204 apply to the importation into the United States, for transshipment or transit, of goods of Sudanese origin which are intended or destined for third countries. (c) Goods in which the Government of Sudan has an interest which are imported into or transshipped through the United States are blocked pursuant to §538.201. (a) Importation into the United States from third countries of goods containing raw materials or components of Sudanese origin is not prohibited if those raw materials or components have been incorporated into manufactured products or otherwise substantially transformed in a third country. (b) Importation into the United States of goods of Sudanese origin that have been transshipped through a third country without being incorporated into manufactured products or otherwise substantially transformed in a third country are prohibited. Exportation of goods or technology (including technical data, software, information not exempted from the prohibition of this part pursuant to §538.211, or technical assistance) from the United States to third countries is prohibited if the exporter knows, or has reason to know, that the goods or technology are intended for transshipment to Sudan (including passage through, or storage in, intermediate destinations). The exportation of goods or technology intended specifically for incorporation or substantial transformation into a third-country product is also prohibited if the particular product is to be used in Sudan, is being specifically manufactured to fill a Sudanese order, or if the manufacturer's sales of the particular product are predominantly to Sudan. (a) The prohibition in §538.205 applies to loans or extensions of credit to a person in Sudan, including overdraft protection on checking accounts, and the unlicensed renewal or rescheduling of credits or loans in existence as of the effective date, whether by affirmative action or operation of law. (b) The prohibition in §538.205 applies to financial services including loans or credits extended in any currency. Before a United States financial institution initiates a payment subject to the prohibitions contained in this part on behalf of any customer, or credits a transfer subject to such prohibitions to the account on its books of the ultimate beneficiary, the U.S. financial institution must determine that the transfer is not prohibited by this part. No debits may be made to a blocked account to pay obligations to U.S. persons or other persons, including payment for goods, technology or services exported prior to the effective date, except as authorized pursuant to this part. (a) The exportation or reexportation of goods, technology, or services to the Specified Areas of Sudan is exempt under §538.212(g) only if such goods, technology, or services do not transit or transship through any area of Sudan other than the Specified Areas of Sudan. (b) The importation into the United States of goods or services from, or originating in, the Specified Areas of Sudan is exempt under §538.212(g) only if such goods or services do not transit or transship through any area of Sudan other than the Specified Areas of Sudan. Note to §538.417. See §538.532, which authorizes humanitarian transshipments to or from Southern Sudan and Darfur. [72 FR 61516, Oct. 31, 2007] (a) Any financial transaction with a depository institution located in an area of Sudan other than the Specified Areas of Sudan, e.g. , Khartoum, remains prohibited. (b) Financial transactions are no longer prohibited by this part if: (1) The underlying activity is not prohibited by this part; (2) The financial transaction involves a third-country depository institution, or a Sudanese depository institution not owned or controlled by the Government of Sudan, that is located in the Specified Areas of Sudan; and (3) The financial transaction is not routed through a depository institution that is located in an area of Sudan other than the Specified Areas of Sudan or that is owned or controlled by the Government of Sudan, wherever located. (c) Example. A U.S. bank is instructed to transfer funds to the Abyei branch of a Sudanese bank that is not owned or controlled by the Government of Sudan. In order for the transfer to take place, the U.S. bank is required to route the funds through the Sudanese bank's headquarters, which is located in Khartoum. Due to the routing of the financial transaction through Khartoum, this transaction is prohibited and requires authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. However, if the U.S. bank is able to bypass the Khartoum headquarters and transfer the funds directly to the Abyei branch of the Sudanese bank, then the transaction would not be prohibited. [72 FR 61516, Oct. 31, 2007] 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 53658, 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 or prohibitions 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 therein conferred, or to restrict the applicability thereof with respect to particular persons, property, transactions, or classes thereof. Such action shall be binding upon all persons receiving actual or constructive notice of such exclusion or restriction. Any payment of funds or transfer of credit in which the Government of Sudan 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 §538.503: Please refer to §501.603 of this chapter for mandatory reporting requirements regarding financial transfers. See also §538.203 concerning the obligation to hold blocked funds in interest-bearing accounts. (a) U.S. financial institutions are hereby authorized to debit any blocked account with such U.S. financial institution in payment or reimbursement for normal service charges owed to such U.S. financial institution by the owner of such 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, 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 to the Government of Sudan, to a person in Sudan, or in circumstances in which the benefit is otherwise received in Sudan, of the legal services set forth in paragraph (b) of this section is authorized, provided that all receipts of payment therefor must be specifically licensed. The provision of any other legal services as interpreted in §538.406 requires the issuance of a specific license. (b) Specific licenses may be issued, on a case-by-case basis, authorizing receipt, from unblocked sources, of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses for the following legal services by U.S. persons to the Government of Sudan or to a person in Sudan: (1) Provision of legal advice and counseling to the Government of Sudan, to a person in Sudan, or in circumstances in which the benefit is otherwise received in Sudan, on the requirements of and compliance with the laws of any jurisdiction within the United States, provided that such advice and counseling is not provided to facilitate transactions in violation of this part; (2) Representation of the Government of Sudan or a person in Sudan when named as a defendant in or otherwise made a party to domestic U.S. legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings; (3) Initiation of domestic U.S. legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings in defense of property interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction of the Government of Sudan, or of a person in Sudan; (4) Representation of the Government of Sudan or a person in Sudan before any federal agency with respect to the imposition, administration, or enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Sudan; and (5) Provision of legal services in any other context in which prevailing U.S. law requires access to legal counsel at public expense. (c) 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 a property interest of the Government of Sudan is prohibited unless specifically licensed in accordance with §538.202(e). (a) Pre-existing trade contracts. Trade transactions required under a contract entered into prior to November 4, 1997 (a “pre-existing trade contract”), otherwise prohibited by this part, including the importation of goods or services of Sudanese origin or the exportation of goods, services, or technology that was authorized under applicable Federal regulations in force immediately prior to November 4, 1997, are authorized without specific licensing by the Office of Foreign Assets Control as follows: (1) Exports or reexports are authorized until 12:01 a.m. EST, December 4, 1997, and non-financing activity by U.S. persons incidental to the performance of the pre-existing trade contract (such as the provision of transportation or insurance) is authorized through 12:01 a.m. EST, February 2, 1998, if the pre-existing trade contract is for: (i) The exportation of goods, services, or technology from the United States or a third country that was authorized under applicable Federal regulations in force immediately prior to November 4, 1997; or (ii) The reexportation of goods or technology that was authorized under applicable Federal regulations in force immediately prior to November 4, 1997. (2) If the pre-existing trade contract is for the importation of goods or services of Sudanese origin or other trade transactions relating to goods or services of Sudanese origin or owned or controlled by the Government of Sudan, importations under the pre-existing trade contract are authorized until 12:01 a.m. EST, December 4, 1997. (3) For purposes of this section, goods are considered to be exported upon final loading aboard the exporting conveyance in the country of export. Goods are considered to be imported upon arrival in the jurisdiction of the country of importation. (b)(1) Financing for pre-existing trade contracts. In general, no financing services prohibited by this part may be performed after 12:01 a.m. EST, November 4, 1997. However, letters of credit and other financing agreements with respect to the trade transactions authorized in paragraph (a) of this section may be performed according to their terms, and may be extended or renewed, except that: (i) Any payment required to be made to the Government of Sudan or any person blocked pursuant to this part or otherwise, including payments authorized with respect to trade transactions described in paragraph (a) of this section, must be made into a blocked account in the United States; and (ii) No payment may be made from a blocked account unless authorized by a specific license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Controls. (2) Specific licenses may be issued by the Office of Foreign Asset Controls on a case-by-case basis to permit a U.S. bank to debit a blocked account of the Government of Sudan for funds held as collateral under an irrevocable letter of credit issued or confirmed by it, or a letter of credit reimbursement confirmed by it, for goods, services or technology exported, or goods or technology reexported, prior to 12:01 a.m. EST, December 4, 1997, directly or indirectly to Sudan, or to third countries for an entity operated from Sudan, or for the benefit of the Government of Sudan. The application for a license must: (i) Present evidence satisfactory to the Office of Foreign Asset Controls that the exportation or reexportation occurred prior to 12:01 a.m. EST, December 4, 1997; and (ii) Include an explanation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the entry and execution of the export or reexport transaction, including the names and addresses of all Sudanese participants in the transaction and all Sudanese persons having an ownership interest in the beneficiary of the letter of credit. (c) Blocked Government of Sudan accounts. Nothing in this section permits debits to a blocked account of the Government of Sudan absent the issuance of a specific license by Office of Foreign Asset Controls authorizing such a debit. The operation of an account of the Government of Sudan in a financial institution does not constitute a trade transaction for purposes of this section. (d) Existence of contract. The existence of a contract will be determined with reference to the principles contained in Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code. (e) Reporting requirement. Although a specific license from Office of Foreign Asset Controls is not required for any transaction authorized in paragraph (a) of this section, any U.S. person engaging in a transaction described in paragraph (a) of this section is required to report such transaction immediately to the Office of Foreign Asset Controls and provide a description of the underlying trade contract. Such reports should be directed to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Attn: Compliance Programs Division/Sudan Contracts, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Annex–2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20220. Such reports may be made by facsimile transmission to 202/622–1657. (f) Licensing and reporting provisions. For provisions relating to applications to the Office of Foreign Asset Controls for specific licenses and reporting requirements, see §§501.606 and 501.808 of this chapter. (a) Goods and technology subject to export license application requirements under other United States regulations . The reexportation to Sudan or the Government of Sudan by a non-U.S. person of any goods or technology exported from the United States, the exportation of which to Sudan is subject to export or reexport license application requirements, is authorized under this section provided that the goods or technology: (1) Have been incorporated into another product outside the United States and constitute 10 percent or less by value of that product exported from a third country; or (2) Have been substantially transformed outside the United States. Note to paragraph (b) Goods and technology not subject to export license application requirements under other United States regulations . The reexportation to Sudan or the Government of Sudan by a non-U.S. person of any goods or technology of U.S. origin, the exportation of which to Sudan is not subject to any export license application requirements under any other United States regulations, is authorized under this section. Note to paragraph [70 FR 34062, June 13, 2005] Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis to permit the transfer of funds after the effective date by, through, or to any U.S. financial institution or other U.S. person not blocked pursuant to this chapter, from a non-blocked account outside of the United States, solely for the purpose of payment of obligations of the Government of Sudan to persons or accounts within the United States, provided that the obligation arose prior to the effective date, and the payment requires no debit to a blocked account. The importation of Sudanese-origin services into the United States is authorized where such services are performed in the United States by a Sudanese national who enters the United States on a visa issued by the State Department for the purpose of participating in a public conference, performance, exhibition or similar event, and such services are consistent with that purpose. The importation into the United States of Sudanese-origin goods, and the exportation from the United States of goods, is authorized for goods sent as gifts to persons provided that the value of the gift is not more than $100; the goods are of a type and in quantities normally given as gifts between individuals; and the goods are not controlled for chemical and biological weapons (CB), missile technology (MT), national security (NS), or nuclear proliferation (NP)(see Commerce Control List, 15 CFR part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations). (a) Persons entering the United States directly or indirectly from Sudan are authorized to import into the United States Sudanese-origin accompanied baggage normally incident to travel. (b) Persons leaving the United States for Sudan are authorized to export from the United States accompanied baggage normally incident to travel. (c) For purposes of this section, the term accompanied baggage normally incident to travel includes only baggage that: (1) Accompanies the traveler on the same aircraft, train, or vehicle; (2) Includes only articles that are necessary for personal use incident to travel, are not intended for any other person or for sale, and are not otherwise prohibited from importation or exportation under applicable United States laws. All transactions with respect to the receipt and transmission of telecommunications involving Sudan are authorized. This section does not authorize the provision to the Government of Sudan or a person in Sudan of telecommunications equipment or technology. All transactions by U.S. persons, including payment and transfers to common carriers, incident to the receipt or transmission of mail between the United States and Sudan are authorized, provided that mail is limited to personal communications not involving a transfer of anything of value. (a) All of the following transactions in connection with patent, trademark, copyright or other intellectual property protection in the United States or Sudan are authorized: (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; and (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. (b) This section authorizes the payment of fees currently due to the United States Government, or of the reasonable and customary fees and charges currently due to attorneys or representatives within the United States, in connection with the transactions authorized in paragraph (a) of this section. Payment effected pursuant to the terms of this paragraph may not be made from a blocked account. (c) This section authorizes the payment of fees currently due to the Government of Sudan, or of the reasonable and customary fees and charges currently due to attorneys or representatives within Sudan, in connection with the transactions authorized in paragraph (a) of this section. (d) Nothing in this section affects obligations under any other provision of law. All transactions ordinarily incident to the importation of any goods or services into the United States destined for official or personal use by the diplomatic missions of the Government of Sudan to the United States and to international organizations located in the United States are authorized, provided that such goods or services are not for resale, and unless such importation is otherwise prohibited by law. The following transactions are authorized: (a) The importation into the United States from Sudan, or the exportation from the United States to Sudan, of diplomatic pouches and their contents; and (b) The exportation or reexportation, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by a U.S. person, wherever located, of any goods or technology to a third-country government, or to its contractors or agents, for shipment to Sudan via a diplomatic pouch. To the extent necessary, this section also authorizes the shipment of such goods or technology by the third-country government to Sudan via a diplomatic pouch. Note to paragraph [72 FR 15832, Apr. 3, 2007] Payments to Sudan of charges for services rendered by the Government of Sudan in connection with the overflight of Sudan or emergency landing in Sudan of aircraft owned by a United States person or registered in the United States are authorized. (a) The exportation from the United States to Sudan of household and personal effects, including baggage and articles for family use, of persons departing the United States to relocate in Sudan is authorized provided the articles included in such effects have been actually used by such persons or by family members accompanying them, are not intended for any other person or for sale, and are not otherwise prohibited from exportation. (b) The importation of Sudanese-origin household and personal effects, including baggage and articles for family use, of persons arriving in the United States is authorized; to qualify, articles included in such effects must have been actually used abroad by such persons or by other family members arriving from the same foreign household, must not be intended for any other person or for sale, and must not be otherwise prohibited from importation. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis for the exportation and reexportation of goods, services, and technology to insure the safety of civil aviation and safe operation of U.S.-origin commercial passenger aircraft, and to ensure the safety of ocean-going maritime traffic in international waters. (a) Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis for rescheduling loans or otherwise extending the maturities of existing loans, and for charging fees or interest at commercially reasonable rates in connection therewith, provided that no new funds or credits are thereby transferred or extended to Sudan or the Government of Sudan. (b) Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis, at the request of the account party, for the extension or renewal of a letter of credit or a standby letter of credit issued or confirmed by a U.S. financial institution. (a) Registration numbers may be issued on a case-by-case basis for the registration of nongovernmental organizations involved in humanitarian or religious activities in Sudan, authorizing transactions by such organizations otherwise prohibited by this part, including the exportation of services, goods, software, or technology to Sudan and the transfer of funds to and from Sudan for the purpose of relieving human suffering. Applicants for registration numbers must comply with the requirements of §501.801(c), 31 CFR chapter V. (b) This section does not authorize transfers from blocked accounts. Note to §538.521: Registration does not excuse a U.S. person from compliance with other applicable U.S. laws governing the exportation or reexportation of U.S.-origin goods, software, or technology (including technical data). See, e.g., the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce (15 CFR parts 730–774). [66 FR 2728, Jan. 11, 2001] U.S. persons are authorized to engage in transactions in Sudan ordinarily incident to the routine and necessary maintenance and other personal living expenses of U.S. citizens who reside on a permanent basis in Sudan. (a) One-year license requirement. The exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities (including bulk agricultural commodities listed in appendix A to this part 538), medicine, or medical devices to the Government of Sudan, any entity in Sudan, individuals in Sudan, or persons in third countries purchasing specifically for resale to any of the foregoing, shall only be made pursuant to a one-year license issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, for contracts entered into during the one-year period of the license and shipped within the 12-month period beginning on the date of the signing of the contract. No license will be granted for the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical equipment to any entity or individual in Sudan promoting international terrorism. Executory contracts entered into pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section prior to the issuance of the one-year license described in this paragraph shall be deemed to have been signed on the date of issuance of that one-year license (and, therefore, the exporter is authorized to make shipments under that contract within the 12-month period beginning on the date of issuance of the one-year license). (b) General license for arrangement of exportation or reexportation of covered products. (1) The making of shipping arrangements, cargo inspection, obtaining of insurance, and arrangement of financing (consistent with §538.525) for the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical devices to the Government of Sudan, entities in Sudan, individuals in Sudan, or persons in third countries purchasing specifically for resale to any of the foregoing, is authorized. (2) If desired, entry into executory contracts (including executory pro forma invoices, agreements in principle, or executory offers capable of acceptance such as bids in response to public tenders) for the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to the Government of Sudan, entities in Sudan, individuals in Sudan, or persons in third countries purchasing specifically for resale to any of the foregoing, is authorized, provided that performance of an executory contract is expressly made contingent upon the prior issuance of the one-year license described in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Instructions for obtaining one-year licenses. In order to obtain the one-year license described in paragraph (a), the exporter must provide to the Office of Foreign Assets Control: (1) The applicant's full legal name (if the applicant is a business entity, the state or jurisdiction of incorporation and principal place of business). (2) The applicant's mailing and street address (so that OFAC may reach a responsible point of contact, the applicant should also include the name of the individual(s) responsible for the application and related commercial transactions along with their telephone and fax numbers and, if available, email addresses). (3) The names, mailing addresses, and if available, fax and telephone numbers of all parties with an interest in the transaction. If the goods are being exported or reexported to a purchasing agent in Sudan, the exporter must identify the agent's principals at the wholesale level for whom the purchase is being made. If the goods are being exported or reexported to an individual, the exporter must identify any organizations or entities with which the individual is affiliated that have an interest in the transaction. (4) A description of all items to be exported or reexported pursuant to the requested one-year license, including a statement that the item is classified as EAR 99, and, if necessary, documentation sufficient to verify that the items to be exported or reexported are classified as EAR 99 and do not fall within any of the limitations contained in paragraph (d) of this section. (5) An Official Commodity Classification of EAR 99 issued by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration (“BXA”), certifying that the product is EAR 99 is required to be submitted to OFAC with the request for a license authorizing the exportation or reexportation of all fertilizers, live horses, western red cedar, and medical devices other than basic medical supplies, such as syringes, bandages, gauze and similar items, that are specifically listed on BXA's website, www.bxa.doc.gov/ Regulations/Trade Sanctions ReformExport EnhancementAct.html. Medical supplies that are specifically listed on BXA's website do not require an Official Commodity Classification of EAR 99 from BXA. BXA will also provide a list on its website of medicines that are ineligible for a one-year license under these procedures. If an exporter is uncertain whether the medicine to be exported is eligible, they should seek an Official Commodity Classification of EAR 99 from BXA and submit a copy to OFAC. See, 15 CFR 745.3 for instructions for obtaining Official Commodity Classification of EAR 99 from BXA. (d) Limitations. (1) Nothing in this section or in any license issued pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section relieves the exporter from compliance with the export license application requirements of another Federal agency. (2) Nothing in this section or in any license issued pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section authorizes the exportation or reexportation of any agricultural commodity, medicine, or medical device controlled on the United States Munitions List established under section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778); controlled on any control list established under the Export Administration Act of 1979 or any successor statute (50 U.S.C. App. 2401 et seq.; or used to facilitate the development or production of a chemical or biological weapon or weapon of mass destruction. (3) Nothing in this section or in any license issued pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section affects prohibitions on the sale or supply of U.S. technology or software used to manufacture agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical devices, such as technology to design or produce biotechnological items or medical devices. (4) Nothing in this section or in any license issued pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section affects U.S. nonproliferation export controls, including end-user and end-use controls maintained under the Enhanced Proliferation Control Initiative. (5) This section does not apply to any transaction or dealing involving property blocked pursuant to this chapter or to any other activity prohibited by this chapter that is not otherwise authorized in this part. (e) Covered items. For the purposes of this part, agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices are defined below. (1) Agricultural commodities. For the purposes of this section, agricultural commodities are: (i) Products that are not listed on the Commerce Control List in the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR part 774, supplement no. 1, and that fall within the term “agricultural commodity” as defined in section 102 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602); and (ii) Products not listed on the Commerce Control List in the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR part 774, supplement no. 1, that are intended for ultimate use in Sudan as: (A) Food for humans (including raw, processed, and packaged foods; live animals; vitamins and minerals; food additives or supplements; and bottled drinking water) or animals (including animal feeds); (B) Seeds for food crops; (C) Fertilizers or organic fertilizers; or (D) Reproductive materials (such as live animals, fertilized eggs, embryos, and semen) for the production of food animals. (2) Medicine. For the purposes of this section, the term medicine has the same meaning given the term “drug” in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) but does not include any item listed on the Commerce Control List in the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR part 774, supplement no. 1 (excluding items classified as EAR 99). (3) Medical device. For the purposes of this section, the term medical device has the meaning given the term “device” in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) but does not include any item listed on the Commerce Control List in the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR part 774, supplement no. 1 (excluding items classified as EAR 99). (f) Transition period. (1) Specific licenses issued prior to July 26, 2001 authorizing the performance of executory contracts for the sale of agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical equipment shall remain in effect until the expiration date specified in the license or July 26, 2002, whichever comes first. However, after July 26, 2001, new contracts for the exportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical devices may be entered into only pursuant to the terms of, and as authorized by, this part. (2) Specific licenses issued prior to July 26, 2001 authorizing the sale and exportation or reexportation of bulk agricultural commodities listed in Appendix A to 31 CFR parts 538 and 550 and Appendix B to 31 CFR part 560 shall remain in effect solely to permit completion of performance of contracts already entered into prior to July 26, 2001 pursuant to the license. As of July 26, 2001, new contracts for the exportation of bulk agricultural commodities may be entered into only pursuant to the terms of, and as authorized by, this part. [66 FR 36688, July 12, 2001] (a) General license for payment terms. The following payment terms for sales of agricultural commodities and products, medicine, and medical equipment pursuant to §§538.523 and 538.524 are authorized: (1) Payment of cash in advance; (2) Sales on open account, provided that the account receivable may not be transferred by the person extending the credit; or (3) Financing by third-country financial institutions that are neither United States persons nor Government of Sudan entities. Such financing may be confirmed or advised by U.S. financial institutions. (b) Specific licenses for alternate payment terms. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis for payment terms and trade financing not authorized by the general license in paragraph (a) of this section for sales pursuant to §§538.523 and 538.524. See §501.801(b) of this chapter for specific licensing procedures. (c) No debits to blocked accounts. Nothing in this section authorizes payment terms or trade financing involving a debit to an account of the Government of Sudan blocked pursuant to this part. (d) Transfers through the U.S. financial system. Before a United States financial institution initiates a payment on behalf of any customer, or credits a transfer to the account on its books of the ultimate beneficiary, the United States financial institution must determine that the underlying transaction is not prohibited by this part. Any payment relating to a transaction authorized in or pursuant to §538.523 or §538.526 that is routed through the U.S. financial system must reference the relevant Office of Foreign Assets Control license authorizing the payment to avoid the blocking or rejection of the transfer. (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, no commercial exportation to Sudan may be made with United States Government assistance, including United States foreign assistance, United States export assistance, and any United States credit or guarantees absent a Presidential waiver. [64 FR 41788, Aug. 2, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 58790, Nov. 1, 1999; 66 FR 36689, July 12, 2001] (a) General license for brokering sales by U.S. persons. United States persons are authorized to provide brokerage services on behalf of U.S. persons for the sale and exportation or reexportation by United States persons of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices, provided that the sale and exportation or reexportation is authorized by a one-year license issued pursuant to §538.523. (b) Specific licensing for brokering sales by non-U.S. persons of bulk agricultural commodities. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis to permit United States persons to provide brokerage services on behalf of non-United States, non-Sudanese persons for the sale and exportation or reexportation of bulk agricultural commodities to the Government of Sudan, entities in Sudan or individuals in Sudan. Specific licenses issued pursuant to this section will authorize the brokering only of sales that: (1) Are limited to the bulk agricultural commodities listed in appendix A to this part 538; (2) Are to purchasers permitted pursuant to §538.523; Note to paragraph (3) Make any performance involving the exportation or reexportation of any goods, technology or services (including technical data, software, or information) that are subject to license application requirements of another Federal agency contingent upon the prior authorization of that agency. (For example, items classified EAR99 under the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730 through 774, may in certain instances require a license from the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration. See, e.g., 15 CFR 736.2(b)(5), 744.2 through 744.4, 744.7, and 744.10; see also 22 CFR 123.9.) (c) No debit to blocked accounts. Payment for any brokerage fee earned pursuant to this section may not involve a debit to an account blocked pursuant to this part. (d) Recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Attention is drawn to the recordkeeping, retention, and reporting requirements of §§501.601 and 501.602. [64 FR 41788, Aug. 2, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 58790, Nov. 1, 1999; 66 FR 36689, July 12, 2001] The operation of an account in a U.S. financial institution for an individual ordinarily resident in Sudan who is not included within the term “Government of Sudan,” as defined in §538.305, 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 Sudan or for the benefit of individuals ordinarily resident in Sudan unless authorized by §538.528; and (c) Are not otherwise prohibited by this part. [70 FR 34062, June 13, 2005] (a) 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 Sudan or for or on behalf of an individual ordinarily resident in Sudan who is not included within the term “Government of Sudan,” as defined in §538.305, in cases in which the transfer involves a noncommercial, personal remittance, provided the transfer is not by, to, or through a person who is included within the term “Government of Sudan,” as defined in §538.305. Noncommercial, personal remittances do not include charitable donations to or for the benefit of an entity or funds transfers for use in supporting or operating a business. Note to paragraph (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), provided that the transferring institution does not know or have reason to know that the funds transfer is not in compliance with paragraph (a). (c) This section does not authorize transactions with respect to property blocked pursuant to §538.201. [70 FR 34062, June 13, 2005] (a) To the extent that such activities are not exempt from this part, and 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 Sudan. For the purposes of this section, the term “Government of Sudan” includes the state and the Government of Sudan, as well as any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including the Central Bank of Sudan, 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 Sudan” does not include any academic and 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; (ii) Exporting embedded software necessary for reading, browsing, navigating, or searching a written publication in electronic format, provided that the software is classified as “EAR 99” under the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730–774 (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 receive individualized or customized services (including, but not limited to, 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 and 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 Sudan; (3) To engage in the exportation or importation of goods to or from Sudan 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 Sudan. Note to paragraph ( (c) This section does not authorize U.S. persons to engage the services of publishing houses or translators in Sudan unless such activity is primarily for the dissemination of written publications in Sudan. (d) This section does not authorize: (1) The exportation from or 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. [72 FR 50050, Aug. 30, 2007] (a) All general licenses issued pursuant to Executive Order 13067 are authorized pursuant to Executive Order 13412 and remain in effect. (b) All specific licenses and all nongovernmental organization registrations issued pursuant to Executive Order 13067 or this part prior to October 13, 2006, are authorized pursuant to Executive Order 13412 and remain in effect until the expiration date specified in the license or registration or, if no expiration date is specified, June 30, 2008. [72 FR 61516, Oct. 31, 2007] (a) Subject to the conditions of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, the following transactions are authorized: (1) All transactions and activities otherwise prohibited by this part that are for the conduct of the official business of the United States Government or the United Nations by contractors or grantees thereof; and (2) All transactions and activities otherwise prohibited by this part that are for the conduct of the official business of the United Nations specialized agencies, programmes, and funds by employees, contractors, or grantees thereof. (b) Contractors or grantees conducting transactions authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section must provide a copy of their contract or grant with the United States Government or the United Nations, or its specialized agencies, programmes, and funds, to any U.S. person before the U.S. person engages in or facilitates any transaction or activity prohibited by this part. If the contract or grant contains any sensitive or proprietary information, such information may be redacted or removed from the copy given to the U.S. person, provided that the information is not necessary to demonstrate that the transaction is authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Any U.S. person engaging in or facilitating transactions authorized pursuant to this section shall keep a full and accurate record of each such transaction, including a copy of the contract or grant, and such record shall be available for examination for at least five (5) years after the date of the transaction. (d) No payment pursuant to this section may involve a debit to an account blocked pursuant to this part. Note 1 to §538.531. This license does not relieve any persons participating in transactions authorized hereunder from compliance with any other U.S. legal requirements applicable to the transactions authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section. See, e.g. , the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 et seq. ). Note 2 to §538.531. Paragraph (e) of §538.212 exempts transactions for the conduct of the official business of the Federal Government or the United Nations by employees thereof from the prohibitions contained in this part. [72 FR 61516, Oct. 31, 2007] The transit or transshipment to or from Southern Sudan and Darfur of goods, technology, or services intended for humanitarian purposes, through any area of Sudan not exempted by paragraph (g)(1) of §538.212, is authorized. [72 FR 61517, Oct. 31, 2007] For additional provisions relating to records and reports, see subpart C of part 501 of this chapter. (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. (1) A civil penalty not to exceed the amount set forth in Section 206 of the Act may be imposed on any person who violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of any license, order, regulation, or prohibition issued under the Act. Note to paragraph (2) A person who willfully commits, willfully attempts to commit, or willfully conspires to commit, or aids or abets in the commission of a violation of any license, order, regulation, or prohibition shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $1,000,000, or if a natural person, may be imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both. (b) Adjustments to penalty amounts. (1) The civil penalties provided in the Act are subject to adjustment pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101–410, as amended, 28 U.S.C. 2461 note). (2) The criminal penalties provided in the Act are subject to adjustment pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3571. (c) 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 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. (d) Violations of this part may also be subject to relevant provisions of other applicable laws. [63 FR 35810, July 1, 1998, as amended at 70 FR 34063, June 13, 2005; 71 FR 29253, May 22, 2006; 73 FR 32652, June 10, 2008] (a) When required. If the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control has reason 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 §538.703 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 the Director's 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 with respect to the potential civil monetary penalty claim. [70 FR 34063, June 13, 2005] (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 the Director's 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 typewritten form and signed by the respondent or a representative thereof. 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 and must identify the Office of Foreign Assets Control identification number listed on 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) Failure to respond. Where OFAC receives no response to a prepenalty notice within the applicable time period set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, a penalty notice generally will be issued, taking into account the mitigating and/or aggravating factors present in the record. If there are no mitigating factors present in the record, or the record contains a preponderance of aggravating factors, the proposed prepenalty amount generally will be assessed as the final penalty. (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's Civil Penalties Division 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 (g) 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) Guidelines. Guidelines for the imposition or settlement of civil penalties by the Office of Foreign Assets Control have been codified in the Appendix to 31 CFR part 501, the Reporting, Procedures and Penalties Regulations. (g) 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. [70 FR 34063, June 13, 2005] (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 agency action in federal district court. [70 FR 34064, June 13, 2005] 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 mailing of the written notice of the imposition of the penalty, 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. [63 FR 35810, July 1, 1998, as amended at 68 FR 53658, Sept. 11, 2003] Any action which the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to take pursuant to Executive Order 13067 (3 CFR, 1997 Comp., p. 230), and any further Executive orders relating to the national emergency declared with respect to Sudan in Executive Order 13067, 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. The information collection requirements in §§538.506 and 538.521 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) and assigned control number 1505–0169. For approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of other information collections relating to recordkeeping and reporting requirements, to licensing procedures (including those pursuant to statements of licensing policy), and to 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. Notes: 1. Appendix A sets forth those agricultural commodities eligible for the bulk agricultural commodity sales licensing procedures in §538.524. 2. Commodities are identified by their classification numbers in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (see 19 U.S.C. 1202) (“HTS”). [65 FR 41789, Aug. 2, 1999] August 1, 2007 -->
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