Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced Syria General License (GL) 24, which expands authorizations for activities and transactions in Syria as of December 8, 2024. This measure aims to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not obstruct efforts to meet basic human needs, including public services and humanitarian assistance. The authorization will last for six months while the situation in Syria is monitored.

Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo stated, "The end of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal and repressive rule, backed by Russia and Iran, provides a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild." He added that during this transition period, "Treasury will continue to support humanitarian assistance and responsible governance in Syria."

Syria is heavily sanctioned due to the Assad regime's actions against its citizens, support for terrorism, and destabilizing activities in the region. In response to these extraordinary circumstances, GL 24 aims to prevent sanctions from hindering essential services and governance functions across Syria. This includes electricity, energy, water, and sanitation services. The license builds on existing authorizations under several sanction regulations supporting international organizations' activities and humanitarian efforts.

The new authorization does not unblock any property or interests of blocked persons under current sanctions programs nor does it permit financial transfers to them unless they are for authorized payments to governing bodies or service providers in Syria.

U.S. implementing partners and humanitarian organizations are advised to consult the Syria Compliance Communique for guidance on providing humanitarian aid. They can also refer to general license 31 CFR § 542.533 regarding commercial activities in certain parts of Northeast and Northwest Syria. Non-commercial personal remittances from U.S. persons to individuals in Syria remain permitted.

For further inquiries about exporting goods from the United States to Syria, individuals should contact the Bureau of Industry and Security at foreign.policy@bis.doc.gov or call 202-482-4252.

Entities interested in engaging with Syrian activities not covered by current authorizations are encouraged to reach out directly to OFAC for specific licenses or guidance through their website.