On Friday, OFAC issued an amended version of General License D – the new version is now called General License D-1. They also announced a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for the amended license, which is pretty extensive. Here's the basic one, though:
337. What are key changes made by amended General License D-1?
First, GL D-1 expands the authorization in GL D to permit the exportation, reexportation, or provision, directly or indirectly, to Iran of certain personal communications software, hardware, and related services subject to the Export Administration Regulations, 15 C.F.R. parts 730 through 774 (“EAR”) (rather than just the exportation or reexportation from the United States or by a U.S. person of such software, hardware, and services). See GL D-1, paragraphs (a)(2)(i) & (a)(3). For purposes of GL D-1, the term “provision” could include, for example, an in-country transfer of covered software or hardware. The general license now authorizes, for example, a non-U.S. person located outside the United States to export certain hardware and software subject to the EAR to Iran. See FAQ #341.
Second, GL D-1 adds new authorizations for the exportation, reexportation, or provision, directly or indirectly, by a U.S. person located outside the United States to Iran of certain software and hardware not subject to the EAR. See GL D-1, paragraphs (a)(2)(ii) & (a)(3). The general license now authorizes, for example, a U.S. company to export to Iran, from a location outside the United States, certain hardware or software that is not subject to the EAR (including foreign-origin hardware or software containing less than a de minimis amount of U.S. controlled content). SeeFAQ #342.
Third, a new Note has been added to paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) clarifying that the authorization in those paragraphs includes the exportation, reexportation, or provision, directly or indirectly, of the authorized items by an individual leaving the United States for Iran. GL D-1 also adds a new authorization for the importation by an individual into the United States of certain hardware and software previously exported by the individual to Iran pursuant to other provisions of GL D-1 or 31 C.F.R. § 560.540. SeeGL D-1, paragraph (a)(5). The general license now authorizes, for example, an individual to carry a smartphone that falls within the scope of the GL D-1 authorization while traveling to and from Iran. See FAQ #343.
Finally, to further ensure that the sanctions on Iran do not have an unintended chilling effect on the willingness of companies to make available certain publicly available, no cost personal communications tools to persons in that country, GL D-1 adds a new authorization related to the potential recipients of certain publicly available, no cost services and software. See GL D-1, paragraph (a)(6).
Notwithstanding these changes, nothing in this general license relieves an exporter from compliance with the export license requirements of another Federal agency. [02-07-2014]
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Posted with BlogsyFiled under: Iranian Sanctions, Licenses, OFAC Updates
