US Imposes Export Controls on AI Chips to China, Tariffs
The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule on January 15, 2026, revising its export licensing review policy for advanced computing items to China. This change shifts from a presumption of denial to a case-by-case review for certain AI chips, while also imposing a 25% fee on such sales. Concurrently, a Section 232 Proclamation targets semiconductor imports with tariffs, offering exceptions for domestic use.
OFAC Issues Venezuela Oil Trade General Licenses
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued General License (GL) 46, authorizing certain transactions related to Venezuelan oil and petroleum products for established U.S. entities. This action aims to expand trade and investment opportunities, though broader sanctions remain in place.
Treasury RFI on CFIUS Known Investor Program
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the implementation of the CFIUS Known Investor Program (KIP). The RFI seeks public input on formalizing this voluntary program, which aims to streamline foreign investment reviews. The comment period closes on March 18, 2026.
Supreme Court Invalidates IEEPA Tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision in Learning Resources v. Trump, ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. This decision invalidates previously imposed IEEPA tariffs and forecloses their future use as a statutory basis for tariffs.
OFAC Authorizes Expanded Oil Activities in Venezuela
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued new General Licenses (GLs) expanding authorizations for U.S. persons involved in Venezuela's oil and gas sector. These licenses permit a wider range of transactions related to oil extraction, export, and services, aligning with a broader U.S. strategy to relax sanctions.
Swiss Sanctions Amended for Sudan
On February 18, 2026, Switzerland's Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research amended its ordinance on measures against Sudan. Seven individuals have been added to the sanctions list, with the measures taking effect immediately.
SECO Amends Ukraine Sanctions Ordinance
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has amended Annex 8 of the Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine. The amendment modifies entries for 88 individuals and 92 organizations, with measures taking effect on February 24, 2026.
Swiss Ordinance on Sudan Sanctions Updated
Switzerland has updated its ordinance on Sudan sanctions following amendments by the UN sanctions committee. The SESAM database has been updated to reflect these changes, which enter into force in Switzerland without delay.
Ukraine Sanctions Measures Ordinance Update
On February 26, 2026, the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) updated its interpretative aid for sanctions measures related to the situation in Ukraine. The modifications are visible in track changes mode within the updated document.
EU Sanctions Iran: Individuals, Entities, Asset Freeze, Drone/Missile Tech
The European Commission announced new EU sanctions against Iran, adding 15 individuals and 6 entities subject to asset freezes and travel bans. The measures also extend prohibitions on drone and missile technology exports to Iran, impacting its support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
EU Lifts Most Economic Sanctions on Syria
The EU has lifted most economic sanctions on Syria, including those related to banking, finance, energy, and transport, effective May 28, 2025. This decision supports Syria's transition and economic recovery, though certain restrictions like arms embargoes and individual listings remain. EU operators can now engage in previously restricted activities.
EU Sanctions FAQs on Provision of Services
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the provision of services in the context of sanctions adopted following Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. These FAQs clarify specific sector-related questions for businesses operating within the EU.
EU Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus Updated
The European Commission has updated its guidance and FAQs regarding sanctions against Russia and Belarus. These updates address specific measures such as the Nord Stream infrastructure ban, provision of services, and the oil price cap, impacting entities under EU jurisdiction.
FAQs on Nord Stream Infrastructure Ban and Russia Sanctions
The European Commission has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) clarifying restrictions on Nord Stream infrastructure as part of sanctions against Russia. These FAQs address specific queries related to the ban and its implications.
Security Council Removes Syria Officials from ISIL/Al-Qaida Sanctions List
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2799 (2025) to remove Syria's transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and transitional Minister for Interior Anas Hasan Khattab from the ISIL/Al-Qaida sanctions list. This decision, passed with 14 votes in favour and 1 abstention, is intended to support Syria's economic recovery and political transition.
Security Council Adds Four to Sudan Sanctions List
The UN Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan has added four individuals to its sanctions list. These individuals are associated with the Rapid Support Forces and have been designated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
Security Council Press Release on ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions
The UN Security Council issued a press release on February 27, 2026, concerning sanctions against ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. The release details updates and decisions made by the Security Council regarding these sanctions regimes.
Treasury Sanctions Five Nicaraguan Officials for Repression
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five Nicaraguan government officials for their roles in enabling repression. These sanctions target individuals leading key financial, communications, and military agencies within the Nicaraguan government.
Treasury Sanctions Iran's Shadow Fleet and Weapons Networks
The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned over 30 individuals, entities, and vessels involved in illicit Iranian petroleum sales and ballistic missile/advanced conventional weapons programs. This action aims to increase economic pressure on Iran by targeting its revenue streams and weapons capabilities.
Treasury Sanctions Exploit Broker Network for Cyber Tools
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC designated Sergey Zelenyuk and his company, Operation Zero, along with five associated individuals and entities, for acquiring and distributing stolen U.S. government cyber tools. This is the first action taken under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act.
Treasury Sanctions Sudanese Commanders for Atrocities
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC sanctioned three commanders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for atrocities in El-Fasher, Sudan. These individuals were involved in ethnic killings, torture, starvation, and sexual violence during the RSF's siege and capture of the city.
Treasury Proposes Severing Swiss Bank MBaer's U.S. Access
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's FinCEN has proposed a rule to sever Swiss bank MBaer's access to the U.S. financial system due to its financial support for illicit actors linked to Russia and Iran. If finalized, U.S. financial institutions would be prohibited from maintaining correspondent accounts for MBaer.
OFAC Designations and General License for Counter Terrorism
The US Treasury's OFAC has designated individuals linked to terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and atrocities in Sudan. These actions update the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List and include the issuance of a general license authorizing the wind-down of transactions involving Kovay Gardens.
Treasury Sanctions Exploit Broker Network for Cyber Tools
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC has sanctioned four individuals and one entity for their involvement in a network that exploits and sells U.S. government cyber tools. These designations are related to Russia-related sanctions and cyber-related activities.
OFAC Settles Syrian Sanctions Violations for $3,777,000
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced an individual settled potential civil liability for $3,777,000 related to apparent violations of Syrian sanctions. The violations involved providing managerial services to Syrian real estate companies between January 2018 and December 2021.
Venezuela-related FAQ on Oil Resale
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ 1238) regarding the resale of Venezuelan origin oil to Cuba. This FAQ provides clarification on existing sanctions regulations.
OFAC Sanctions Iran's Shadow Fleet and Missile Programs
The US Treasury Department's OFAC has sanctioned Iran's shadow fleet and entities involved in its ballistic missile and weapons programs. Seventeen entities and four individuals have been added to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, subjecting them to secondary sanctions.
OFAC Sanctions Nicaragua Individuals; Amends Russia License
The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned five individuals in Nicaragua and issued an amended Russia-related General License. These actions update OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List and provide guidance on specific transactions.
OFAC Removes Russia and Lebanon Sanctions Designations
The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has removed several individuals from its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. These removals include designations related to Russia and Lebanon, with some individuals previously linked to the Wagner Group. This action updates OFAC's sanctions lists and impacts entities that previously had dealings with these designated parties.
OCC National Bank Chartering Rule on Non-Fiduciary Activities
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has amended its national bank chartering rule concerning non-fiduciary activities. This final rule, published in the Federal Register, will take effect on April 1, 2026.
FinCEN Proposes Special Measure Against Swiss MBaer Bank
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has proposed a special measure against MBaer Merchant Bank AG, a Swiss financial institution, identifying it as a primary money laundering concern. This proposal aims to protect the U.S. financial system from illicit finance.