Burma-Related Sanctions

Sign up for Burma-Related Sanctions e-mail updates. 

IMPORTANT ADVISORIES AND INFORMATION

• Burma Business Advisory (January 26, 2022)
• Supplemental Burma Business Advisory (January 26, 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies.  The links below send the user to OFAC's FAQ pages. 

• Burma - Related Sanctions FAQ Topic Page
• OFAC Frequently Asked Questions

Interpretive Guidance

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.

• Index of Interpretative Guidance

Applying for a Specific OFAC License

It may be in your and the U.S. government’s interest to authorize particular economic activity related to Burma-Related Sanctions.  Certain activities related to the Burma-Related 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

Certain activities related to Burma-Related Sanctions may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC.  Below OFAC has issued guidance and statements on specific licensing policies as they relate to Burma-Related Sanctions.

• Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs Incurred in Challenging the Blocking of U.S. Persons in Administrative or Civil Proceedings

GENERAL LicensES 

OFAC issues general licenses in order to authorize activities that would otherwise be prohibited with regard to the Burma-related Sanctions.  General licenses allow all US persons to engage in the activity described in the general license without needing to apply for a specific license.

• Burma General License 1 -  Official Business of the United States Government (March 25, 2021)
• Burma General License 3 - Certain Transactions in Support of Nongovernmental Organizations' Activities (March 25, 2021)
• Burma General License 5 - Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank or Myanma Foreign Trade Bank (June 21, 2023)
• Burma General License 6 - Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Shwe Byain Phyu Group of Companies (January 31, 2024)
• Archive of Expired General Licenses

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR Burma-related Sanctions

The Burma-Related 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 in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  Modifications to these regulations are posted in the Federal Register.  In addition to all of these authorities, OFAC may also implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) with regard to Burma-Related Sanctions.

Executive Orders

• Executive Order 14014 -  Blocking Property With Respect To The Situation In Burma (February 11, 2021)

Determinations

• Determination Pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order 14014 (Effective August 23, 2023)

Statutes

• International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1706
• National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1651

Code of Federal Regulations

• 31 CFR 525 - Burma Sanctions Regulations

Federal Register Notices

• Federal Register Notice - Addition of General License for certain transactions related to the provision of agricultural commodities, medicine, medical devices, replacement parts and components for medical devices, or software updates for medical devices
• 88 FR 87714-23 - Publication of Burma Sanctions Regulations Web General Licenses 3 and 4
• 88 FR 45816 - Publication of Burma Sanctions Regulations Web General License 5
• 87 FR 78470-22 - Publication of United States Government and International Organizations Official Business Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses
• 86 FR 29197-204 - Burma Sanctions Regulations