Financial Crime World

US Treasury Department Issues General Licenses to Facilitate Humanitarian Assistance in Afghanistan

The United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued three general licenses to support the continued flow of humanitarian assistance and other activities for the people of Afghanistan, underscoring the US commitment to supporting those affected by US sanctions.

Economic Challenges in Afghanistan

The economy in Afghanistan faces severe challenges, exacerbated by:

  • Long dependence on foreign aid
  • Donor flight
  • Drought
  • Structural macroeconomic issues
  • COVID-19 pandemic

US Support for Humanitarian Assistance

The United States is the largest single provider of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. The US Treasury Department provides broad authorizations to ensure non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and the US government can continue to provide relief to those in need.

General Licenses Issued by OFAC

  • General License 17: Authorizes transactions involving the Taliban or Haqqani Network for official US government business.
  • General License 18: Permits similar transactions by certain international organizations.
  • General License 19: Allows NGOs to engage in a range of activities, including:
    • Humanitarian projects
    • Education
    • Environmental protection

Key Limitations

The general licenses do not authorize financial transfers to the Taliban or Haqqani Network, except for:

  • Payment of taxes, fees, or import duties
  • Purchase of permits, licenses, or public utility services

United Nations Resolution UNSCR 2615 (2021)

The US government has implemented this resolution, which authorizes humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs.

FAQs and Fact Sheet

OFAC updated three frequently asked questions (FAQs) and issued six new FAQs, providing clarity on the scope of general licenses and addressing questions regarding sanctions on the Taliban and Haqqani Network. A humanitarian fact sheet was also issued, providing an overview of authorizations and guidance related to humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

Contact Information

For more information regarding the scope of any sanctions program’s requirements or the applicability or scope of any humanitarian-related authorizations, contact OFAC’s Sanction Compliance and Evaluation Division at: