For the purposes of the Seafood Determination, OFAC anticipates publishing regulations defining these terms to include articles defined at the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings: 
•    “Salmon:” articles defined at HTSUS subheadings 0302.13.0013, 0302.13.0014, 0302.13.0022, 0302.13.0032, 0302.13.0042, 0302.13.0053, 0302.13.0054, 0302.13.0062, 0302.14.0003, 0302.14.0004, 0302.14.0062, 0303.11.0000, 0303.12.0012, 0303.12.0022, 0303.12.0032, 0303.12.0052, 0303.12.0062, 0303.13.0000, 0303.91.4040, 0304.41.00, 0304.41.0010, 0304.41.0020, 0304.41.0090, 0304.52.00, 0304.52.0010, 0304.52.0015, 0304.52.0020, 0304.52.0090, 0304.81.1000, 0304.81.5010, 0304.81.5090, 0305.20.4020, 0305.41.0000, 0305.69.4000, 1604.11.2020, 1604.11.2030, 1604.11.2090, 1604.11.4010, 1604.11.4020, 1604.11.4030, 1604.11.4040, 1604.11.4050, including any subsequent revisions to the list of HTSUS classifications.
•    “Cod:” articles defined at HTSUS subheadings 0302.51.0010, 0302.51.0090, 0303.63.0010, 0303.63.0090, 0304.44.0010, 0304.44.0015, 0304.53.0010, 0304.53.0015, 0304.71.1000, 0304.71.5000, 0304.95.1010, 0304.95.1015, 0304.95.1020, 0305.32.0010, 0305.32.0090, 0305.51.0000, 0305.62.0010, 0305.62.0025, 0305.62.0030, 0305.62.0045, 0305.62.0050, 0305.62.0060, 0305.62.0070, 0305.62.0080, including any subsequent revisions to the list of HTSUS classifications.
•    “Pollock:” articles defined at HTSUS subheadings 0302.55.1100, 0302.55.5000, 0302.59.5010, 0303.67.0000, 0304.44.0025, 0304.53.0025, 0304.75.1000, 0304.75.5000, 0304.79.1010, 0304.94.1005, 0304.94.1010, 0304.94.1090, 0304.94.9000, 0304.95.1030, 0305.69.1022, 0305.69.1042, 1604.19.1000, 1604.19.2500, including any subsequent revisions to the list of HTSUS classifications.
•    “Crab:” articles defined at HTSUS subheadings 0306.14.2000, 0306.14.40, 0306.14.4003, 0306.14.4006, 0306.14.4009, 0306.14.4012, 0306.14.4015, 0306.14.4020, 0306.14.4030, 0306.14.4090, 0306.33.2000, 0306.33.4000, 0306.93.2000, 0306.93.4000, 1605.10.0510, 1605.10.0590, 1605.10.2010, 1605.10.2022, 1605.10.2025, 1605.10.2030, 1605.10.2051, 1605.10.2059, 1605.10.2090, 1605.10.4002, 1605.10.4005, 1605.10.4010, 1605.10.4015, 1605.10.4025, 1605.10.4030, 1605.10.4035, 1605.10.4040, 1605.10.6010, 1605.10.6090, including any subsequent revisions to the list of HTSUS classifications.
Additionally, these terms apply to products of salmon, cod, pollack and crab classified under the HTSUS subheadings 0301.99.0390, 0302.59.1100, 0304.95.1005, 0304.95.1090, 0304.99.1104, 0304.99.1109, 0304.99.1183, 0305.20.4065, 0305.39.6180, 0305.49.4020, 0305.49.4045, 0305.59.0001, 0305.72.0000, 0305.79.0000, 1603.00.9090, 1604.19.2200, 1604.19.3200, 1604.19.4100, 1604.19.5100, 1604.19.6100, 1604.19.8200, 1604.20.0510, 1604.20.0590, 1604.20.1000, 1604.20.1500, 1604.20.2000, 1604.20.2500, 1604.20.3000, 1604.20.4000, 1604.20.5010, 1604.20.5090, 1604.20.6010, 1604.20.6090, including any subsequent revisions to the list of HTSUS classifications.

Date Updated: January 18, 2024

Individuals and entities may import the listed types of seafood, for a limited time, into the United States subject to the conditions of General License (GL) 83.  GL 83 authorizes the importation into the United States, through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, February 21, 2024, of salmon, cod, pollock, and crab that are subject to the Seafood Determination, provided that the importation is pursuant to written contracts or written agreements entered into prior to December 22, 2023. 

Individuals and entities may also find new buyers or re-direct such shipments to other countries.  The Seafood Determination prohibits the importation into the United States of salmon, cod, pollock, or crab of Russian Federation origin, even if incorporated or substantially transformed into another product in a third country.  It does not prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions to sell or re-direct shipments outside the United States that were previously destined for the United States.

The Seafood Determination issued pursuant to subsection 1(a)(i)(B) of E.O. 14068, as amended, prohibits the importation and entry into the United States, including importation for admission into a foreign trade zone located in the United States, of salmon, cod, pollock, or crab that was produced wholly or in part in the Russian Federation or harvested in waters under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation or by Russia-flagged vessels, even if such salmon, cod, pollock, or crab has been incorporated or substantially transformed into another product outside of the Russian Federation. 

Accordingly, the Seafood Determination expands the importation prohibitions in E.O. 14068 to include salmon, cod, pollock, or crab of Russian Federation origin that have been processed in a third country into a new product. 

E.O. 14114 of December 22, 2023 amends E.O. 14068 to provide for additional prohibitions on the importation and entry into the United States of certain products.  It does so by maintaining the existing E.O. 14068 importation prohibitions in subsection 1(a)(i)(A) and identifying in subsections 1(a)(i)(B)–(D) additional types of products that may be prohibited upon the issuance of determinations, as described below. 

Subsection 1(a)(i)(B) authorizes the imposition of importation prohibitions on categories of fish, seafood, and preparations thereof, diamonds, and other products as may be determined, that were mined, extracted, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Russian Federation, or harvested in waters under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation or by Russia-flagged vessels, even if such products have been incorporated or substantially transformed into other products outside of the Russian Federation. 

Subsections 1(a)(i)(C) and (D) authorize the identification of additional types of products that would be subject to importation prohibitions under the order, upon a determination by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Homeland Security.

For additional information and guidance on the amendment to E.O. 14068, see FAQs 1155, 1156, 1157, 1164, 1165, and 1166. 
 

Date Updated: February 23, 2024

Pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 , as amended by E.O. 14114, foreign financial institutions (FFIs) may be sanctioned for having conducted or facilitated any significant transaction or transactions with persons designated for operating or having operated in certain identified sectors of the Russian Federation economy, including the technology, defense and related materiel, construction, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors, or additional sectors that may be determined to be part of the military-industrial base.  OFAC and the Department of State (State) identify the basis for designation of SDNs in multiple sources, including on the agencies’ respective websites and in the Federal Register Notices. Federal Register Notices can be found here.  OFAC’s and State’s published press releases may also be a useful source of information in this regard.  In addition, OFAC anticipates updating the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List) to add additional information to reflect the sector in which an SDN was designated for operating.

Yes.  The prohibitions and targeting authorities of amended section 11 of E.O. 14024 apply with respect to any currency.  For example, an FFI that processes any significant transaction(s) denominated in a non-USD local currency on behalf of a customer that exports critical items to Russia's military-industrial base risks being sanctioned by OFAC.  For further information on sanctions risk for FFIs under section 11 of E.O. 14024, see OFAC’s Advisory to Foreign Banks on Russia Sanctions Risks, FAQ 1148, and FAQ 1149.   

OFAC expects to promulgate regulations that define or interpret these terms as follows:

Foreign Financial Institution: As defined in subsection 11(f) of E.O. 14024, foreign financial institution means any foreign entity 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 holding companies, affiliates, or subsidiaries of any of the foregoing.  The term does not include the international financial institutions identified in 22 U.S.C. 262r(c)(2), the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the North American Development Bank, or any other international financial institution so notified by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Russia’s military-industrial base includes the technology, defense and related materiel, construction, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors of the Russian Federation economy (and other sectors as may be determined pursuant to E.O. 14024).  For definitions of those identified sectors, see FAQ 1126.  Russia’s military-industrial base may also include individuals and entities that support the sale, supply, or transfer of critical items identified in determinations pursuant to subsection 11(a)(ii) of E.O. 14024.  See determination of December 22, 2023 pursuant to subsection 11(a)(ii) of Executive Order 14024 (Russia Critical Items Determination). See also FAQ 1150 for additional information. 

Significant transaction or transactions: OFAC may consider the totality of the facts and circumstances when determining whether a transaction or transactions are “significant.”  As a general matter, some or all of the following factors may be considered:  (a) the size, number, and frequency of the transaction(s); (b) the nature of the transaction(s); (c) the level of awareness of management and whether the transactions are part of a pattern of conduct; (d) the nexus of the transaction(s) to persons sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 14024, or to persons operating in Russia’s military-industrial base; (e) whether the transaction(s) involve deceptive practices; (f) the impact of the transaction(s) on U.S. national security objectives; and (g) such other relevant factors that OFAC deems relevant.

The Russia Critical Items Determination issued pursuant to subsection 11(a)(ii) of E.O. 14024 identifies certain items that support Russia’s military-industrial base.  Foreign financial institutions (FFIs) may be sanctioned for having conducted or facilitated any significant transaction or transactions, or provided any service, involving Russia’s military-industrial base, including the sale, supply, or transfer, directly or indirectly of these identified items.

FFIs should use the list of specified items for the purpose of mitigating sanctions risk under section 11 of E.O. 14024, as amended.  The broader groups in which these items are categorized provide additional context as to why they are critical for Russia’s war effort, including for the production of advanced precision-guided weapons and other critical items.  OFAC’s Advisory to Foreign Banks on Russia Sanctions Risks provides additional guidance to FFIs on the use of the specified items in the Russia Critical Items Determination and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Common High Priority Items List.

Russia Critical Items Determination

Pursuant to subsection 11(b) of E.O. 14024, as amended, OFAC may block FFIs or prohibit the opening or prohibit or impose strict conditions on the maintenance of correspondent accounts or payable-through accounts in the United States for such FFIs.

For FFIs for which the opening or maintaining of a correspondent account or a payable-through account is prohibited pursuant to subsection 11(b)(i) of E.O. 14024, U.S. financial institutions must close any correspondent account or payable-through account maintained for or on behalf of those foreign financial institutions.  Russia-related General License (GL) 84 authorizes the closures of such accounts within 10 days of the imposition of sanctions pursuant to subsection 11(b)(i) of E.O. 14024, subject to certain conditions.

For FFIs subject to blocking sanctions pursuant to subsection 11(b)(ii) of E.O. 14024, all property and interests in property of those FFIs that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.  Any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked FFIs (or other blocked persons) are also blocked.  

FFIs may be sanctioned for engaging in certain transactions involving Russia’s military-industrial base.  For example, FFIs may be sanctioned for processing any significant transaction(s) for persons that have been designated for operating or having operated in the technology, defense and related materiel, construction, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors, or additional sectors as may be determined to be part of the military-industrial base (the specified sectors).

FFIs may also be sanctioned for processing any significant transaction(s), or providing any service, involving Russia’s military-industrial base (see FAQ 1151).  This includes maintaining accounts, transferring funds, or providing other financial services to persons, either inside or outside Russia, that operate in the specified sectors of the Russian Federation economy.  This also includes facilitating the sale, supply, or transfer, directly or indirectly, to the Russian Federation of certain items critical to Russia’s war effort identified in the determination of December 22, 2023 pursuant to subsection 11(a)(ii) of E.O. 14024 (Russia Critical Items Determination), such as certain machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, electronic test equipment, propellants and their precursors, lubricants and lubricant additives, bearings, advanced optical systems, and navigation instruments. 

For additional information and examples of the types of activities that would expose foreign financial institutions to sanctions risks, see OFAC’s Advisory to Foreign Banks on Russia Sanctions Risks.  For additional information on the specific items identified on the Russia Critical Items Determination, see FAQ 1150. 

E.O. 14114 amends E.O. 14024 to authorize the imposition of sanctions on foreign financial institutions (FFIs) that have engaged in certain transactions involving Russia’s military-industrial base.  Specifically, section 11 of E.O. 14024, as amended, authorizes sanctions on FFIs that have (i) conducted or facilitated any significant transaction or transactions for or on behalf of any person designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology, defense and related materiel, construction, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors of the Russian Federation economy or other sectors as may be determined to support Russia’s military-industrial base by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State; or (ii) conducted or facilitated any significant transaction or transactions, or provided any service, involving Russia’s military-industrial base, including the sale, supply, or transfer, directly or indirectly, to the Russian Federation, of any item or class of items as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce.  See determination of December 22, 2023 pursuant to subsection 11(a)(ii) of E.O. 14024 (Russia Critical Items Determination) for the list of items determined under the order, as amended.

Subsection 11(b) of E.O. 14024, as amended, authorizes OFAC (i) to prohibit the opening or prohibit or impose strict conditions on the maintenance of correspondent accounts or payable-through accounts in the United States for such FFIs or (ii) to block such FFIs.

For additional information and guidance on the amendment to E.O. 14024, see FAQs 1148, 1149, 1150, 1151, 1152, and 1153.  

E.O. 14114 amends E.O. 14024 and E.O. 14068 to further address the Russian Federation’s continued use of its military-industrial base to aid its effort to undermine security in countries and regions important to United States national security and to further counteract the Russian Federation’s continued evasion of U.S. sanctions.  For additional information and guidance on the amendment to E.O. 14024, see FAQs 1147, 1148, 1149, 1150, 1151, 1152, and 1153.  For additional information on the amendment to E.O. 14068, see FAQs 1154, 1155, 1156, and 1157.