EXPORT MONTANA
OFFICE OF TRADE & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Embargo Information
What is an embargo?
An embargo is a governmental order prohibiting foreign goods from leaving one port and entering another, and can be levied on foreign or domestic shipping vessels. Embargoes are generally issued due to an existing or anticipated shortage of a commodity or good, and issued for reasons regarding international policy. Essentially, an embargo limits and even prohibits certain goods from leaving one country and entering the sanctioned country. In summary, an embargo is a levy imposed due to conflicting views on foreign and or international policy.
Who enforces embargoes?
Embargoes are enforced by The Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries, terrorism sponsoring organizations and international narcotics traffickers. Granted authority by national emergency powers, specific legislation, and the President, OFAC imposes controls on foreign transactions and immobilizes foreign assets that are contained in U.S. jurisdiction. International mandates including the United Nations generally apply the sanctions, which are multilateral in scope, and are monitored with close cooperation from allied governments.
Sanctioned Countries Lists
Exporters of dual use products and commodities should consult the following website links:
Office of Foreign Assets Control
Bureau of Industry and Security: The BIS administers the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) which contains a chapter on embargoed/sanctioned countries. For more information see Part 746 or the EAR.
Exporters of defense articles and services should consult the following website:
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls publishes a list of proscribed destinations in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
