Publication of Venezuela Sanctions Regulations Web General License 5S
Summary
The U.S. government's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a new license that allows certain companies to conduct limited business activities with Venezuela despite broad economic sanctions. This license gives specific permission to some businesses to continue certain transactions that would otherwise be prohibited as part of U.S. efforts to pressure the Venezuelan government.
Key Points
- 1OFAC issued General License 5S, which permits select businesses to engage in specific transactions with Venezuela that are normally banned under U.S. sanctions
- 2This license is narrower than full trade and covers only designated activities that OFAC has determined are in the U.S. national interest
- 3Companies must apply for and receive approval of this license before conducting any Venezuela-related business; operating without it remains illegal
- 4The license was published to give the public notice of what business activities are now permissible and under what conditions
- 5Businesses that violate the terms of the license or conduct unlicensed Venezuela transactions face significant civil and criminal penalties
Impact Assessment
If you are a financial institution or company conducting international trade, this means you may now apply for specific authorization to engage in limited business activities with Venezuela that would otherwise be prohibited under sanctions, requiring careful compliance review of license terms.
International
Moderate
Key Dates
September 10, 2025
Regulatory Connections
Transnational Criminal Organizations Sanctions Regulations Web General License 1
Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations Web General License 129
Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations Web General License 13O
Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations Web General License 132
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.