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Syria


Syria

The Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has the primary authority to regulate sanctions under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations (SySR) under 31 CFR Part 542. More information on U.S. relations with Syria can be found on the Department of State website for Syria Sanctions. In sum, the Syrian Sanctions will generally require authorization from OFAC for any U.S. person who wishes to conduct any transaction or engage in any activity with the country of Syria, or specially sanctioned individuals or entities under the SySR.

Additionally, nearly all technology, software, defense articles, or defense services, will likely require a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) or the Directorate of Defense Trade Control (DDTC) prior to being transferred or released to Syria or Syrian nationals.

SYSR Update (May 12, 2022)

Transactions for new investment in Syria or exports, reexports, sales, or the supply of services to Syria (SySR §§ 552.206 or 542.207) that are ordinarily incident and necessary to activities in the following economic sectors are authorized under a general license for both the northeast and northwest regions of Syria (See Annex of General License No. 22):

  1. Agriculture;
  2. Information and telecommunications;
  3. Power grid infrastructure;
  4. Construction;
  5. Finance;
  6. Clean energy;
  7. Transportation and warehousing;
  8. Water and waste management;
  9. Health services;
  10. Education;
  11. Manufacturing; and
  12. Trade.

Nothing under this update covers transactions involving any person, including the Government of Syria, whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to the SySR or the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. For more information on this update, please see General License No. 22.

For more information on the SySR or if you intend on conducting any UNC-Chapel Hill business with entities or individuals located in Syria, please contact the Export Compliance Office.