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Last week's major developments in sanctions - July 24th to July 28th, 2023

Monday, July 24

Tuesday, July 25

  • The EU Council published last week's decision which imposed a new set of sanctions against Iran concerning its military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The new sanctions, among other things, prohibit the exportation of goods and technology which might contribute to Iran’s capability to manufacture Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The new sanctions also provide additional grounds for the designation of persons "responsible for, supporting or involved in Iran’s UAV’s programme." (Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532)


Wednesday, July 26

  • The EU Commission published additional FAQs about its Russia sanctions regime. (Here)

  • OFSI amended its general guidance to remove the option of asking OFSI to review the decision in case of a refusal. (Here)

  • The U.S. Department of Justice, BIS, and OFAC issued a Tri-Seal Compliance Note: Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Potential Violations to summarize procedures for voluntarily self-disclosing violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws to DOJ, BIS, and OFAC. The Note does not include any new information. It summarizes procedures for voluntarily self-disclosing violations of U.S. sanctions and export control laws to those bodies. (Here, DOJ press release)

Thursday, July 27

  • The French Treasury imposed asset-freezing sanctions against three individuals under Article L562-2 of the French Monetary Code (i.e., France's autonomous counter-terrorism sanctions). (Here)

  • OFAC imposed asset-freezing sanctions on the head of the finance office of the Somalia-based affiliate of ISIS under the United States' global counter-sanctions program. (Here, the Department of the Treasury's press release, and the Department of State's press release)

  • OFSI updated general license INT/2022/2085212 (Mongolia Energy Payments) by extending it through 23:59 on August 14, 2025. (Here)

Friday, July 28

  • The EU Council imposed asset-freezing sanctions on seven individuals and five entities involved in the Russian government-backed propaganda efforts under the EU's sanctions regime against Russia. (Here, and press release)

  • The EU Council slightly amended one of the designations grounds under its DRC sanctions regime (nothing substantial). (Here) The Council also added asset-freezing sanctions on nine individuals. (Here, and press release)

  • The EU Council substantially amended its Haiti sanctions regime to go beyond the UNSC-mandated sanctions. The new changes, among other things, provide several designation grounds. (Here, and press release)

  • In a welcome move, OFAC launched a series of short videos that provide background on the U.S. sanctions programs along with practical suggestions on how to comply effectively. (The first video, and the relevant blog post)

Recommendation of the Week

  • Listen to episode 11 of the EU Finance Podcast with the EU Sanctions Envoy as its guest. (Here)

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