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Changes to the Cuba Sanctions - Frequently Asked Questions

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These Frequently Asked Questions provide an overview of OFAC's regulations with regard to the Cuba sanctions.  They also highlight what changes have been made to the Cuba Sanctions program as a result of the President's announcement on December 17, 2014. 

• Frequently Asked Questions on Changes to the Cuba Sanctions Program   (Updated October 14, 2016)

Sanctions Brochures

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Sanctions Brochures are an overview of OFAC's regulations with regard to Cuba. These documents are being updated.

• October 2016 FACT SHEET: Treasury and Commerce Announce Further Amendments to the Cuba Sanctions Regulations (Effective October 17, 2016)
• March 2016 FACT SHEET: Treasury and Commerce Announce Significant Amendments to the Cuba Sanctions Regulations (Updated March 15, 2016)
• January 2016 FACT SHEET: Treasury and Commerce Announce Further Amendments to the Cuba Sanctions Regulations (Effective January 27, 2016)
• September 2015 FACT SHEET: Treasury and Commerce Announce Further Amendments to the Cuba Sanctions Regulations (Effective September 21, 2015)
• January 2015 FACT SHEET: Treasury and Commerce Announce Regulatory Amendments to the Cuba Sanctions​ (January 2015)

Related to Publishing Activities

• ​Guidance on Certain Publishing Activities (October 28, 2016)
• Publication Activities Performed by U.S. Newspapers

Related to Travel Between the United States and Cuba

• Guidance Regarding Travel Between the United States And Cuba​ 
  (Updated October 14, 2016)
  
• Prepaid Tourist Packages are Prohibited

Related to the transfer of claims against Cuba:

• Notice Regarding the Transfer of Claims against Cuba Certified by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission

Interpretive Guidance

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OFAC issues interpretive guidance on specific issues related to the sanctions programs it administers.  These interpretations of OFAC policy are sometimes published in response to a public request for guidance or may be released proactively by OFAC in order to address a complex topic.

• ​Guidance on Certain Publishing Activities (October 28, 2016)
• Index of Interpretative Guidance

Applying for a Specific OFAC License

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It may be in your and the U.S. government’s interest to authorize particular economic activity related to the Cuba sanctions.  Certain activities related to the Cuba sanctions may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC.  Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license.

• Apply for an OFAC License Online -  Authorization from OFAC to engage in a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited.   

Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy

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Certain activities related to the Cuba sanctions may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC.  Below OFAC has issued guidance on its licensing policy.

• Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked

Executive Orders, Statutes, Rules and Regulations Relating to Cuba

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The Cuba sanctions program represents the implementation of multiple legal authorities.  Some of these authorities are in the form of executive orders issued by the President.  Other authorities are public laws (statutes) passed by The Congress.  These authorities are further codified by OFAC in its regulations which are published the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  Modifications to these regulations are posted in the Federal Register.

Executive Orders

• 12854 Implementation of the Cuban Democracy Act (Effective Date - July 4, 1993)

Statutes

• Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA), 22 U.S.C. §§ 7201-7211
• Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), 18 U.S.C. § 2332d
• Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act of 1996, 22 U.S.C. §§ 6021-6091
• Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (CDA), 22 U.S.C. §§ 6001-6010
• Sections 5 and 16 of the Trading With the Enemy Act (TWEA), 50 U.S.C. App. §§ 5, 16
  

Code of Federal Regulations

• 31 CFR Part 515 - Cuban Assets Control Regulations

Federal Register Notices

• 81 FR 71372 ​- October 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 81 FR 13989 - March 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 81 FR 4583- January 2016 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 80 FR 56915 - September 2015 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 80 FR 34053 - Amendment to the Terrorism List Government Sanctions Regulations
• 80 FR 2291-15 - January 2015 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations​​
• 77 FR 71530-12 - 2012 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations​​
• 76 FR 5072-11 - 2011 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 75 FR 10997-10 - Amendments to authorize certain types of exportation
• 74 FR 46000-09 - 2009 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations​
• 68 FR 14141-03  - 2003 Amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations
• 66 FR 36683-01  - Exports of Agricultural Products, Medicines, and Medical Devices to Cuba, Sudan, Libya, and Iran; Cuba Travel-Related Transactions

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