2022-27466. Illicit Drug Trade Sanctions Regulations  

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    AGENCY:

    Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury.

    ACTION:

    Final rule.

    SUMMARY:

    The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is adding regulations to implement a December 15, 2021 illicit drug trade-related Executive order. OFAC intends to supplement these regulations with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive guidance and definitions, general licenses, and other regulatory provisions.

    DATES:

    This rule is effective December 20, 2022.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    OFAC: Assistant Director for Licensing, 202-622-2480; Assistant Director for Regulatory Affairs, 202-622-4855; or Assistant Director for Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation, 202-622-2490.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Electronic Availability

    This document and additional information concerning OFAC are available on OFAC's website: www.treas.gov/​ofac.

    Background

    On December 15, 2021, the President, invoking the authority of, inter alia, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA) and the Fentanyl Sanctions Act (21 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade” (86 FR 71549, December 17, 2021).

    In E.O. 14059, the President found that the trafficking into the United States of illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, is causing the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans annually, as well as countless more non-fatal overdoses with their own tragic human toll. Drug cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and their facilitators are the primary sources of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals that fuel the current opioid epidemic, as well as drug-related violence that harms communities. The President found that international drug trafficking—including the illicit production, global sale, and widespread distribution of illegal drugs; the rise of extremely potent drugs such as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids; as well as the growing role of internet-based drug sales—constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, which requires the United States to modernize and update its response to drug trafficking, and declared a national emergency to deal with that threat.

    OFAC is issuing the Illicit Drug Trade Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 599 (the “Regulations”), to implement E.O. 14059, pursuant to authorities delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury in E.O. 14059. A copy of E.O. 14059 appears in appendix A to this part.

    The Regulations are being published in abbreviated form at this time for the purpose of providing immediate guidance to the public. OFAC intends to supplement this part 599 with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive guidance and definitions, general licenses, and other regulatory provisions. The appendix to the Regulations will be removed when OFAC supplements this part with a more comprehensive set of regulations.

    Public Participation

    Because the Regulations involve a foreign affairs function, the provisions of E.O. 12866 of September 30, 1993, “Regulatory Planning and Review” (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), and the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) requiring notice of proposed rulemaking, opportunity for public participation, and delay in effective date are inapplicable. Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required for this rule, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) does not apply.

    Paperwork Reduction Act

    The collections of information related to the Regulations are contained in 31 CFR part 501 (the “Reporting, Procedures and Penalties Regulations”). Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), those collections of information have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1505-0164. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid control number.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 599

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Banks
    • Banking
    • Blocking of assets
    • Foreign trade
    • Illicit drugs
    • Penalties
    • Prohibitions on certain credit
    • Investments
    • Loans
    • Purchases, or other transactions
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
    • Sanctions
    • Services
    End List of Subjects Start Printed Page 77712 Start Amendment Part

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, OFAC adds part 599 to 31 CFR chapter V to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Part

    PART 599—ILLICIT DRUG TRADE SANCTIONS REGULATIONS

    Subpart A—Relation of This Part to Other Laws and Regulations
    599.101
    Relation of this part to other laws and regulations.
    Subpart B—Prohibitions
    599.201
    Prohibited transactions.
    599.202
    Effect of transfers violating the provisions of this part.
    599.203
    Holding of funds in interest-bearing accounts; investment and reinvestment.
    599.204
    Expenses of maintaining blocked tangible property; liquidation of blocked property.
    599.205
    Exempt transactions.
    Subpart C—General Definitions
    599.300
    Applicability of definitions.
    599.301
    Blocked account; blocked property.
    599.302
    Effective date.
    599.303
    Entity.
    599.304
    Financial, material, or technological support.
    599.305
    Financial institution.
    599.306
    Foreign person.
    599.307
    [Reserved]
    599.308
    Interest.
    599.309
    Knowingly; knows.
    599.310
    Licenses; general and specific.
    599.311
    Means of production.
    599.312
    OFAC.
    599.313
    Person.
    599.314
    Proliferation of illicit drugs.
    599.315
    Property; property interest.
    599.316
    Transfer.
    599.317
    United States.
    599.318
    United States person; U.S. person.
    599.319
    U.S. financial institution.
    Subpart D—Interpretations
    599.401
    [Reserved]
    599.402
    Effect of amendment.
    599.403
    Termination and acquisition of an interest in blocked property.
    599.404
    Transactions ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction.
    599.405
    Setoffs prohibited.
    599.406
    Entities owned by one or more persons whose property and interests in property are blocked.
    Subpart E—Licenses, Authorizations, and Statements of Licensing Policy
    599.501
    General and specific licensing procedures.
    599.502
    Effect of license or other authorization.
    599.503
    Exclusion from licenses.
    599.504
    Payments and transfers to blocked accounts in U.S. financial institutions.
    599.505
    Entries in certain accounts for normal service charges.
    599.506
    Provision of certain legal services.
    599.507
    Payments for legal services from funds originating outside the United States.
    599.508
    Emergency medical services.
    599.509
    Official business of the United States Government.
    599.510
    Official business of certain international organizations and entities.
    599.511
    Certain transactions for maintenance, employment, and related banking services for blocked individuals physically located in the United States.
    Subpart F—Reports
    599.601
    Records and reports.
    Subpart G—Penalties and Findings of Violation
    599.701
    Penalties and Findings of Violation.
    Subpart H—Procedures
    599.801
    Procedures.
    599.802
    Delegation of certain authorities of the Secretary of the Treasury.
    Subpart I—Paperwork Reduction Act
    599.901
    Paperwork Reduction Act notice.

    Appendix A to Part 599—Executive Order 14059 of December 15, 2021

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    Authority: 3 U.S.C. 301; 21 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.;31 U.S.C. 321(b); 50 U.S.C. 1601-1651, 1701-1706; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended (28 U.S.C. 2461 note); E.O. 14059, 86 FR 71549, December 15, 2021.

    End Authority

    Subpart A—Relation of This Part to Other Laws and Regulations

    Relation of this part to other laws and regulations.

    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. 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. Differing foreign policy and national security circumstances 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. 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.

    Note 1 to § 599.101.

    This part has been published in abbreviated form for the purpose of providing immediate guidance to the public. OFAC intends to supplement this part with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive guidance and definitions, general licenses, and other regulatory provisions.

    Subpart B—Prohibitions

    Prohibited transactions.

    All transactions prohibited pursuant to E.O. 14059 of December 15, 2021, or any further Executive orders issued pursuant to the national emergency declared in E.O. 14059 are prohibited pursuant to this part.

    Note 1 to § 599.201.

    The names of persons designated or identified as blocked pursuant to this section are published in the Federal Register and incorporated into OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) using the following identifier formulation: “[ILLICIT-DRUGS-E.O.]-E.O.[E.O. number pursuant to which the person's property and interests in property are blocked]].” The SDN List is accessible through the following page on OFAC's website: www.treas.gov/​sdn. Additional information pertaining to the SDN List can be found in appendix A to this chapter. See § 599.406 concerning entities that may not be listed on the SDN List but whose property and interests in property are nevertheless blocked pursuant to this section.

    Note 2 to § 599.201.

    The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), in Section 203 (50 U.S.C. 1702), authorizes the blocking of property and interests in property of a person during the pendency of an investigation. The names of persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pending investigation pursuant to this section also are published in the Federal Register and incorporated into the SDN List using the following identifier formulation: “[BPI-[ILLICIT-DRUGS-E.O.]-E.O.[E.O. number pursuant to which the person's property and interests in property are blocked pending investigation]].”

    Note 3 to § 599.201.

    The names of persons on whom non-blocking sanctions implemented by the Department of the Treasury are imposed pursuant to this section will be incorporated into a data file containing OFAC's Consolidated Non-SDN data and are provided in a human readable format on OFAC's Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions List (NS-MBS List) on the following page on OFAC's website: www.treas.gov/​consolidated-sanctions-list-non-sdn-lists. These listings are published in the Federal Register and include specific information on the non-blocking sanctions imposed on such persons. However, for any persons on whom blocking and non-blocking sanctions are imposed pursuant to this section, such persons' names are instead incorporated into OFAC's SDN List using the identifier “[ILLICIT-DRUGS-E.O.-E.O.[E.O. number pursuant to which the person's property and interests in property are blocked]].”

    Note 4 to § 599.201.

    Section 501.806 of this chapter describes the procedures to be followed by persons seeking the unblocking of funds that they believe were blocked due to mistaken identity. Section 501.807 of this chapter describes the procedures to be followed by persons seeking administrative Start Printed Page 77713 reconsideration of their status as persons whose property and interests in property are blocked, or their inclusion on the NS-MBS List for the imposition of non-blocking sanctions, pursuant to this section.

    Effect of transfers violating the provisions of this part.

    (a) Any transfer after the effective date that is in violation of any provision of this part or of any regulation, order, directive, ruling, instruction, or license issued pursuant to this part, and that involves any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to § 599.201, 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 interest in property.

    (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 any interest in, any property or interest in property blocked pursuant to § 599.201, unless the person who holds or maintains such property, prior to that date, had written notice of the transfer or by any written evidence had recognized such transfer.

    (c) Unless otherwise provided, a license or other authorization issued by OFAC before, during, or after a transfer shall validate such transfer or make it enforceable to the same extent that it would be valid or enforceable but for the provisions of this part and any regulation, order, directive, ruling, instruction, or license issued pursuant to this part.

    (d) Transfers of property that 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 is or was held or maintained (and as to such person only) in cases in which such person is able to establish to the satisfaction of OFAC 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 is or was held or maintained (and as to such person only);

    (2) The person with whom such property is or 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 issued 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 withholding of material facts or was otherwise fraudulently obtained; and

    (3) The person with whom such property is or was held or maintained filed with OFAC 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 directive or authorization issued pursuant to this part;

    (ii) Such transfer was not licensed or authorized by OFAC; or

    (iii) If a license did purport to cover the transfer, such license had been obtained by misrepresentation of a third party or withholding of material facts or was otherwise fraudulently obtained.

    (e) The filing of a report in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall not be deemed evidence that the terms of paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section have been satisfied.

    (f) Unless licensed 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 § 599.201.

    Holding of funds in interest-bearing accounts; investment and reinvestment.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (e) or (f) of this section, or as otherwise directed or authorized by OFAC, any U.S. person holding funds, such as currency, bank deposits, or liquidated financial obligations, blocked pursuant to § 599.201 shall hold or place such funds in a blocked interest-bearing account located in the United States.

    (b)(1) For the 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 that are commercially reasonable; or

    (ii) With a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.), provided the funds are invested in a money market fund or in U.S. Treasury bills.

    (2) Funds held or placed in a blocked account pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section may not be invested in instruments the maturity of which exceeds 180 days.

    (c) For the 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.

    (d) For the purposes of this section, if interest is credited to a separate blocked account or subaccount, the name of the account party on each account must be the same.

    (e) Blocked funds held in instruments the maturity of which exceeds 180 days at the time the funds become blocked pursuant to § 599.201 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 (a) or (f) of this section.

    (f) Blocked funds held in accounts or instruments outside the United States at the time the funds become blocked pursuant to § 599.201 may continue to be held in the same type of accounts or instruments, provided the funds earn interest at rates that are commercially reasonable.

    (g) This section does not create an affirmative obligation for the holder of blocked tangible property, such as real or personal property, or of other blocked property, such as debt or equity securities, to sell or liquidate such property. However, OFAC may issue licenses permitting or directing such sales or liquidation in appropriate cases.

    (h) Funds blocked pursuant to § 599.201 may not be held, invested, or reinvested in a manner that provides financial or economic benefit or access to any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201, nor may their holder cooperate in or facilitate the pledging or other attempted use as collateral of blocked funds or other assets.

    Expenses of maintaining blocked tangible property; liquidation of blocked property.

    (a) Except as otherwise authorized, and notwithstanding the existence of any rights or obligations conferred or imposed by any international agreement or contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date, all expenses incident to the maintenance of tangible property blocked pursuant to § 599.201 shall be the responsibility of the owners or operators of such property, which expenses shall not be met from blocked funds.

    (b) Property blocked pursuant to § 599.201 may, in the discretion of OFAC, be sold or liquidated and the net proceeds placed in a blocked interest-bearing account in the name of the owner of the property.

    Start Printed Page 77714
    Exempt transactions.

    Personal communications. The prohibitions contained in this part do not apply to any postal, telegraphic, telephonic, or other personal communication that does not involve the transfer of anything of value.

    Subpart C—General Definitions

    Applicability of definitions.

    The definitions in this subpart apply throughout the entire part.

    Blocked account; blocked property.

    The terms blocked account and blocked property mean any account or property subject to the prohibitions in § 599.201 held in the name of a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201, or in which such person has an interest, and with respect to which payments, transfers, exportations, withdrawals, or other dealings may not be made or effected except pursuant to a license or other authorization from OFAC expressly authorizing such action.

    Note 1 to § 599.301.

    See § 599.406 concerning the status of property and interests in property of an entity that is directly or indirectly owned, whether individually or in the aggregate, by one or more persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201.

    Effective date.

    (a) The term effective date refers to the effective date of the applicable prohibitions and directives contained in this part, and with respect to a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201 or on whom other sanctions are imposed, the earlier of the date of actual or constructive notice that such person's property and interests in property are blocked or that other sanctions are imposed on such person.

    (b) For the purposes of this section, constructive notice is the date that a notice of the blocking of the relevant person's property and interests in property or imposition of other sanctions is published in the Federal Register .

    Entity.

    The term entity means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization.

    Financial, material, or technological support.

    The term financial, material, or technological support means any property, tangible or intangible, including currency, financial instruments, securities, or any other transmission of value; weapons or related materiel; chemical or biological agents; explosives; false documentation or identification; communications equipment; computers; electronic or other devices or equipment; technologies; lodging; safe houses; facilities; vehicles or other means of transportation; or goods. “Technologies” as used in this section means specific information necessary for the development, production, or use of a product, including related technical data such as blueprints, plans, diagrams, models, formulae, tables, engineering designs and specifications, manuals, or other recorded instructions.

    Financial institution.

    The term financial institution includes a depository institution (as defined in section 3(c)(l) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(c)(l))), including a branch or agency of a foreign bank (as defined in section 1(b)(7) of the International Banking Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3101(7))); a credit union; a securities firm, including a broker or dealer; an insurance company, including an agency or underwriter; and any other company that provides financial services.

    Foreign person.

    The term foreign person means any citizen or national of a foreign state (including any such individual who is also a citizen or national of the United States, provided such individual does not reside in the United States) or any entity not organized under the laws of the United States.

    [Reserved]
    Interest.

    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.

    Knowingly; knows.

    The term knowingly or knows with respect to conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person has actual knowledge, or should have known, of the conduct, the circumstance, or the result.

    Licenses; general and specific.

    (a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, the term license means any license or authorization contained in or issued pursuant to this part.

    (b) The term general license means any license or authorization the terms of which are set forth in subpart E of this part or made available on OFAC's website: www.treas.gov/​ofac.

    (c) The term specific license means any license or authorization issued pursuant to this part but not set forth in subpart E of this part or made available on OFAC's website: www.treas.gov/​ofac.

    Note 1 to § 599.310.

    See § 501.801 of this chapter on licensing procedures.

    Means of production.

    The term means of production includes any activities or transactions involving any equipment, chemical, product, or material that may be used, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of illicit drugs or precursor chemicals.

    OFAC.

    The term OFAC means the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

    Person.

    The term person means an individual or entity.

    Proliferation of illicit drugs.

    The term proliferation of illicit drugs means any illicit activity to produce, manufacture, distribute, sell, or knowingly finance or transport: narcotic drugs, controlled substances, listed chemicals, or controlled substance analogues, as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).

    Property; property interest.

    The terms property and property interest include 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, Start Printed Page 77715 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.

    Transfer.

    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. Without limitation on the foregoing, it 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.

    United States.

    The term United States means the United States, its territories and possessions, and all areas under the jurisdiction or authority thereof.

    United States person; U.S. person.

    The term United States person or U.S. person means any United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, 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.

    United States financial institution.

    The term United States financial institution means any U.S. entity (including its 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, futures or options, or procuring purchasers and sellers thereof, as principal or agent. It includes depository institutions, banks, savings banks, money services businesses, operators of credit card systems, trust companies, insurance companies, securities brokers and dealers, futures and options brokers and dealers, forward contract and foreign exchange merchants, securities and commodities exchanges, clearing corporations, investment companies, employee benefit plans, dealers in precious metals, stones, or jewels, 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 that are located in the United States, but not such institutions' foreign branches, offices, or agencies.

    Subpart D—Interpretations

    [Reserved]
    Effect of amendment.

    Unless otherwise specifically provided, any amendment, modification, or revocation of any provision in or appendix to this part or chapter or of any order, regulation, ruling, instruction, or license issued by OFAC does not affect any act done or omitted, or any civil or criminal 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.

    Termination and acquisition of an interest in blocked property.

    (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 a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201, such property shall no longer be deemed to be property blocked pursuant to § 599.201, unless there exists in the property another interest that is blocked pursuant to § 599.201, 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 a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201, such property shall be deemed to be property in which such person has an interest and therefore blocked.

    Transactions ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction.

    Any transaction ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction and necessary to give effect thereto is also authorized, except:

    (a) An ordinarily incident transaction, not explicitly authorized within the terms of the license, by or with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201; or

    (b) An ordinarily incident transaction, not explicitly authorized within the terms of the license, involving a debit to a blocked account or a transfer of blocked property.

    Setoffs prohibited.

    A setoff against blocked property (including a blocked account), whether by a U.S. financial institution or other U.S. person, is a prohibited transfer under § 599.201 if effected after the effective date.

    Entities owned by one or more persons whose property and interests in property are blocked.

    Persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201 have an interest in all property and interests in property of an entity in which such persons directly or indirectly own, whether individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest. The property and interests in property of such an entity, therefore, are blocked, and such an entity is a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201, regardless of whether the name of the entity is incorporated into OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List).

    Subpart E—Licenses, Authorizations, and Statements of Licensing Policy

    General and specific licensing procedures.

    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. General licenses and statements of licensing policy relating to this part also may be available through the Counter Narcotics Trafficking sanctions page on OFAC's website: www.treas.gov/​ofac.

    Start Printed Page 77716
    Effect of license or other authorization.

    (a) No license or other authorization contained in this part, or otherwise issued by OFAC, authorizes or validates any transaction effected prior to the issuance of such license or other authorization, 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 OFAC 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 other part of this chapter unless the regulation, ruling, instruction, or license specifically refers to such part.

    (c) Any regulation, ruling, instruction, or license authorizing any transaction prohibited under this part has the effect of removing a prohibition 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 that would not otherwise exist under ordinary principles of law.

    (d) Nothing contained in this part shall be construed to supersede the requirements established under any other provision of law or to relieve a person from any requirement to obtain a license or other authorization from another department or agency of the U.S. Government in compliance with applicable laws and regulations subject to the jurisdiction of that department or agency. For example, exports of goods, services, or technical data that are not prohibited by this part or that do not require a license by OFAC nevertheless may require authorization by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of State, or other agencies of the U.S. Government.

    (e) No license or other authorization contained in or issued pursuant to this part authorizes transfers of or payments from blocked property or debits to blocked accounts unless the license or other authorization explicitly authorizes the transfer of or payment from blocked property or the debit to a blocked account.

    (f) Any payment relating to a transaction authorized in or pursuant to this part that is routed through the U.S. financial system should reference the relevant OFAC general or specific license authorizing the payment to avoid the blocking or rejection of the transfer.

    Exclusion from licenses.

    OFAC reserves the right to exclude any person, property, transaction, or class thereof from the operation of any license or from the privileges conferred by any license. OFAC also reserves the right to restrict the applicability of any license to particular persons, property, transactions, or classes thereof. Such actions are binding upon actual or constructive notice of the exclusions or restrictions.

    Payments and transfers to blocked accounts in U.S. financial institutions.

    Any payment of funds or transfer of credit in which a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201 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 be made only to another blocked account held in the same name.

    Note 1 to § 599.504.

    See § 501.603 of this chapter for mandatory reporting requirements regarding financial transfers. See also § 599.203 concerning the obligation to hold blocked funds in interest-bearing accounts.

    Entries in certain accounts for normal service charges.

    (a) A U.S. financial institution is authorized to debit any blocked account held at that financial institution in payment or reimbursement for normal service charges owed it by the owner of that blocked account.

    (b) As used in this section, the term normal service charges shall include charges in payment or reimbursement for interest due; cable, telegraph, internet, 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.

    Provision of certain legal services.

    (a) The provision of the following legal services to or on behalf of persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201 is authorized, provided that any receipt of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses must be authorized pursuant to § 599.507, which authorizes certain payments for legal services from funds originating outside the United States; via specific license; or otherwise pursuant to this part:

    (1) Provision of legal advice and counseling on the requirements of and compliance with the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, provided that such advice and counseling are not provided to facilitate transactions in violation of this part;

    (2) Representation of persons named as defendants in or otherwise made parties to legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings before any U.S. federal, state, or local court or agency;

    (3) Initiation and conduct of legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings before any U.S. federal, state, or local court or agency;

    (4) Representation of persons before any U.S. federal, state, or local court or agency with respect to the imposition, administration, or enforcement of U.S. sanctions against such persons; and

    (5) Provision of legal services in any other context in which prevailing U.S. law requires access to legal counsel at public expense.

    (b) The provision of any other legal services to or on behalf of persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201, not otherwise authorized in this part, requires the issuance of a specific license.

    (c) U.S. persons do not need to obtain specific authorization to provide related services, such as making filings and providing other administrative services, that are ordinarily incident to the provision of services authorized by this section. Additionally, U.S. persons who provide services authorized by this section do not need to obtain specific authorization to contract for related services that are ordinarily incident to the provision of those legal services, such as those provided by private investigators or expert witnesses, or to pay for such services. See § 599.404.

    (d) Entry into a settlement agreement or the enforcement of any lien, judgment, arbitral award, decree, or other order through execution, garnishment, or other judicial process Start Printed Page 77717 purporting to transfer or otherwise alter or affect property or interests in property blocked pursuant to § 599.201 is prohibited unless licensed pursuant to this part.

    Note 1 to § 599.506.

    Pursuant to part 501, subpart E, of this chapter, U.S. persons seeking administrative reconsideration or judicial review of their designation or the blocking of their property and interests in property may apply for a specific license from OFAC to authorize the release of certain blocked funds for the payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses for the provision of such legal services where alternative funding sources are not available.

    Payments for legal services from funds originating outside the United States.

    (a) Professional fees and incurred expenses. (1) Receipt of payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses for the provision of legal services authorized pursuant to § 599.506(a) to or on behalf of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201 is authorized from funds originating outside the United States, provided that the funds do not originate from:

    (i) A source within the United States;

    (ii) Any source, wherever located, within the possession or control of a U.S. person; or

    (iii) Any individual or entity, other than the person on whose behalf the legal services authorized pursuant to § 599.506(a) are to be provided, whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to any part of this chapter or any Executive order or statute.

    (2) Nothing in paragraph (a) of this section authorizes payments for legal services using funds in which any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201, any other part of this chapter, or any Executive order or statute has an interest.

    (b) Reports. (1) U.S. persons who receive payments pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section must submit annual reports no later than 30 days following the end of the calendar year during which the payments were received providing information on the funds received. Such reports shall specify:

    (i) The individual or entity from whom the funds originated and the amount of funds received; and

    (ii) If applicable:

    (A) The names of any individuals or entities providing related services to the U.S. person receiving payment in connection with authorized legal services, such as private investigators or expert witnesses;

    (B) A general description of the services provided; and

    (C) The amount of funds paid in connection with such services.

    (2) The reports, which must reference this section, are to be submitted to OFAC using one of the following methods:

    (i) Email (preferred method): OFACReport@treasury.gov; or

    (ii) U.S. mail: OFAC Regulations Reports, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Freedman's Bank Building, Washington, DC 20220.

    Emergency medical services.

    The provision and receipt of nonscheduled emergency medical services that are prohibited by this part are authorized.

    Official business of the United States Government.

    All transactions prohibited by this part that are for the conduct of the official business of the United States Government by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof are authorized.

    Official business of certain international organizations and entities.

    (a) All transactions prohibited by this part that are for the conduct of the official business of the following entities by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof are authorized:

    (1) The United Nations, including its Programmes, Funds, and Other Entities and Bodies, as well as its Specialized Agencies and Related Organizations;

    (2) The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA);

    (3) The African Development Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group), including any fund entity administered or established by any of the foregoing; and

    (4) The International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

    Certain transactions for maintenance, employment, and related banking services for blocked individuals physically located in the United States.

    (a) Individuals whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 599.201 who are in U.S. custody or incarcerated in jails, prisons, or similar facilities in the United States (“covered individuals”), are authorized to engage in the following transactions within the United States:

    (1) Purchasing, making payment for, and receiving goods and services for their maintenance and the maintenance of their spouse or persons who would ordinarily share a common dwelling as a family with them, located in the United States, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, education, transportation, insurance, and utilities;

    (2) Obtaining or continuing employment and engaging in all transactions ordinarily incident to such employment, including receipt of salary and benefits;

    (3) Establishing accounts with a U.S. financial institution, or a commissary-type account with a prison, jail, or other similar facility, located in the United States, for use in connection with the transactions authorized in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section; and

    (4) Receiving and making funds transfers in furtherance of the authorized transactions set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section from unblocked funds originating within or outside the United States, provided that any funds received may not originate from any individual or entity whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to any part of this chapter or any Executive order or statute, other than the covered individual or his or her spouse or persons who would ordinarily share a common dwelling as a family with the covered individual.

    (b) Any financial institution that has established any account pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section, excluding commissary-type accounts with prisons, jails, or other similar facilities, must provide the name and address of the financial institution, the name of the account holder, and the account number to OFAC within 10 business days of the establishment of the account.

    (c) This general license does not authorize any funds transfers to any location outside the United States.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c).

    A covered individual has an interest in any funds remaining in a commissary-type account with a prison, jail, or other similar facility established pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section after the covered individual is released from custody or incarceration.

    Note 2 to paragraph (c).

    In the case of individuals who are in custody or incarcerated, funds transfers must be authorized by and consistent with the conditions, protocols, and other requirements established by the jail, prison, or other facility.

    Note 3 to § 599.511.

    The authorization in this section only applies to laws and regulations administered by OFAC and Start Printed Page 77718 should not be interpreted to excuse compliance with other applicable laws or regulations, including the immigration laws of the United States.

    Subpart F—Reports

    Records and reports.

    For provisions relating to required records and reports, see part 501, subpart C, of this chapter. Recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed by part 501 of this chapter with respect to the prohibitions contained in this part are considered requirements arising pursuant to this part.

    Subpart G—Penalties and Findings of Violation

    Penalties and Findings of Violation.

    (a) The penalties available under section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), as adjusted annually pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-410, as amended, 28 U.S.C. 2461 note) or, in the case of criminal violations, as adjusted pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3571, are applicable to violations of the provisions of this part.

    (b) OFAC has the authority, pursuant to IEEPA, to issue Pre-Penalty Notices, Penalty Notices, and Findings of Violation; impose monetary penalties; engage in settlement discussions and enter into settlements; refer matters to the United States Department of Justice for administrative collection; and, in appropriate circumstances, refer matters to appropriate law enforcement agencies for criminal investigation and/or prosecution. For more information, see appendix A to part 501 of this chapter, which provides a general framework for the enforcement of all economic sanctions programs administered by OFAC, including enforcement-related definitions, types of responses to apparent violations, general factors affecting administrative actions, civil penalties for failure to comply with a requirement to furnish information or keep records, and other general civil penalties information.

    Subpart H—Procedures

    Procedures.

    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.

    Delegation of certain authorities of the Secretary of the Treasury.

    Any action that the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to take pursuant to E.O. 14059 of December 15, 2021, and any further Executive orders issued pursuant to the national emergency declared therein, may be taken by the Director of OFAC or by any other person to whom the Secretary of the Treasury has delegated authority so to act.

    Subpart I—Paperwork Reduction Act

    Paperwork Reduction Act notice.

    For approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507) of information collections relating to recordkeeping and reporting requirements, licensing procedures, and 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.

    Appendix A to Part 599—Executive Order 14059 of December 15, 2021

    Executive Order 14059 of December 15, 2021

    Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), the Fentanyl Sanctions Act (21 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) (FSA), sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

    I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, find that the trafficking into the United States of illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, is causing the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans annually, as well as countless more non-fatal overdoses with their own tragic human toll. Drug cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and their facilitators are the primary sources of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals that fuel the current opioid epidemic, as well as drug-related violence that harms our communities. I find that international drug trafficking—including the illicit production, global sale, and widespread distribution of illegal drugs; the rise of extremely potent drugs such as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids; as well as the growing role of internet-based drug sales—constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. This serious threat requires our country to modernize and update our response to drug trafficking. I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with that threat.

    Accordingly, I hereby order:

    Section 1. (a) The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to impose any of the sanctions described in section 2 of this order on any foreign person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security:

    (i) to have engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production; or

    (ii) to have knowingly received any property or interest in property that the foreign person knows:

    (A) constitutes or is derived from proceeds of activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production; or

    (B) was used or intended to be used to commit or to facilitate activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production.

    (b) The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to impose any of the sanctions described in section 2 of this order on any foreign person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security:

    (i) to have provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of:

    (A) any activity or transaction described in subsection (a)(i) of this section; or

    (B) any sanctioned person;

    (ii) to be or have been a leader or official of any sanctioned person or of any foreign person that has engaged in any activity or transaction described in subsection (a)(i) of this section; or

    (iii) to be owned, controlled, or directed by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any sanctioned person.

    (c) The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to impose any of the sanctions described in section 2 of this order consistent with the requirements of section 7212 of the FSA (21 U.S.C. 2312) on any foreign person determined by the President, or by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to authority delegated by the President and in accordance with the terms of such delegation, to be subject to sanctions pursuant to section 7212 of the FSA.

    Sec. 2. When the Secretary of the Treasury, in accordance with the terms of section 1 of this order, has determined that a foreign person meets any of the criteria in section 1(a)-(c) of this order, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, is authorized to select one or more of the Start Printed Page 77719 sanctions set forth in subsections (a)(i)-(vi) of this section to impose on that foreign person.

    (a) The Secretary of the Treasury shall take the following actions as necessary to implement the selected sanctions:

    (i) block all property and interests in property of the sanctioned person 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 any United States person, and provide that such property and interests in property may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in;

    (ii) prohibit any transfers of credit or payments between financial institutions, or by, through, or to any financial institution, to the extent that such transfers or payments are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and involve any interest of the sanctioned person;

    (iii) prohibit any United States financial institution from making loans or providing credit to the sanctioned person;

    (iv) prohibit any transactions in foreign exchange that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and in which the sanctioned person has any interest;

    (v) prohibit any United States person from investing in or purchasing significant amounts of equity or debt instruments of the sanctioned person; or

    (vi) impose on the principal executive officer or officers of the sanctioned person, or on persons performing similar functions and with similar authorities as such officer or officers, any of the sanctions described in subsections (a)(i)-(v) of this section that are applicable.

    (b) The heads of the relevant executive departments and agencies, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall take the following actions as necessary and appropriate to implement the sanctions selected by the Secretary of the Treasury:

    (i) with respect to a sanctioned person that is a financial institution:

    (A) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shall not designate, and shall rescind any prior designation of, the sanctioned person as a primary dealer in United States Government debt instruments; and

    (B) the sanctioned person shall not serve as an agent of the United States Government or serve as a repository for United States Government funds;

    (ii) actions required to ensure that executive departments and agencies shall not procure, or enter into a contract for the procurement of, any goods or services from the sanctioned person;

    (iii) actions required to suspend entry into the United States of any noncitizen whom the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, determines is a leader, official, senior executive officer, or director of, or a shareholder with a controlling interest in, the sanctioned person; or

    (iv) actions required to impose on the principal executive officer or officers of the sanctioned person, or on persons performing similar functions and with similar authorities as such officer or officers, any of the sanctions described in subsections (b)(i)-(iii) of this section that are applicable.

    Sec. 3. The prohibitions in section 2 of this order apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the date of this order.

    Sec. 4. (a) The unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of noncitizens determined to meet any of the criteria in section l(a)-(c) of this order, and for whom the sanctions described in section 2(a)(i) or 2(b)(iii) of this order have been selected, would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and the entry of such persons into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, is hereby suspended, except when the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate, determines that the person's entry would not be contrary to the interests of the United States, including when the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as appropriate, so determines, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General, that the person's entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives.

    (b) The Secretary of State shall implement this order as it applies to visas pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may establish.

    (c) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall implement this order as it applies to the entry of noncitizens pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may establish.

    (d) Such persons shall be treated by this section in the same manner as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions).

    Sec. 5. The prohibitions in section 2(a)(i) of this order include:

    (a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and

    (b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

    Sec. 6. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

    (b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

    Sec. 7. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the types of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 2(a) of this order.

    Sec. 8. For the purpose of this order:

    (a) the term “entity” means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization;

    (b) the term “financial institution” includes a depository institution (as defined in section 3(c)(l) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(c)(l))), including a branch or agency of a foreign bank (as defined in section 1(b)(7) of the International Banking Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3101(7))); a credit union; a securities firm, including a broker or dealer; an insurance company, including an agency or underwriter; and any other company that provides financial services;

    (c) the term “foreign person” means any citizen or national of a foreign state (including any such individual who is also a citizen or national of the United States, provided such individual does not reside in the United States) or any entity not organized under the laws of the United States;

    (d) the term “knowingly” or “knows” with respect to conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person has actual knowledge, or should have known, of the conduct, the circumstance, or the result;

    (e) the phrase “means of production” includes any activities or transactions involving any equipment, chemical, product, or material that may be used, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of illicit drugs or precursor chemicals;

    (f) the term “noncitizen” means any person who is not a citizen or noncitizen national of the United States;

    (g) the term “person” means an individual or entity;

    (h) the term “proliferation of illicit drugs” means any illicit activity to produce, manufacture, distribute, sell, or knowingly finance or transport: narcotic drugs, controlled substances, listed chemicals, or controlled substance analogues, as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802);

    (i) the term “sanctioned person” means any person sanctioned pursuant to this order;

    (j) the term “United States financial institution” means a financial institution (including its foreign branches) organized under the laws of the United States or of any jurisdiction within the United States or located in the United States; and

    (k) the term “United States person” means any United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, 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.

    Sec. 9. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for those measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to this order.

    Sec. 10. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Start Printed Page 77720 Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, is authorized to take such actions, including promulgating rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by the FSA or IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of the Treasury. All executive departments and agencies shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement the provisions of this order.

    Sec. 11. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

    Sec. 12. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

    December 15, 2021.

    End Part Start Signature

    Andrea M. Gacki,

    Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2022-27466 Filed 12-19-22; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4810-AL-P

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/20/2022
Published:
12/20/2022
Department:
Foreign Assets Control Office
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
2022-27466
Dates:
This rule is effective December 20, 2022.
Pages:
77711-77720 (10 pages)
Topics:
Administrative practice and procedure, Banks, banking, Banks, banking, Banks, banking, Banks, banking, Blocking of assets, Foreign trade, Investments, Loan programs, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Services
PDF File:
2022-27466.pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Hong Kong-Related Sanctions Regulations
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
» Blocking or Unblocking of Persons and Properties
CFR: (48)
31 CFR 599.101
31 CFR 599.201
31 CFR 599.202
31 CFR 599.203
31 CFR 599.204
More ...