[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 9, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7374-7382]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02722]



[[Page 7374]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Office of Foreign Assets Control

31 CFR Part 550


Ethiopia Sanctions Regulations

AGENCY: Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets 
Control (OFAC) is adding regulations to implement a September 17, 2021 
Ethiopia-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 February 9, 2022.

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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Availability

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

Background

    On September 17, 2021, the President, invoking the authority of, 
inter alia, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 
1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14046 of September 
17, 2021, ``Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons With Respect to the 
Humanitarian and Human Rights Crisis in Ethiopia'' (86 FR 52389, 
September 21, 2021).
    In E.O. 14046, the President found that the situation in and in 
relation to northern Ethiopia, which has been marked by activities that 
threaten the peace, security, and stability of Ethiopia and the greater 
Horn of Africa region--in particular, widespread violence, atrocities, 
and serious human rights abuse, including those involving ethnic-based 
violence, rape and other forms of gender-based violence, and 
obstruction of humanitarian operations--constitutes an unusual and 
extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the 
United States and declared a national emergency to deal with that 
threat.
    OFAC is issuing the Ethiopia Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 550 
(the ``Regulations''), to implement E.O. 14046, pursuant to authorities 
delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury in E.O. 14046. A copy of 
E.O. 14046 appears in appendix A to this part.
    Additionally, OFAC is incorporating three general licenses that 
were previously issued on OFAC's website into the Regulations. Sections 
550.510 through 550.512 incorporate General Licenses 1, 2, and 3, which 
authorize, respectively: Official business of certain international 
organizations and entities; certain transactions in support of 
nongovernmental organizations' activities; and transactions related to 
the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, 
medical devices, replacement parts and components, or software updates. 
General Licenses 1, 2, and 3 were each issued on September 17, 2021 on 
OFAC's website, and each will be removed from OFAC's website upon 
publication of this rule.
    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 550 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.

List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 550

    Administrative practice and procedure, Banks, Banking, Blocking of 
assets, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Foreign trade, Penalties, Prohibitions on 
certain credit, investments, loans, purchases, or other transactions, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sanctions, Services.


0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, OFAC adds part 550 to 31 CFR 
chapter V to read as follows:

PART 550--ETHIOPIA SANCTIONS REGULATIONS

Subpart A--Relation of This Part to Other Laws and Regulations
Sec.
550.101 Relation of this part to other laws and regulations.
Subpart B--Prohibitions
550.201 Prohibited transactions.
550.202 Effect of transfers violating the provisions of this part.
550.203 Holding of funds in interest-bearing accounts; investment 
and reinvestment.
550.204 Expenses of maintaining blocked tangible property; 
liquidation of blocked property.
550.205 Exempt transactions.
Subpart C--General Definitions
550.300 Applicability of definitions.
550.301 Blocked account; blocked property.
550.302 Effective date.
550.303 Entity.
550.304 Financial, material, or technological support.
550.305 [Reserved]
550.306 Government of Eritrea
550.307 Government of Ethiopia
550.308 Interest.
550.309 Licenses; general and specific.
550.310 OFAC.
550.311 Person.
550.312 Property; property interest.
550.313 Sanctioned person.
550.314 Transfer.
550.315 United States.
550.316 United States person; U.S. person.
550.317 U.S. financial institution.
Subpart D--Interpretations
550.401 [Reserved]
550.402 Effect of amendment.
550.403 Termination and acquisition of an interest in blocked 
property.
550.404 Transactions ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction.
550.405 Setoffs prohibited.
550.406 Status of entities owned by one or more persons whose 
property and interests in property are blocked.
Subpart E--Licenses, Authorizations, and Statements of Licensing Policy
550.501 General and specific licensing procedures.

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550.502 [Reserved]
550.503 Exclusion from licenses.
550.504 Payments and transfers to blocked accounts in U.S. financial 
institutions.
550.505 Entries in certain accounts for normal service charges.
550.506 Provision of certain legal services.
550.507 Payments for legal services from funds originating outside 
the United States.
550.508 Emergency medical services.
550.509 Official business of the United States Government.
550.510 Official business of certain international organizations and 
entities.
550.511 Certain transactions in support of nongovernmental 
organizations' activities.
550.512 Transactions related to the exportation or reexportation of 
agricultural commodities, medicine, medical devices, replacement 
parts and components, or software updates.
Subpart F--Reports
550.601 Records and reports.
Subpart G--Penalties and Findings of Violation
550.701 Penalties and Findings of Violation.
Subpart H--Procedures
550.801 Procedures.
550.802 Delegation of certain authorities of the Secretary of the 
Treasury.
Subpart I--Paperwork Reduction Act
550.901 Paperwork Reduction Act notice.
Appendix A to Part 550--Executive Order 14046 of September 17, 2021

    Authority:  3 U.S.C. 301; 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. 14046, 86 FR 52389, September 21, 2021.

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


Sec.  550.101  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, 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 Sec.  550.101. 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


Sec.  550.201  Prohibited transactions.

    (a) All transactions prohibited pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 
14046 of September 17, 2021 are prohibited pursuant to this part.
    (b) All transactions prohibited pursuant to any further Executive 
orders issued pursuant to the national emergency declared in E.O. 14046 
are prohibited pursuant to this part.

    Note 1 to Sec.  550.201.  The names of persons whose property 
and interests in property are 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: ``[ETHIOPIA-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.treasury.gov/sdn. Additional 
information pertaining to the SDN List can be found in appendix A to 
this chapter. See Sec.  550.406(a) 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 Sec.  550.201(a).


    Note 2 to Sec.  550.201. The International Emergency Economic 
Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), 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-ETHIOPIA-E.O.[E.O. number 
pursuant to which the person's property and interests in property 
are blocked pending investigation]].''


    Note 3 to Sec.  550.201.  Sections 501.806 and 501.807 of this 
chapter describe the procedures to be followed by persons seeking, 
respectively, the unblocking of funds that they believe were blocked 
due to mistaken identity, or administrative reconsideration of their 
status as persons whose property and interests in property are 
blocked pursuant to this section.


    Note 4 to Sec.  550.201.  The names of persons on whom non-
blocking sanctions implemented by the Department of the Treasury are 
imposed pursuant to this section are 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.treasury.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 
``[ETHIOPIA-E.O.[E.O. number pursuant to which the person's property 
and interests in property are blocked]].''


    Note 5 to Sec.  550.201.  Section 501.807 of this chapter 
describes the procedures to be followed by persons seeking 
administrative reconsideration of their inclusion on the NS-MBS List 
for the imposition of non-blocking sanctions pursuant to this 
section.

Sec.  550.202  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 Sec.  
550.201, 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 Sec.  550.201, 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

[[Page 7376]]

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 Sec.  550.201.


Sec.  550.203  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 Sec.  550.201 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 Sec.  550.201 
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 Sec.  
550.201 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 Sec.  550.201 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 Sec.  550.201, nor may their holder 
cooperate in or facilitate the pledging or other attempted use as 
collateral of blocked funds or other assets.


Sec.  550.204  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 Sec.  550.201 
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 Sec.  550.201 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.


Sec.  550.205  Exempt transactions.

    (a) 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.
    (b) Official business. The prohibitions contained in Sec.  
550.201(a) do not apply to any transactions for the conduct of the 
official business of the United States Government by employees, 
grantees, or contractors thereof.

Subpart C--General Definitions


Sec.  550.300  Applicability of definitions.

    The definitions in this subpart apply throughout the entire part.


Sec.  550.301  Blocked account; blocked property.

    The terms blocked account and blocked property mean any account or 
property subject to the prohibitions in Sec.  550.201 held in the name 
of a person whose property and interests in property are blocked 
pursuant to Sec.  550.201, 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 Sec.  550.301.  See Sec.  550.406 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 Sec.  550.201.

Sec.  550.302  Effective date.

    (a) The term effective date refers to the effective date of the 
applicable

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prohibitions and directives contained in this part, and with respect to 
a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant 
to Sec.  550.201 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.


Sec.  550.303  Entity.

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


Sec.  550.304  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.


Sec.  550.305  [Reserved]


Sec.  550.306  Government of Eritrea.

    The term Government of Eritrea means the Government of Eritrea, any 
political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including 
the Bank of Eritrea, and any person owned, controlled, or directed by, 
or acting for or on behalf of, the Government of Eritrea.


Sec.  550.307  Government of Ethiopia.

    The term Government of Ethiopia means the Government of Ethiopia, 
any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, 
including the National Bank of Ethiopia, and any person owned, 
controlled, or directed by, or acting for or on behalf of, the 
Government of Ethiopia.


Sec.  550.308  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.


Sec.  550.309  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.treasury.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.treasury.gov/ofac.

    Note 1 to Sec.  550.309.  See Sec.  501.801 of this chapter on 
licensing procedures.

Sec.  550.310   OFAC.

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


Sec.  550.311   Person.

    The term person means an individual or entity.


Sec.  550.312   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, 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.


Sec.  550.313   Sanctioned person.

    The term sanctioned person means a foreign person that the 
Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, 
has determined meets any of the criteria described in section 1 of E.O. 
14046 and has selected, in consultation with the Secretary of State, 
one or more of the sanctions set forth in section 2(a) of E.O. 14046 to 
impose on that foreign person.


Sec.  550.314  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.


Sec.  550.315  United States.

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


Sec.  550.316  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.

[[Page 7378]]

Sec.  550.317  U.S. financial institution.

    The term U.S. 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, 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


Sec.  550.401   [Reserved]


Sec.  550.402  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.


Sec.  550.403  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 Sec.  550.201, such property shall no longer be 
deemed to be property blocked pursuant to Sec.  550.201, unless there 
exists in the property another interest that is blocked pursuant to 
Sec.  550.201, 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 
Sec.  550.201, such property shall be deemed to be property in which 
such person has an interest and therefore blocked.


Sec.  550.404  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 Sec.  550.201; 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.


Sec.  550.405  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 Sec.  550.201 if effected after the effective 
date.


Sec.  550.406  Status of entities owned by one or more persons whose 
property and interests in property are blocked.

    (a) No entity shall be blocked pursuant to Sec.  550.201(a) solely 
because it is owned in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by one 
or more sanctioned persons, unless the entity is itself a sanctioned 
person and the sanctions in section 2(a)(i)(A) of E.O. 14046 are 
imposed on the entity.
    (b) Unless otherwise stated in the relevant Executive order, 
persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant 
to Sec.  550.201(b) 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 Sec.  550.201(b), 
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


Sec.  550.501  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 Ethiopia sanctions page on OFAC's website: 
www.treasury.gov/ofac.


Sec.  550.502  [Reserved]


Sec.  550.503  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.


Sec.  550.504  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 Sec.  
550.201 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 Sec.  550.504.  See Sec.  501.603 of this chapter for 
mandatory reporting requirements regarding financial transfers. See 
also Sec.  550.203 concerning the obligation to hold blocked funds 
in interest-bearing accounts.

Sec.  550.505  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.

[[Page 7379]]

    (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.


Sec.  550.506  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 Sec.  550.201 is authorized, provided that any receipt of 
payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses 
must be authorized pursuant to Sec.  550.507, 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 Sec.  550.201, 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 Sec.  550.404.
    (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 purporting to 
transfer or otherwise alter or affect property or interests in property 
blocked pursuant to Sec.  550.201 is prohibited unless licensed 
pursuant to this part.

    Note 1 to Sec.  550.506.  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.

Sec.  550.507  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 Sec.  550.506(a) to 
or on behalf of any person whose property and interests in property are 
blocked pursuant to Sec.  550.201 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 Sec.  550.506(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 this paragraph (a) authorizes payments for legal 
services using funds in which any other person whose property and 
interests in property are blocked pursuant to Sec.  550.201, 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): [email protected]; 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.


Sec.  550.508  Emergency medical services.

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


Sec.  550.509  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.


Sec.  550.510  Official business of certain international organizations 
and entities.

    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:
    (a) The United Nations, including its Programmes, Funds, and Other 
Entities and Bodies, as well as its Specialized Agencies and Related 
Organizations;
    (b) The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes 
(ICSID) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA);
    (c) 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;

[[Page 7380]]

    (d) The International Committee of the Red Cross and the 
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; and
    (e) The African Union, including the African Union Commission and 
other subsidiary bodies and organs.


Sec.  550.511  Certain transactions in support of nongovernmental 
organizations' activities.

    All transactions prohibited by this part that are ordinarily 
incident and necessary to the following activities by nongovernmental 
organizations are authorized, including the processing and transfer of 
funds; payment of taxes, fees, and import duties; and purchase or 
receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services:
    (a) Activities to support humanitarian projects to meet basic human 
needs in Ethiopia or Eritrea, including drought and flood relief; food, 
nutrition, and medicine distribution; the provision of health services; 
assistance for vulnerable or displaced populations, including 
individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and survivors of sexual- 
and gender-based violence; and environmental programs;
    (b) Activities to support democracy building in Ethiopia or 
Eritrea, including activities to support rule of law, citizen 
participation, government accountability and transparency, human rights 
and fundamental freedoms, access to information, and civil society 
development projects;
    (c) Activities to support education in Ethiopia or Eritrea, 
including combating illiteracy, increasing access to education, 
international exchanges, and assisting education reform projects;
    (d) Activities to support non-commercial development projects in 
Ethiopia or Eritrea directly benefitting the people of such countries, 
including related to health, food security, and water and sanitation; 
and
    (e) Activities to support environmental and natural resource 
protection in Ethiopia or Eritrea, including the preservation and 
protection of threatened or endangered species, responsible and 
transparent management of natural resources, and the remediation of 
pollution or other environmental damage.


Sec.  550.512  Transactions related to the exportation or reexportation 
of agricultural commodities, medicine, medical devices, replacement 
parts and components, or software updates.

    (a) All transactions prohibited by this part that are ordinarily 
incident and necessary to the exportation or reexportation of 
agricultural commodities, medicine, medical devices, replacement parts 
and components for medical devices, or software updates for medical 
devices to Ethiopia or Eritrea, or to persons in third countries 
purchasing specifically for resale to Ethiopia or Eritrea, are 
authorized.
    (b) For the purposes of this section, agricultural commodities, 
medicine, and medical devices are defined as follows:
    (1) Agricultural commodities. For the purposes of this section, 
agricultural commodities are:
    (i) Products 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) That are intended for ultimate use in Ethiopia or Eritrea 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, medicine is an item 
that falls within the definition of the term ``drug'' in section 201 of 
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321).
    (3) Medical devices. For the purposes of this this section, a 
medical device is an item that falls within the definition of 
``device'' in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
(21 U.S.C. 321).

    Note 1 to Sec.  550.512.  Nothing in this section relieves any 
person from compliance with the requirements of other Federal 
agencies, including the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry 
and Security.

Subpart F--Reports


Sec.  550.601  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


Sec.  550.701  Penalties and Findings of Violation.

    (a) The penalties available under section 206 of the International 
Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) (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


Sec.  550.801  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.


Sec.  550.802  Delegation of certain authorities of the Secretary of 
the Treasury.

    Any action that the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to take 
pursuant to Executive Order 14046 of September 17, 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


Sec.  550.901  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

[[Page 7381]]

Sec.  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 550--Executive Order 14046 of September 17, 2021

Executive Order 14046 of September 17, 2021, Imposing Sanctions on 
Certain Persons With Respect to the Humanitarian and Human Rights 
Crisis in Ethiopia

    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), 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 situation in and in relation to northern 
Ethiopia, which has been marked by activities that threaten the 
peace, security, and stability of Ethiopia and the greater Horn of 
Africa region--in particular, widespread violence, atrocities, and 
serious human rights abuse, including those involving ethnic-based 
violence, rape and other forms of gender-based violence, and 
obstruction of humanitarian operations--constitutes an unusual and 
extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of 
the United States. I hereby declare a national emergency to deal 
with that threat.
    The widespread humanitarian crisis precipitated by the violent 
conflict in northern Ethiopia has left millions of people in need of 
humanitarian assistance and has placed an entire region on the brink 
of famine. While maintaining pressure on those persons responsible 
for the crisis, the United States will seek to ensure that 
appropriate personal remittances to non-blocked persons and 
humanitarian assistance to at-risk populations can flow to Ethiopia 
and the greater Horn of Africa region through legitimate and 
transparent channels, including governments, international 
organizations, and non-profit organizations. The United States 
supports ongoing international efforts to promote a negotiated 
ceasefire and political resolution of this crisis, to ensure the 
withdrawal of Eritrean forces from Ethiopia, and to promote the 
unity, territorial integrity, and stability of Ethiopia.
    Accordingly, I hereby order:
    Section 1. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to impose 
any of the sanctions described in section 2(a) of this order on any 
foreign person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in 
consultation with the Secretary of State:
    (a) To be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly 
or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, any of the 
following:
    (i) Actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or 
stability of Ethiopia, or that have the purpose or effect of 
expanding or extending the crisis in northern Ethiopia or 
obstructing a ceasefire or a peace process;
    (ii) corruption or serious human rights abuse in or with respect 
to northern Ethiopia;
    (iii) the obstruction of the delivery or distribution of, or 
access to, humanitarian assistance in or with respect to northern 
Ethiopia, including attacks on humanitarian aid personnel or 
humanitarian projects;
    (iv) the targeting of civilians through the commission of acts 
of violence in or with respect to northern Ethiopia, including 
involving abduction, forced displacement, or attacks on schools, 
hospitals, religious sites, or locations where civilians are seeking 
refuge, or any conduct that would constitute a violation of 
international humanitarian law;
    (v) planning, directing, or committing attacks in or with 
respect to northern Ethiopia against United Nations or associated 
personnel or African Union or associated personnel;
    (vi) actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or 
institutions in Ethiopia; or
    (vii) actions or policies that undermine the territorial 
integrity of Ethiopia;
    (b) to be a military or security force that operates or has 
operated in northern Ethiopia on or after November 1, 2020;
    (c) to be an entity, including any government entity or a 
political party, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged 
in, activities that have contributed to the crisis in northern 
Ethiopia or have obstructed a ceasefire or peace process to resolve 
such crisis;
    (d) to be a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of 
the Government of Ethiopia, the Government of Eritrea or its ruling 
People's Front for Democracy and Justice, the Tigray People's 
Liberation Front, the Amhara regional government, or the Amhara 
regional or irregular forces;
    (e) to be a spouse or adult child of any sanctioned person;
    (f) to be or have been a leader, official, senior executive 
officer, or member of the board of directors of any of the 
following, where the leader, official, senior executive officer, or 
director is responsible for or complicit in, or who has directly or 
indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in, any activity 
contributing to the crisis in northern Ethiopia:
    (i) An entity, including a government entity or a military or 
security force, operating in northern Ethiopia during the tenure of 
the leader, official, senior executive officer, or director;
    (ii) an entity that has, or whose members have, engaged in any 
activity contributing to the crisis in northern Ethiopia or 
obstructing a ceasefire or a peace process to resolve such crisis 
during the tenure of the leader, official, senior executive officer, 
or director; or
    (iii) the Government of Ethiopia, the Government of Eritrea or 
its ruling People's Front for Democracy and Justice, the Tigray 
People's Liberation Front, the Amhara regional government, or the 
Amhara regional or irregular forces, on or after November 1, 2020;
    (g) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided 
financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or 
services to or in support of, any sanctioned person; or
    (h) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported 
to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any sanctioned 
person.
    Sec. 2. (a) When the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation 
with the Secretary of State, has determined that a foreign person 
meets any of the criteria described in section 1(a)-(h) of this 
order, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to select, in 
consultation with the Secretary of State, one or more of the 
sanctions set forth in subsections (a)(i)(A)-(E) or (a)(ii)(A)-(B) 
of this section to impose on that foreign person:
    (i) The Secretary of the Treasury shall take the following 
actions as necessary to implement the selected sanctions:
    (A) 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;
    (B) prohibit any United States person from investing in or 
purchasing significant amounts of equity or debt instruments of the 
sanctioned person;
    (C) prohibit any United States financial institution from making 
loans or providing credit to the sanctioned person;
    (D) 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; or
    (E) impose on the leader, official, senior executive officer, or 
director of the sanctioned person, or on persons performing similar 
functions and with similar authorities as such leader, official, 
senior executive officer, or director, any of the sanctions 
described in subsections (a)(i)(A)-(D) of this section that are 
applicable.
    (ii) 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:
    (A) Actions required to deny any specific license, grant, or any 
other specific permission or authority under any statute or 
regulation that requires the prior review and approval of the United 
States Government as a condition for the export or reexport of goods 
or technology to the sanctioned person; or
    (B) actions required to deny a visa to and exclude from the 
United States any noncitizen whom the Secretary of the Treasury, in 
consultation with the Secretary of State, determines is a leader, 
official, senior executive officer, or director, or a shareholder 
with a controlling interest in, the sanctioned person.
    (b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section 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 before the date of this order. No entity shall be 
blocked

[[Page 7382]]

pursuant to this order solely because it is owned in whole or in 
part, directly or indirectly, by one or more sanctioned persons, 
unless the entity is itself a sanctioned person and the sanctions in 
section 2(a)(i)(A) of this order are imposed on the entity.
    Sec. 3. The prohibitions in section 2(a) 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. 4. (a) The unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry 
into the United States of noncitizens determined to meet one or more 
of the criteria in section l of this order, and for whom the 
sanctions described in section 2(a)(i)(A) or section 2(a)(ii)(B) 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. (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. 6. 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 of this order.
    Sec. 7. For the purposes of this order:
    (a) The term ``entity'' means a partnership, association, trust, 
joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization;
    (b) the term ``Government of Ethiopia'' means the Government of 
Ethiopia, any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality 
thereof, including the National Bank of Ethiopia, and any person 
owned, controlled, or directed by, or acting for or on behalf of, 
the Government of Ethiopia;
    (c) the term ``Government of Eritrea'' means the Government of 
Eritrea, any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality 
thereof, including the Bank of Eritrea, and any person owned, 
controlled, or directed by, or acting for or on behalf of, the 
Government of Eritrea;
    (d) the term ``noncitizen'' means any person who is not a 
citizen or noncitizen national of the United States;
    (e) the term ``person'' means an individual or entity;
    (f) the term ``sanctioned person'' means a foreign person that 
the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of 
State, has determined meets any of the criteria described in section 
1 of this order and has selected, in consultation with the Secretary 
of State, one or more of the sanctions set forth in section 2(a) of 
this order to impose on that foreign person; and
    (g) 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. 8. For those persons whose property and interests in 
property are blocked or affected by this order who might have a 
constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of 
the ability to transfer funds and 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 these 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 section 1 of 
this order.
    Sec. 9. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the 
Secretary of State, is authorized to take such actions, including 
the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers 
granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out 
the purposes of 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 of the United States shall take all appropriate measures 
within their authority to implement this order.
    Sec. 10. Nothing in this order shall prohibit transactions for 
the conduct of the official business of the Federal Government by 
employees, grantees, and contractors thereof.
    Sec. 11. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the 
Secretary of State, is 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,
September 17, 2021.

Andrea M. Gacki,
Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control.

[FR Doc. 2022-02722 Filed 2-8-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-AL-P