General Licenses for the Iran Sanctions Program

Although the export of most goods to Iran is prohibited, certain categories of products can be supplied to the country without individual authorization if they fall under a general license from OFAC.

It is permitted to export medicines and medical devices (excluding dual-use technologies), certain agricultural goods, as well as humanitarian aid, including food and basic medical supplies.

The export of equipment that can be used for military or nuclear purposes is prohibited. All transactions must go through authorized financial institutions not listed on the SDN list. Companies must ensure that their partners in Iran are not connected to the government or military structures.

Humanitarian supplies, including medicines and medical equipment, are an exception to the sanctions regime. The supply of pharmaceuticals, including insulin and antibiotics, equipment for the treatment of chronic diseases, as well as diagnostic devices (X-ray machines and laboratory tests), is permitted.

The supply of dual-use technologies, the sale of medical goods to Iranian state organizations, as well as the use of sanctioned Iranian banks for payments, are prohibited.

OFAC provides special general licenses for UN employees, the Red Cross, and other international humanitarian organizations working in Iran.

Funding for humanitarian projects, travel by employees of international organizations, and payment of local expenses (office rentals, transportation services, food) is permitted. Cooperation with any organizations associated with Iranian government or military structures remains prohibited.

General License E under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations allows the export of software, communication devices, and digital technologies to Iran.

The export of smartphones, laptops, and tablets, antivirus software and cybersecurity tools, as well as online communication platforms (messengers, video call applications), is allowed.

The supply of technologies related to Iranian state structures is prohibited. Transactions with sanctioned companies and banks remain banned. Any technologies that can be used for intelligence or military purposes are prohibited.

Many citizens of the USA and other countries may find themselves in a situation where an inheritance from relatives in Iran requires transferring funds through international banks. For this, OFAC has provided a general license allowing legal transactions in such cases.

The inheritance transfer from relatives residing in Iran, related to property rights payments (for example, the sale of real estate), is allowed. The main requirement is to use foreign banks that are not under sanctions for this purpose. Inheritance cannot be transferred from individuals associated with Iranian government structures.

Yes, charitable organizations can donate funds for humanitarian aid to people or organizations in Iran, but only in strict compliance with OFAC sanctions and regulations.

The U.S. government allows humanitarian support in Iran, as it is aimed at helping the civilian population and should not fund prohibited entities. However, any donations and financial transactions must comply with the rules of OFAC general licenses, which regulate fund transfers, supply of goods, and provision of assistance under the sanctions regime.

Donations can be made by non-profit charitable organizations of the United States, foreign humanitarian funds, individuals, and international organizations (Red Cross, UN, and others) that have permits to operate in sanctioned jurisdictions.

Financial donations must not directly or indirectly finance prohibited entities (Iranian government, armed groups, organizations on the SDN sanctions list). Under general licenses, funds can only be transferred for strictly defined humanitarian needs, such as food supply, medical assistance, access to clean water and sanitation, or housing recovery after natural disasters. If the donation amount exceeds the limit or is directed toward a broad humanitarian project, a special OFAC license may be required.

If a donation is made through intermediaries connected with Iranian state structures or terrorist organizations, it may lead to severe sanctions from the United States. Many Iranian charitable foundations are under OFAC sanctions, even if they officially declare humanitarian purposes.

If a transaction falls under suspicion, the bank may freeze the funds until an investigation is conducted. In case of rule violations, the donor falls into a risk zone, and their assets may be frozen.

Organizations or individuals that violate OFAC rules may lose the ability to conduct international transfers. Being added to sanction lists makes any operations in dollars illegal.

Before donating money, it is important to check whether the charitable fund or humanitarian organization has an OFAC license to operate in Iran. Reliable options include the UN, Red Cross, WHO, and international organizations operating under OFAC licenses.

It is important to keep all documents related to donations (payment orders, letters of intent, agreements with humanitarian organizations. This will help prove the legality of the transfer if questions arise from regulators. If the donation amount is significant or falls outside standard humanitarian categories, you can submit a request for an OFAC Specific License. This will allow the transaction to be carried out legally and protect against potential claims.