Remaining Sanctions Targeting Burma
As a result of the May 17, 2016 actions, the remaining sanctions targeting Burma have been significantly
reduced.
Generally, unless authorized or exempt, US persons remain prohibited from dealing with blocked persons,
including persons on the SDN List, as well as any entity owned in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, 50
percent or more by one or more blocked parties. Despite the May 17 actions, a number of Burmese parties
remain on the SDN List.
The BSR continue to prohibit the importation into the United States of any jadeite or rubies mined or extracted
from Burma and any articles of jewelry containing jadeite or rubies mined or extracted from Burma.
Limited OFAC restrictions remain on dealings with the designated Burmese financial institutions covered by
the partial authorization described above. First, transactions with such financial institutions still may not
involve other blocked parties not included in the general license. US persons also remain prohibited from
engaging in new investment with or in such designated financial institutions.
Finally, a prohibition remains on
the exportation or reexportation of financial services in connection with the provision of security services,
directly or indirectly, to the Burmese Ministry of Defense, any state or non-state armed group or any entity 50
percent or greater owned by such parties.
The reporting requirement also remains in effect for US persons engaging in investment in Burma, which
currently applies to new investment exceeding US$500,000. The Department of State is proposing to change
the reporting threshold from US$500,000 to US$5,000,000. The proposed change is currently undergoing
administrative review.
In addition, US persons undertaking any new investment pursuant to an agreement, or
pursuant to the exercise of rights under such an agreement, that is entered into with Myanma Oil and Gas
Enterprise (MOGE) will continue to have an obligation to notify the Department of State of such investment.
With certain sanctions targeting Burma still in place, companies doing business in Burma should monitor
closely the remaining measures, and any further developments, to ensure compliance. Penalties for
noncompliance can be severe.
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