Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 56915-56926 [2015-23587]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 182 / Monday, September 21, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
for all of the stock of New S. S’s distribution
of 80% of its property to P as part of the
complete liquidation of S meets the
requirements of section 332. Thus, section
381(a)(1) applies to P’s acquisition of 80% of
the property held by S immediately before
the transaction. Under paragraph (m)(1)(v) of
this section, the potential F reorganization in
which 20% of the property held by S
immediately before the transaction is
transferred to New S cannot be a mere change
of S, because section 381(a) applies to P’s
acquisition of property held by S
immediately before the potential F
reorganization. Accordingly, sections 331
and 336 apply to A’s acquisition of property
from S and S’s distribution of property to A,
and section 351 applies to A’s contribution
of that property to New S.
Example 10. Other acquiring corporation—
no mere change. P owns all of the stock of
S1. The management of P determines that it
would be in the best interest of S1 to merge
S1 into P. Accordingly, pursuant to a state
merger statute, S1 merges into P.
Immediately afterward and as part of the
same plan, P contributes 50% of the former
assets of S1 to newly incorporated S2 in
exchange for all of the stock of S2. The
transaction does not qualify as a complete
liquidation of S1 under section 332 (because
of the reincorporation of some of S1’s assets)
but does qualify as a reorganization under
section 368(a)(1)(A) by reason of section
368(a)(2)(C) and paragraph (k) of this section.
Under paragraph (m)(1)(v) of this section, the
potential F reorganization in which some of
the former assets of S1 are transferred (in
form) first to P, and then to S2, is not a mere
change of S1, because section 381(a) applies
to P’s acquisition of property held by S1
immediately before the potential F
reorganization. Furthermore, under
paragraph (m)(3)(iv)(A) of this section, P, the
corporation in control of S2 within the
meaning of section 368(c), is a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of section
368(b). Thus, the indirect transfer of property
from S1 to S2 does not qualify under section
368(a)(1)(F).
Example 11. Other acquiring corporation—
mere change. P owns all of the stock of S1.
S1’s only asset is all of the equity interest in
LLC2, a domestic limited liability company.
Under § 301.7701–3 of this chapter, LLC2 is
disregarded as an entity separate from its
owner, S1. Pursuant to an integrated plan to
undergo a reorganization under 368(a)(1)(F),
S1 and LLC2 undergo the following two state
law conversions. First, under state law LLC2
converts into S2, a corporation. Second,
under state law S1 converts into LLC1, a
domestic limited liability company. Under
§ 301.7701–3 of this chapter, LLC1 is
disregarded as an entity separate from its
owner, P. As a result of the two conversions,
S1 is deemed to transfer its assets to S2 in
exchange for all of the stock in S2 and then
distribute the S2 stock to P in complete
liquidation of S1. The two conversions,
viewed as a potential F reorganization,
constitute a mere change of S1, and that
potential F reorganization qualifies as a
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(F).
The result would be the same if, instead of
converting into S2 pursuant to state law,
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LLC2 elected under § 301.7701–3(c) to
change its classification for federal tax
purposes and be treated as an association
taxable as a corporation, provided the
effective date of the election (and its resulting
deemed transactions) occurs before the
conversion of S1.
Example 12. Other acquiring corporation—
no mere change. The facts are the same facts
as in Example 11, except that S1 converts
into LLC1 prior to the conversion of LLC2
into S2. As a result of these conversions, S1
is deemed to distribute all of its assets to P
in exchange for all of P’s S1 stock, and P is
deemed to transfer all of those assets to S2
in exchange for all of the stock in S2. The
transaction does not qualify as a complete
liquidation of S1 under section 332 (because
of the reincorporation of S1’s assets), but
does qualify as a reorganization under
section 368(a)(1)(C) by reason of section
368(a)(2)(C) and paragraph (k) of this section.
Under paragraph (m)(1)(v) of this section, the
potential F reorganization in which the
former assets of S1 are deemed transferred,
first by S1 to P, and then by P to S2, is not
a mere change of S1 because section 381(a)
applies to P’s acquisition of property held by
S1 immediately before the potential F
reorganization. Furthermore, the corporation
in control of S2, within the meaning of
section 368(c), is a party to the reorganization
within the meaning of section 368(b). Thus,
the indirect transfer of property from S1 to
S2 does not qualify under section
368(a)(1)(F).
Example 13. Series of related
transactions—no mere change. X owns all of
the stock of T. P acquires all of the stock of
T in exchange for consideration consisting of
$50 cash and P voting stock with $50 value.
No election is made under section 338.
Immediately thereafter and as part of the
same plan, P forms S as a wholly-owned
subsidiary, and T is merged into S. Viewed
in isolation as a potential F reorganization,
the merger of T into S appears to constitute
a mere change of T. However, the acquisition
of the T stock by P and the merger of T into
S, viewed together, qualify as a
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(A) by
reason of section 368(a)(2)(D). The step
transaction doctrine is applied treat the
transaction as a statutory merger of T into S
in exchange for $50 cash and $50 of P’s
voting stock (and S’s assumption of T’s
liabilities), P’s momentary ownership of T
stock is disregarded. Under paragraph
(m)(3)(iv)(A) of this section, P, the
corporation in control of S, is a party to the
reorganization within the meaning of section
368(b). Thus, the transfer of property from T
to S does not qualify under section
368(a)(1)(F).
Example 14. Multiple transferor
corporations—no mere change. P owns all
the stock of S1 and S2. The management of
P determines it would be in the best interest
of S1 and S2 to operate as a single
corporation. P forms S3 and, under
applicable corporate law, S1 and S2
simultaneously merge into S3. Immediately
after the merger, P owns all the stock of S3.
Each of the mergers can be tested as a
potential F reorganization. However,
immediately after the simultaneous mergers,
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the resulting corporation, S3, holds property
acquired from a corporation other than the
transferor corporation, and section 381(a)
would apply to the acquisition of such
property. Therefore, under paragraph
(m)(1)(vi) of this section, neither potential F
reorganization is a mere change, and neither
merger into S3 qualifies as a reorganization
under section 386(a)(1)(F). The result would
be different if the mergers were not
simultaneous. If S1 completed its merger into
S3 before S2 began its merger into S3, the
merger of S1 into S3 would qualify as a
reorganization under section 368(a)(1)(F), but
the merger of S2 into S3 would not so qualify
(although it would qualify as a reorganization
under sections 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(1)(D)).
(5) Effective/Applicability Date. This
paragraph (m) applies to transactions
occurring on or after September 21,
2015.
§ 1.381(b)–1
[Amended]
Par. 6. Section 1.381(b)–1 is amended
by removing the language in paragraph
(a)(1) ‘‘1.367(a)–1T(e)’’ and adding
‘‘1.367(a)–1(e)’’ in its place.
■
John M. Dalrymple,
Deputy Commissioner for Services and
Enforcement.
Approved: September 9, 2015.
Mark J. Mazur,
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax
Policy).
[FR Doc. 2015–23603 Filed 9–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of Foreign Assets Control
31 CFR Part 515
Cuban Assets Control Regulations
Office of Foreign Assets
Control, Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Department of the
Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets
Control (OFAC) is amending the Cuban
Assets Control Regulations to further
implement elements of the policy
announced by the President on
December 17, 2014 to engage and
empower the Cuban people. Among
other things, these amendments further
facilitate travel to Cuba for authorized
purposes (including authorizing by
general license the provision of carrier
services by vessel), expand the
telecommunications and Internet-based
services general licenses, authorize
certain persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to establish a physical
presence in Cuba, allow certain
additional persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to open and maintain bank
SUMMARY:
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accounts in Cuba to use for authorized
purposes, allow certain additional
financial transactions (including
removing the limit on donative
remittances to Cuba and unblocking
certain previously blocked remittances
and funds transfers), authorize all
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to
provide goods and services to Cuban
national individuals located outside of
Cuba, and allow a number of other
activities related to, among other areas,
legal services, imports of gifts sent to the
United States, and educational
activities. These amendments also
implement certain technical and
conforming changes.
DATES: Effective: September 21, 2015.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The
Department of the Treasury’s Office of
Foreign Assets Control: Assistant
Director for Licensing, tel.: 202–622–
2480, Assistant Director for Policy, tel.:
202–622–2746, Assistant Director for
Regulatory Affairs, tel.: 202–622–4855,
Assistant Director for Sanctions
Compliance & Evaluation, tel.: 202–622–
2490; or the Department of the
Treasury’s Office of the Chief Counsel
(Foreign Assets Control), Office of the
General Counsel, tel.: 202–622–2410.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic and Facsimile Availability
This document and additional
information concerning OFAC are
available from OFAC’s Web site
(www.treasury.gov/ofac). Certain general
information pertaining to OFAC’s
sanctions programs also is available via
facsimile through a 24-hour fax-ondemand service, tel.: 202- 622–0077.
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Background
The Department of the Treasury
issued the Cuban Assets Control
Regulations, 31 CFR part 515 (the
‘‘Regulations’’), on July 8, 1963, under
the Trading With the Enemy Act (50
U.S.C. App. 5 et seq.). OFAC has
amended the Regulations on numerous
occasions.
Most recently, on January 16, 2015,
OFAC amended the Regulations, in a
coordinated action with the Department
of Commerce, to implement certain
policy measures announced by the
President on December 17, 2014 to
further engage and empower the Cuban
people (the ‘‘January 2015
amendments’’). OFAC’s January 2015
amendments facilitated travel to Cuba
for authorized purposes, facilitated the
provision by travel agents and airlines
of authorized travel and carrier services
and the forwarding by certain entities of
authorized remittances, raised the limit
on certain categories of remittances to
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Cuba, allowed U.S. financial institutions
to open correspondent accounts at
Cuban financial institutions to facilitate
the processing of authorized
transactions, authorized certain
transactions with Cuban nationals
located outside of Cuba, and allowed a
number of other activities related to,
among other areas, telecommunications,
financial services, trade, and shipping.
Today, OFAC and the Department of
Commerce are taking additional
coordinated actions in support of the
President’s Cuba policy. OFAC is
amending the Regulations to further
implement certain policy measures
announced by the President on
December 17, 2014 to engage and
empower the Cuban people. Among
other things, these amendments further
facilitate travel to Cuba for authorized
purposes (including authorizing by
general license the provision of carrier
services by vessel), expand the
telecommunications and Internet-based
services general licenses, authorize
certain persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to establish a physical
presence in Cuba to facilitate authorized
transactions, allow certain additional
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to
open and maintain bank accounts in
Cuba to use for authorized purposes,
allow certain additional financial
transactions (including removing the
limit on donative remittances to Cuba
and unblocking certain previously
blocked remittances and funds
transfers), authorize all persons subject
to U.S. jurisdiction to provide goods and
services to Cuban national individuals
located outside of Cuba, and allow a
number of other activities related to,
among other areas, legal services,
imports of gifts sent to the United
States, and educational activities. These
amendments also implement certain
technical and conforming changes.
Travel and Related Services
Carrier service by vessel and certain
lodging services. OFAC is amending
section 515.572 to authorize persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide
carrier services by vessel, without the
need for specific licenses from OFAC,
and to add an authorization to provide
certain lodging services aboard such
vessels in connection with such
transportation. OFAC also is adding a
note to section 515.572 to clarify which
categories of persons may be transported
between Cuba and the United States.
Family visits. OFAC is amending
section 515.561 to allow persons subject
to U.S. jurisdiction and persons
traveling with them who share a
common dwelling as a family to visit a
close relative located in Cuba or
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accompany a close relative traveling to
Cuba pursuant to sections 515.562
(official government business), 515.563
(journalistic activity), 515.564(a)
(professional research), 515.565(a)(1)
through (4) and (6) (educational
activities), 515.566 (religious activities),
515.575 (humanitarian projects), or
515.576 (activities of private
foundations or research or educational
institutes). OFAC is also removing a
restriction requiring that the authorized
traveler being visited or accompanied
must be in Cuba for more than 60 days
if that traveler is located in Cuba
pursuant to section 515.565(a)(1)–(4).
Bank accounts for authorized
travelers. OFAC is amending section
515.560 to allow all authorized travelers
to open and maintain bank accounts in
Cuba in order to access funds while
located in Cuba for authorized
transactions, and to close such accounts.
Telecommunications and Internetbased Services
Subsidiaries, joint ventures, and other
business relationships with Cuban
individuals and entities. In order to
further enhance the free flow of
information to, from, and among the
Cuban people and to better provide
efficient and adequate
telecommunications services between
the United States and Cuba, OFAC is
amending sections 515.542 and 515.578
to authorize persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to establish and maintain a
business presence in Cuba, including
through subsidiaries, branches, offices,
joint ventures, franchises, and agency or
other business relationships with any
Cuban individual or entity, to provide
authorized telecommunications and
internet-based services. OFAC is also
authorizing persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to enter into licensing
agreements related to services
authorized by section 515.542(b)
through (d) and section 515.578(a), and
to market such services. OFAC is
amending section 515.505 to unblock
any entity, office, or other sub-unit
established pursuant to sections 515.542
and 515.578.
Mobile applications. To further
enhance the free flow of information to,
from, and among the Cuban people,
OFAC is adding a provision in section
515.578 to authorize the importation
into the United States of Cuban-origin
mobile applications. In addition, OFAC
is authorizing the employment of Cuban
nationals by persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to develop such mobile
applications.
Additional internet-based services
and services related to additional
authorized exports. In the January 2015
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amendments, OFAC authorized services
beyond those authorized in section
515.533 related to items exported
pursuant to the Commerce Department’s
License Exception Consumer
Communications Devices (CCD), certain
non-U.S.-origin items located outside
the United States, and certain software
not subject to the Export Administration
Regulations (15 CFR part 730 et seq.).
These services include software design,
business consulting, information
technology management, and other
services to install, repair, and replace
such items. OFAC is amending section
515.578 to expand the permitted
services to include training related to
the installation, repair, or replacement
of such items. OFAC also is expanding
the authorization to extend to services
related to exports of consumer
communications devices not eligible for
License Exception CCD but authorized
pursuant to an individual license from
the Department of Commerce and to
services related to exports authorized
pursuant to the Commerce Department’s
License Exception Support for the
Cuban People (SCP) of certain
commodities and software that will be
used by individuals or private sector
entities to develop software that will
improve the free flow of information or
that will support certain private sector
activities. OFAC also is amending
section 515.578 to authorize persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide
services related to all such items that
were exported to Cuba from a third
country. OFAC is removing a restriction
relating to organizations administered or
controlled by the Government of Cuba
or the Cuban Communist Party with
respect to certain internet-based services
(such as instant messaging, chat and
email, and social networking)
authorized pursuant to section
515.578(a)(1), while maintaining this
restriction on provision of these services
to prohibited officials of the
Government of Cuba and prohibited
members of the Cuban Communist
Party.
Physical Presence in Cuba
Physical presence in Cuba for certain
persons. OFAC is amending section
515.573 to authorize certain persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction to establish
a physical presence, such as an office or
other facility, in Cuba, to facilitate
authorized transactions. This
authorization covers the following:
news bureaus; exporters of goods
authorized for export pursuant to
sections 515.533 or 515.559; providers
of authorized mail and parcel
transmission services and cargo
transportation services; providers of
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telecommunications or internet-based
services; entities organizing or
conducting certain educational
activities; religious organizations; and
providers of travel and carrier services.
In addition, OFAC is authorizing these
individuals and entities to open and
maintain bank accounts at financial
institutions in Cuba for use for
authorized transactions, and to close
such accounts. The prior provisions in
this section authorizing certain
transactions by news organizations have
been fully incorporated into the revised
section. OFAC is also amending section
515.505 to unblock any entity, office, or
other sub-unit established pursuant to
section 515.573, as well as to unblock
any individual authorized to establish
domicile in Cuba pursuant to section
515.573(a)(4).
Financial Transactions
Remittances. OFAC is amending
section 515.570(b) to remove the
limitation on donative remittances to
Cuban nationals who are not prohibited
officials of the Government of Cuba or
prohibited members of the Cuban
Communist Party. OFAC also is
amending section 515.560(c)(4)(i) to
remove the limitation on certain
authorized remittances that authorized
travelers may carry to Cuba, and section
515.560(d)(2) to remove the limitation
on the amount of remittances that a
Cuban national permanently resident in
Cuba who is departing the United States
may carry to Cuba.
Unblocking of certain previously
blocked remittances and funds
transfers. Prior to the January 2015
amendments, banks were required to
block remittances exceeding the then
$500 per quarter limit on authorized
periodic remittances to non-family
members. Following the January 2015
amendments, banks were required to
block remittances exceeding the revised
$2,000 per quarter limit on authorized
periodic remittances to non-family
members. OFAC is issuing a new
general license in section 515.570(h)
authorizing the unblocking and return
of such blocked remittances, provided
they would be authorized under the
current regulations. Similarly, OFAC is
adding a new general license in section
515.584(e) authorizing the unblocking
and return of previously blocked funds
transfers that could have been rejected
or processed pursuant to section
515.584(d)(1) or (d)(2) (certain wire
transfers), section 515.562(b) (official
business of the U.S. government, foreign
governments, and certain
intergovernmental organizations), or
section 515.579(b) (funds transfers for
third-country official missions and
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certain intergovernmental
organizations), if those transfers could
be rejected or processed under current
regulations. Persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction unblocking funds transfers
pursuant to these authorizations must
provide a report to OFAC within 10
business days from the date such funds
transfers are released.
Account access for Cuban nationals
present in the United States. Section
515.571 previously authorized
depository institutions to open and
maintain accounts for a Cuban national
who was present in the United States in
a non-immigrant status or pursuant to
other non-immigrant travel
authorization, subject to the
requirement that accounts not closed
prior to the departure of the Cuban
national from the United States be
blocked. OFAC is amending section
515.571 to add an authorization for
depository institutions to maintain these
accounts while the Cuban-national
account holder is located outside the
United States, provided that the account
holder may only access the account
while lawfully present in the United
States. In addition, prior to today’s
amendments, section 515.571
established a $250 cap on payments
from blocked accounts held by Cuban
nationals in the United States in a nonimmigrant status to use for living
expenses. OFAC is amending section
515.571 to remove this cap to more
adequately allow Cuban nationals
lawfully present in the United States to
access sufficient funds for living
expenses or other transactions
ordinarily incident to their presence in
the United States in a non-immigrant
status or pursuant to other nonimmigrant travel authorization issued
by the U.S. government.
Remittances from Cuba to the United
States. OFAC is adding a new general
license in section 515.587 authorizing
remittances from Cuba or from certain
Cuban nationals located in third
countries to the United States. OFAC is
making a conforming change to section
515.572(a)(3) to authorize banking
institutions, including U.S.-registered
brokers and dealers in securities and
U.S.-registered money transmitters, to
provide services in connection with the
receipt of such remittances.
Estate-related transactions. Prior to
today’s amendments, a specific license
was required for certain estate-related
transactions that were not generally
licensed, including to unblock shares of
a Cuban estate for a U.S. beneficiary and
remit the estate of a person subject to
U.S. jurisdiction to a Cuban national
who is not a close relative. OFAC is now
expanding a general license in section
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515.523 related to administering
decedents’ estates and a general license
in section 515.570(f) to allow the
unblocking of, and remittances related
to, estates in which a Cuban national
has an interest. OFAC is removing
section 515.522 and substantially
revising section 515.524 because most
transactions previously described in
those sections are now authorized by
general license. OFAC is also making
conforming edits to sections 515.407
and 515.525.
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Commercial Transactions
Provision of goods and services to
Cuban nationals located in a third
country. OFAC is amending section
515.585 to expand the existing
authorization to allow all persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide
goods and services to Cuban national
individuals located in a third country.
In addition, OFAC is adding an
authorization to allow banking
institutions to open, maintain, and close
bank accounts for such Cuban nationals.
Other Amendments
Legal services. OFAC is amending
section 515.512 to generally authorize
receipt of payment for the provision of
authorized legal services to Cuba or a
Cuban national other than prohibited
officials of the Government of Cuba and
prohibited members of the Cuban
Communist Party. In addition, recent
amendments to certain OFAC sanctions
programs have included general licenses
authorizing payments from funds
outside the United States for legal
services provided to blocked
individuals, subject to certain
conditions. OFAC is adding this general
license in section 515.512(e) to
authorize payments from outside the
United States for the provision of
authorized legal services to or on behalf
of prohibited officials of the
Government of Cuba and prohibited
members of the Cuban Communist
Party. OFAC also is adding a new
authorization in section 515.588 to
permit persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to receive, and make
payments for, certain legal services from
Cuba or Cuban nationals, subject to
certain conditions.
Gift imports sent to the United States.
OFAC is amending section 515.544 to
generally authorize the importation into
the United States of merchandise from
Cuba or Cuban-origin merchandise from
a third country intended as gifts
provided that the value of the
merchandise is not more than $100, the
merchandise is of a type and in
quantities normally given as gifts
between individuals, the merchandise is
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sent and not carried by a traveler, and
the merchandise is not alcohol or
tobacco products.
Educational activities. OFAC is
expanding the general license in section
515.565 to allow additional educational
activities that are authorized in other
sanctions programs administered by
OFAC, including the provision of
standardized testing services and
internet-based courses to Cuban
nationals, as well as to authorize U.S.
and Cuban universities to engage in
academic exchanges and joint noncommercial academic research.
Ordinarily incident transactions.
OFAC is issuing interpretive guidance
in new section 515.421 to clarify that,
with certain exceptions, transactions
ordinarily incident to a licensed
transaction and necessary to give effect
thereto are also authorized. In response
to public inquiries, OFAC is providing
a specific example in this section to
clarify that ordinarily incident
transactions include payments made
using online payment platforms for
authorized transactions.
Air ambulances and emergency
medical services. OFAC has had a
favorable specific licensing policy and
has authorized on a case-by-case and
expedited basis air ambulances to travel
to and from Cuba and to evacuate
individuals requiring medical care. In
such exigent circumstances, OFAC has
allowed U.S. medical and other
essential personnel to provide services
to individual travelers in need of
medical attention, regardless of
nationality or the purpose of the
individual’s travel to Cuba. OFAC is
amending section 515.548 to generally
authorize such services. To clarify the
availability of nonscheduled emergency
medical services in the United States,
OFAC also is adding a new general
license in section 515.589.
Humanitarian projects. OFAC is
amending section 515.575 to explicitly
include disaster relief and historical
preservation as authorized humanitarian
projects.
Cuban official missions. OFAC is
amending section 515.586 to authorize
funds transfers on behalf of official
missions of the Government of Cuba in
the United States.
Technical and Conforming
Amendments. OFAC also is making a
number of technical and conforming
amendments. Among other things,
OFAC is amending sections 515.533(d)
and 515.559(d) to make explicit that
those authorizations extend to such
additional transactions as are directly
incident to the installation in Cuba of
items consistent with the export or
reexport licensing policy of the
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Department of Commerce, and
amending section 515.533(d) by
removing the reference to ‘‘sales’’ to
clarify that the authorization applies to
transactions related to donated exports.
OFAC is amending section 515.550 to
waive vessel restrictions for vessels
engaging in authorized trade in imports,
including those from Cuban
entrepreneurs, and carrying persons
engaging in authorized travel between
the United States and Cuba, and making
a conforming change to the Note to
section 515.207.
Public Participation
Because the amendments of the
Regulations involve a foreign affairs
function, Executive Order 12866 and the
provisions of the Administrative
Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) requiring
notice of proposed rulemaking,
opportunity for public participation,
and delay in effective date are
inapplicable. Because no notice of
proposed rulemaking is required for this
rule, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601–612) does not apply.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The collections of information related
to the Regulations are contained in 31
CFR part 501 (the ‘‘Reporting,
Procedures and Penalties Regulations’’)
and section 515.572 of this part.
Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), those
collections of information will be
covered by the Office of Management
and Budget under control numbers
1505–0164, 1505–0167, and 1505–0168.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor,
and a person is not required to respond
to, a collection of information unless the
collection of information displays a
valid control number.
List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 515
Administrative practice and
procedure, Banking, Blocking of assets,
Carrier services, Cuba, Financial
transactions, Remittances, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements,
Telecommunications, Travel
restrictions.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the Department of the
Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets
Control amends 31 CFR part 515 as set
forth below:
PART 515—CUBAN ASSETS
CONTROL REGULATIONS
1. The authority citation for part 515
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2370(a), 6001–6010,
7201–7211; 31 U.S.C. 321(b); 50 U.S.C. App
1–44; Pub. L. 101–410, 104 Stat. 890 (28
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U.S.C. 2461 note); Pub. L. 104–114, 110 Stat.
785 (22 U.S.C. 6021–6091); Pub. L. 105–277,
112 Stat. 2681; Pub. L. 111–8, 123 Stat. 524;
Pub. L. 111–117, 123 Stat. 3034; E.O. 9193,
7 FR 5205, 3 CFR, 1938–1943 Comp., p. 1174;
E.O. 9989, 13 FR 4891, 3 CFR, 1943–1948
Comp., p. 748; Proc. 3447, 27 FR 1085, 3
CFR, 1959–1963 Comp., p. 157; E.O. 12854,
58 FR 36587, 3 CFR, 1993 Comp., p. 614.
2. Amend § 515.207 by revising the
Note to § 515.207 to read as follows.
■
§ 515.207 Entry of vessels engaged in
trade with Cuba.
*
*
*
*
Note to § 515.207: For the waiver of the
prohibitions contained in this section for
vessels engaged in certain trade and travel
with Cuba, see § 515.550.
Subpart D—Interpretations
■
3. Revise § 515.407 to read as follows.
§ 515.407 Administration of blocked
estates of decedents.
With respect to transactions incident
to the administration of the blocked
estate of a decedent, including the
appointment and qualification of
personal representatives, the collection
and liquidation of assets, the payment of
claims, and distribution to beneficiaries,
attention is directed to § 515.523, which
authorizes all transactions incident to
the administration and distribution of
the assets of blocked estates of
decedents.
■ 4. Amend § 515.415 by revising
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
§ 515.415 Travel to Cuba; transportation of
certain Cuban nationals.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Transactions incident to the travel
to the United States of Cuban nationals
who are traveling other than in a nonimmigrant status or pursuant to other
non-immigrant travel authorization
issued by the U.S. government are not
authorized under the provisions of
§ 515.571.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 5. Add § 515.421 to subpart D to read
as follows:
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§ 515.421 Transactions ordinarily incident
to a licensed transaction.
(a) Any transaction ordinarily
incident to a licensed transaction and
necessary to give effect thereto is also
authorized, except:
(1) A transaction by or with a
prohibited official of the Government of
Cuba, as defined in § 515.337, or a
prohibited member of the Cuban
Communist Party, as defined in
§ 515.338, where the terms of the
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applicable general or specific license
expressly exclude transactions with
such persons;
(2) A transaction involving a debit to
a blocked account or a transfer of
blocked property that is not explicitly
authorized within the terms of the
license;
(3) A transaction prohibited by
§ 515.208; or
(4) In the case of export or reexportrelated transactions authorized by
§ 515.533(a), payment or financing that
is not explicitly authorized by that
section.
member of the Cuban Communist Party,
as defined in § 515.338;
(3) Any entity that otherwise would
be a national of Cuba solely because of
the interest therein of one or more
persons licensed in this paragraph (a) as
an unblocked national;
(4) Any entity, office, or other subunit authorized pursuant to §§ 515.542,
515.573, or 515.578; and
(5) Any individual authorized to
establish domicile in Cuba pursuant to
§ 515.573(a)(4).
*
*
*
*
*
■ 8. Revise § 515.512 to read as follows:
Note to paragraph (a)(4): See
§ 515.533(a)(2) for payment and financing
terms for exportations or reexportations
authorized pursuant to § 515.533.
Subpart B—Prohibitions
*
56919
§ 515.512 Provision of certain legal
services authorized.
(b) Examples. (1) A specific license
authorizing a person to complete a
securities sale involving Cuban
Company A, whose property and
interests in property are blocked
pursuant to this part, also authorizes
other persons to engage in activities that
are ordinarily incident and necessary to
complete the sale, including
transactions by the buyer, broker,
transfer agents, and banks.
(2) A general license authorizing a
person to import certain goods from
independent Cuban entrepreneurs also
authorizes funds transfers or payments
that are ordinarily incident to the
importation, including payments made
using online payment platforms.
Subpart E—Licenses, Authorizations,
and Statements of Licensing Policy
6. Amend § 515.502 by revising
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 515.502 Effect of subsequent license or
authorization.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) No regulation, ruling, instruction,
or license authorizes a transaction
prohibited under this part unless the
regulation, ruling, instruction, or license
is issued by the Treasury Department
and specifically refers to this part.
■ 7. Amend § 515.505 by revising
paragraphs (a)(2) and (3) and adding
paragraphs (a)(4) and (5) to read as
follows:
§ 515.505 Certain Cuban nationals
unblocked.
(a) * * *
(2) Any individual national of Cuba
who has taken up permanent residence
outside of Cuba, provided that the
required documentation specified in
paragraph (c) of this section is obtained
and the individual is not a prohibited
official of the Government of Cuba, as
defined in § 515.337, or a prohibited
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(a) The provision of the following
legal services to or on behalf of Cuba or
a Cuban national is authorized,
provided that receipt of payment of
professional fees and reimbursement of
incurred expenses must be authorized
by or pursuant to paragraph (d) or (e) of
this section, or otherwise authorized
pursuant to this part:
(1) Provision of legal advice and
counseling on the requirements of and
compliance with the laws of the United
States or any jurisdiction within the
United States, provided that such advice
and counseling are not provided to
facilitate transactions in violation of this
part;
(2) Representation of persons named
as defendants in or otherwise made
parties to legal, arbitration, or
administrative proceedings before any
U.S. federal, state, or local court or
agency;
(3) Initiation and conduct of legal,
arbitration, or administrative
proceedings before any U.S. federal,
state, or local court or agency;
(4) Representation of persons before
any U.S. federal, state, or local court or
agency with respect to the imposition,
administration, or enforcement of U.S.
sanctions against such persons; and
(5) Provision of legal services in any
other context in which prevailing U.S.
law requires access to legal counsel at
public expense.
(b) The provision of any other legal
services to Cuba or a Cuban national,
not otherwise authorized in this part,
requires the issuance of a specific
license.
(c) Entry into a settlement agreement
or the enforcement of any lien,
judgment, arbitral award, decree, or
other order through execution,
garnishment, or other judicial process
purporting to transfer or otherwise alter
or affect property in which Cuba or a
Cuban national has had an interest at
any time on or since 12:01 a.m., Eastern
Standard Time, July 8, 1963, is
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prohibited unless licensed pursuant to
this part.
(d) Receipts of payment—(1) Legal
services to or on behalf of certain
blocked persons. All receipts of
payment of professional fees and
reimbursement of incurred expenses for
the provision of legal services
authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this section to or on behalf of a
prohibited official of the Government of
Cuba, as defined in § 515.337, or a
prohibited member of the Cuban
Communist Party, as defined in
§ 515.338, must be specifically licensed
or otherwise authorized pursuant to
§ 515.512(e), which authorizes certain
payments from funds originating
outside the United States.
(2) Legal services to or on behalf of all
others. All receipts of payment of
professional fees and reimbursement of
incurred expenses for the provision of
legal services authorized pursuant to
paragraph (a) of this section to or on
behalf of Cuba or a Cuban national,
other than those described in paragraph
(d)(1) of this section, are authorized,
except that nothing in this section
authorizes the debiting of any blocked
account or the transfer of any blocked
property.
(e) Payments for legal services from
funds originating outside the United
States authorized. Receipts of payment
of professional fees and reimbursement
of incurred expenses for the provision of
legal services authorized pursuant to
§ 515.512(a) to or on behalf of a
prohibited official of the Government of
Cuba, as defined in § 515.337, or a
prohibited member of the Cuban
Communist Party, as defined in
§ 515.338, are authorized from funds
originating outside the United States,
provided that:
(1) The funds received by persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction as payment
of professional fees and reimbursement
of incurred expenses for the provision of
legal services authorized pursuant to
paragraph (a) of this section do not
originate from:
(i) A source within the United States;
(ii) Any source, wherever located,
within the possession or control of a
person subject to U.S. jurisdiction; or
(iii) Any person, other than the person
on whose behalf the legal services
authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this section are to be provided, whose
property and interests in property are
blocked pursuant to any part of this
chapter other than part 515.
(2) Reports. (i) Persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction who receive payments in
connection with legal services
authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this section must submit annual reports
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no later than 30 days following the end
of the calendar year during which the
payments were received providing
information on the funds received. Such
reports shall specify:
(A) The individual or entity from
whom the funds originated and the
amount of funds received; and
(B) If applicable:
(1) The names of any individuals or
entities providing related services to the
person subject to U.S. jurisdiction
receiving payment in connection with
authorized legal services, such as
private investigators or expert
witnesses;
(2) A general description of the
services provided; and
(3) The amount of funds paid in
connection with such services.
(ii) The reports, which must reference
this section, are to be mailed to:
Department of the Treasury, Office of
Foreign Assets Control, Attn: Licensing
Division, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW., Annex, Washington, DC 20220.
Note 1 to § 515.512: Persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction who receive payments in
connection with legal services authorized
pursuant to § 515.512(a) do not need to
obtain specific authorization to contract for
related services that are ordinarily incident to
the provision of those legal services, such as
those provided by private investigators or
expert witnesses, or to pay for such services.
This does not authorize the hiring of Cuban
nationals. Additionally, persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction do not need to obtain
specific authorization to provide related
services that are ordinarily incident to the
provision of legal services authorized
pursuant to § 515.512(a).
Note 2 to § 515.512: See §§ 515.527 and
515.528 for general licenses authorizing fees
due to attorneys in connection with certain
intellectual property-related transactions. See
§ 515.588 for a general license authorizing
the receipt of, and payment for, certain legal
services from Cuba or a Cuban national.
§ 515.522
[Removed and Reserved]
9. Remove and reserve § 515.522.
10. Revise § 515.523 to read as
follows:
■
■
§ 515.523 Transactions incident to the
administration of decedents’ estates.
All transactions incident to the
administration and distribution of the
assets of a blocked estate of a decedent
are authorized. Such transactions
include the appointment and
qualification of a personal
representative in the United States or
Cuba, collection and preservation of
assets by a personal representative and
associated fees, payment of funeral
expenses and expenses of the last
illness, transfer of title, and distribution
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of assets pursuant to a valid
testamentary disposition or intestate
succession. All property distributed
pursuant to this section is unblocked,
provided that neither Cuba nor a Cuban
national (other than the decedent or a
person unblocked pursuant to
§ 515.505) has an interest in the
property.
Note to § 515.523: See § 515.570(f)(1) for a
general license authorizing funds deposited
in a blocked bank account in a banking
institution, as defined in § 515.314, as a
result of certain administration of decedents’
estates to be remitted to a national of Cuba.
11. Amend § 515.524 by revising
paragraphs (a) and (b), removing
paragraph (c), redesignating paragraph
(d) as paragraph (c), and adding a Note
to paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 515.524 Payment from and transactions
in the administration of certain trusts.
(a) Any bank or trust company
incorporated under the laws of the
United States, or of any State, territory,
possession, or district of the United
States, or any private bank subject to
supervision and examination under the
banking laws of any State of the United
States, acting as trustee of a trust created
by gift, donation, or bequest and
administered in the United States, in
which one or more persons who are
designated nationals have an interest,
beneficial or otherwise, or are cotrustees, is hereby authorized to engage
in the following transactions:
(1) Payments of distributive shares of
principal or income to all persons
legally entitled thereto.
(2) Other transactions arising in the
administration of such trust which
might be engaged in if no Cuban
national were a beneficiary or co-trustee
of such trust.
(b) This section does not authorize a
trustee to engage in any other
transaction at the request, or upon the
instructions, of any beneficiary or cotrustee of such trust or other person who
is a Cuban national.
Note to paragraph (b): See § 515.523 for a
general license authorizing transactions
incident to the administration of decedents’
estates. See § 515.570(f)(1) for a general
license authorizing funds deposited in a
blocked bank account in a banking
institution as a result of certain
administration of decedents’ estates to be
remitted to a national of Cuba.
*
*
*
*
*
12. Revise § 515.525 to read as
follows:
■
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§ 515.525 Certain transfers as a
consequence of the existence or change of
marital status authorized.
Any transfer of any dower, curtesy,
community property, or other interest of
any nature whatsoever, provided that
such transfer arises solely as a
consequence of the existence or change
of marital status, is authorized.
■ 13. Amend § 515.533 by revising
paragraph (d) to read as follows:
§ 515.533 Exportations from the United
States to Cuba; reexportations of 100%
U.S.-origin items to Cuba; negotiation of
executory contracts.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) General license for travel-related
transactions incident to exportation or
reexportation of certain items. The
travel-related transactions set forth in
§ 515.560(c) and such additional
transactions as are directly incident to
the conduct of market research,
commercial marketing, sales
negotiation, accompanied delivery,
installation, or servicing in Cuba of
items consistent with the export or
reexport licensing policy of the
Department of Commerce are
authorized, provided that the traveler’s
schedule of activities does not include
free time or recreation in excess of that
consistent with a full-time schedule.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 14. Amend § 515.542 by revising
paragraph (a), redesignating paragraphs
(e), (f), (g), and (h) as paragraphs (g), (h),
(i), and (j), adding new paragraphs (e)
and (f), and revising Notes 1 and 2 to
§ 515.542 to read as follows:
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§ 515.542 Mail and telecommunicationsrelated transactions.
(a) All transactions, including
payments, incident to the receipt or
transmission of mail and parcels
between the United States and Cuba are
authorized, provided that the
importation or exportation of such mail
and parcels is exempt from or
authorized pursuant to this part.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction
are authorized to enter into licensing
agreements related to services
authorized by paragraphs (b) through (d)
of this section, and to market such
services.
(f) Except for transactions prohibited
by § 515.208, persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction are authorized to engage in
all transactions necessary to establish
and maintain a business presence in
Cuba, including through subsidiaries,
branches, offices, joint ventures,
franchises, and agency or other business
relationships with any Cuban national,
and to enter into all necessary
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56921
agreements or arrangements with such
entity or individual, for the purpose of
engaging in the activities authorized in
paragraphs (b) through (e) of this
section.
*
*
*
*
*
transactions necessary to provide air
ambulance and related medical services,
including medical evacuation from
Cuba, for individual travelers in Cuba,
regardless of nationality or the purpose
of the individual’s travel to Cuba.
Note 1 to § 515.542: For an authorization
of travel-related transactions that are directly
incident to the conduct of market research,
commercial marketing, sales negotiation,
accompanied delivery, installation, or
servicing in Cuba of items consistent with the
export or reexport policy of the Department
of Commerce, see § 515.533(d). For an
authorization of travel-related transactions
that are directly incident to participation in
professional meetings, including where such
meetings relate to telecommunications
services or other activities authorized by
paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section, see
§ 515.564(a).
Note to paragraph (b): Persons providing
air ambulance services authorized by
paragraph (b) are authorized to carry persons
who are close relatives, as defined in
§ 515.539, of the subject of the evacuation.
Note 2 to § 515.542: For a general license
authorizing a physical presence in Cuba for
certain persons, see § 515.573. For an
authorization of certain internet-related
services, see § 515.578.
15. Revise § 515.544 to read as
follows:
■
§ 515.544
States.
Certain gifts sent to the United
The importation into the United
States of merchandise from Cuba or
Cuban-origin merchandise from a third
country intended as gifts is authorized,
provided that the value of the
merchandise is not more than $100; the
merchandise is of a type and in
quantities normally given as gifts
between individuals; the merchandise is
sent and not carried by a traveler
(including as accompanied or
unaccompanied baggage); and the
merchandise is not alcohol or tobacco
products.
Note to § 515.544: See § 515.533 for a
general license authorizing transactions
ordinarily incident to exports of items from
the United States that are licensed or
otherwise authorized by the Department of
Commerce, which may include gifts sent to
Cuba.
16. Revise § 515.548 to read as
follows:
■
§ 515.548 Overflight payments, emergency
landings, and air ambulance services
authorized.
(a) The receipt of, and payment of
charges for, services rendered by Cuba
or a Cuban national in connection with
overflights of Cuba or emergency
landings in Cuba by aircraft registered
in the United States or owned or
controlled by, or chartered to, persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction are
authorized.
(b) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction
are authorized to engage in all
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17. Amend § 515.550 by revising
paragraphs (a), (c), and (d), adding a
Note to paragraph (a), removing the
Note to paragraph (d), and adding
paragraph (e) to read as follows:
■
§ 515.550 Certain vessel transactions
authorized.
*
*
*
*
*
(a) Engaging or has engaged in trade
with Cuba authorized pursuant to this
part;
Note to paragraph (a): The authorization in
this paragraph includes, for example, trade
with Cuba authorized pursuant to §§ 515.533,
515.559, or 515.582, or by specific license.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) Engaging or has engaged in the
exportation or re-exportation to Cuba
from a third country of agricultural
commodities, medicine, or medical
devices that would be designated as
EAR99 under the Export Administration
Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 through
774), if they were located in the United
States;
(d) A foreign vessel that has entered
a port or place in Cuba while carrying
students, faculty, and staff that are
authorized to travel to Cuba pursuant to
§ 515.565(a); or
(e) Carrying or has carried persons
between the United States and Cuba or
within Cuba pursuant to the
authorization in § 515.572(a)(2) or, in
the case of a vessel used solely for
personal travel (and not transporting
passengers), pursuant to a license or
other authorization issued by the
Department of Commerce for the
exportation or reexportation of the
vessel to Cuba.
■ 18. Amend § 515.559 by revising
paragraph (d) and Note 2 to § 515.559 to
read as follows:
§ 515.559 Certain export and import
transactions by U.S.-owned or -controlled
foreign firms.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) General license. Travel-related
transactions set forth in § 515.560(c) and
such other transactions as are directly
incident to market research, commercial
marketing, sales negotiation,
accompanied delivery, installation, or
servicing of exports that are consistent
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with the licensing policy under
paragraph (a) of this section are
authorized, provided that the traveler’s
schedule of activities does not include
free time or recreation in excess of that
consistent with a full-time schedule.
*
*
*
*
*
Note 2 to § 515.559: See § 515.585 for
provisions related to certain transactions by
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction with
certain Cuban nationals in third countries.
19. Amend § 515.560 by revising
paragraph (c)(4), adding paragraph (c)(6)
and a Note to paragraph (c)(6), and
revising paragraph (d)(2) to read as
follows:
■
§ 515.560 Travel-related transactions to,
from, and within Cuba by persons subject
to U.S. jurisdiction.
*
*
*
*
(c) * * *
(4) Carrying remittances to Cuba. The
carrying to Cuba of any remittances that
the licensed traveler is authorized to
remit pursuant to § 515.570 is
authorized, provided that no
emigration-related remittances
authorized by § 515.570(e) are carried to
Cuba unless a U.S. immigration visa has
been issued for each payee and the
licensed traveler can produce the visa
recipients’ full names, dates of birth,
visa numbers, and visa dates of
issuance.
*
*
*
*
*
(6)(i) Opening and maintaining bank
accounts. All transactions incident to
the opening and maintenance of
accounts, including the deposit of funds
in such accounts by wire transfer, at a
financial institution in Cuba are
authorized, provided that such accounts
are used only while the traveler is
located in Cuba and for the purpose of
accessing funds in Cuba for transactions
authorized pursuant to, or exempt from,
this part.
(ii) Closing bank accounts. All
transactions incident to the closing of
accounts opened pursuant to the
authorization in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of
this section are authorized, provided
that any transfer of funds may only be
effected by wire transfer to an account
maintained at a depository institution,
as defined in § 515.533, that is a person
subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
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*
Note to paragraph (c)(6): Account(s)
authorized by this general license may only
be accessed while the account holder is
located in Cuba for travel authorized
pursuant to this part. The account(s) may not
be accessed or utilized by the account holder
unless the account holder is located in Cuba
and is engaging in authorized transactions.
The account(s) may be maintained but not
accessed while the account holder is located
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outside of Cuba other than for the purpose of
funding or closing the bank account as
authorized in paragraph (c)(6).
transactions, including the travel-related
transactions set forth in § 515.560(c),
that are related to the following
activities:
*
*
*
*
*
(d) * * *
(2) Funds received as remittances
pursuant to § 515.570 by the Cuban
national during his or her stay in the
United States; and
*
*
*
*
*
■ 20. Amend § 515.561 by revising
paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Note to paragraph (a)(5): See § 515.571(a)
for authorizations related to certain banking
transactions by Cuban nationals present in
the United States in a non-immigrant status
or pursuant to other non-immigrant travel
authorization issued by the U.S. government.
§ 515.561
*
Family visits.
(a) General license. Persons subject to
the jurisdiction of the United States and
persons traveling with them who share
a common dwelling as a family with
them are authorized to engage in the
travel-related transactions set forth in
§ 515.560(c) and such additional
transactions as are directly incident to:
visiting a close relative, as defined in
§ 515.339, who is a national of Cuba or
a person ordinarily resident in Cuba; or
visiting a close relative located in Cuba
or accompanying a close relative
traveling to Cuba pursuant to the
authorizations in § 515.562 (official
government business), § 515.563
(journalistic activity), § 515.564(a)
(professional research), § 515.565(a)(1)
through (4) and (6) (educational
activities), § 515.566 (religious
activities), § 515.575 (humanitarian
projects), or § 515.576 (activities of
private foundations or research or
educational institutes).
Note to paragraph (a): Each person relying
on the general authorization in this
paragraph must retain specific records
related to the authorized travel transactions.
See §§ 501.601 and 501.602 of this chapter
for applicable recordkeeping and reporting
requirements.
*
*
*
*
*
21. Amend § 515.565 by:
a. Revising the introductory text to
paragraph (a);
■ b. Revising the Note to paragraph
(a)(5);
■ c. Revising paragraph (a)(7);
■ d. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(8) and
(9) as (a)(11) and (12);
■ e. Adding new paragraphs (a)(8), (9),
and (10);
■ f. Revising newly redesignated
paragraphs (a)(11) and (12);
■ g. Revising Notes 1 and 2 to paragraph
(a); and
■ h. Adding Note 3 to paragraph (a) to
read as follows:
■
■
§ 515.565
Educational activities.
(a) General license for educational
activities. Persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction, including U.S. academic
institutions and their faculty, staff, and
students, are authorized to engage in
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*
*
*
*
(7) Sponsorship or co-sponsorship of
non commercial academic seminars,
conferences, symposia, and workshops
related to Cuba or global issues
involving Cuba and attendance at such
events by faculty, staff, and students of
a participating U.S. academic
institution;
(8) Establishment of academic
exchanges and joint non-commercial
academic research projects with
universities or academic institutions in
Cuba;
(9) Provision of standardized testing
services, including professional
certificate examinations, university
entrance examinations, and language
examinations, and related preparatory
services for such exams, to Cuban
nationals, wherever located;
(10) Provision of internet-based
courses, including distance learning and
Massive Open Online Courses, to Cuban
nationals, wherever located, provided
that the course content is at the
undergraduate level or below; or
(11) The organization of, and
preparation for, activities described in
paragraphs (a)(1) through (10) of this
section by employees or contractors of
the sponsoring organization that is a
person subject to U.S. jurisdiction;
(12) Facilitation by an organization
that is a person subject to U.S.
jurisdiction, or a member of the staff of
such an organization, of licensed
educational activities in Cuba on behalf
of U.S. academic institutions or
secondary schools, provided that:
(i) The organization is directly
affiliated with one or more U.S.
academic institutions or secondary
schools; and
(ii) The organization facilitates
educational activities that meet the
requirements of one or more of the
general licenses set forth in
§ 515.565(a)(1), (2), (3), and (6).
Note 1 to paragraph (a): See § 515.560(c)(6)
for an authorization for individuals to open
and maintain accounts at Cuban financial
institutions; see § 515.573 for an
authorization for entities conducting
educational activities authorized by
§ 515.565(a) to establish a physical presence
in Cuba, including an authorization to open
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and maintain accounts at Cuban financial
institutions.
Note 2 to paragraph (a): The authorization
in this paragraph extends to adjunct faculty
and part-time staff of U.S. academic
institutions. A student enrolled in a U.S.
academic institution is authorized pursuant
to § 515.565(a)(1) to participate in the
academic activities in Cuba described above
through any sponsoring U.S. academic
institution.
Note 3 to paragraph (a): The export or
reexport to Cuba of goods (including
software) or technology subject to the Export
Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts
730 through 774) may require separate
authorization from the Department of
Commerce.
*
*
*
*
*
22. Amend § 515.566 by revising the
Note to § 515.566 to read as follows:
■
§ 515.566
Religious activities in Cuba.
*
*
*
*
*
Note to § 515.566: See § 515.573 for an
authorization permitting religious
organizations engaging in activities
authorized pursuant to this section to
establish a physical presence in Cuba,
including an authorization to open and
maintain accounts at Cuban financial
institutions.
23. Amend § 515.570 by revising
paragraphs (b) and (f)(1), redesignating
paragraph (h) as paragraph (i), adding
new paragraph (h), and revising Note 2
to § 515.570 to read as follows:
■
§ 515.570
Remittances.
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*
*
*
*
*
(b) Donative remittances to Cuban
nationals authorized. Persons subject to
the jurisdiction of the United States are
authorized to make donative
remittances to Cuban nationals,
provided that:
(1) The remittances are not made from
a blocked source;
(2) The recipient is not a prohibited
official of the Government of Cuba, as
defined in § 515.337, or a prohibited
member of the Cuban Communist Party,
as defined in § 515.338;
(3) The remittances are not made for
emigration-related purposes.
Remittances for emigration-related
purposes are addressed by paragraph (e)
of this section; and
(4) The remitter, if an individual, is 18
years of age or older.
*
*
*
*
*
(f) * * *
(1) Funds deposited in a blocked
account in a banking institution, as
defined in § 515.314, in the United
States held in the name of, or in which
the beneficial interest is held by, a
national of Cuba as a result of a valid
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testamentary disposition, intestate
succession or payment from a life
insurance policy or annuity contract
triggered by the death of the policy or
contract holder may be remitted to that
national of Cuba, provided that the
remittances are not made for emigrationrelated purposes. Remittances for
emigration-related purposes are
addressed by paragraph (e) of this
section .
*
*
*
*
*
(h) Unblocking of certain previously
blocked remittances authorized.
Banking institutions, as defined in
§ 515.314, are authorized to engage in
all transactions necessary to unblock
and return remittances if they would
have qualified as authorized had they
been sent under current paragraph (b) of
this section, provided that persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction unblocking
remittances originally blocked on or
after August 25, 1997 pursuant to this
section must submit a report to the
Department of the Treasury, Office of
Foreign Assets Control, Attn: Sanctions
Compliance & Evaluation Division, 1500
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Annex,
Washington, DC 20220 within 10
business days from the date such
remittances are released. Such reports
shall include the following:
(1) Where available, a copy of the
original blocking report filed with
OFAC pursuant to § 501.603(b)(1) of this
chapter.
(2) The date the unblocked remittance
was released;
(3) The amount of funds unblocked;
(4) The name of the party to whom the
remittance was released; and
(5) A reference to this section as the
legal authority under which the
remittance was unblocked and returned.
*
*
*
*
*
Note 2 to § 515.570: For the rules relating
to the carrying of remittances to Cuba, see
§ 515.560(c)(4). See § 515.572 for an
authorization related to the collection,
forwarding, or receipt of certain remittances
to or from Cuba.
24. Amend § 515.571 by revising the
Note to paragraph (a)(5), redesignating
paragraphs (b) and (c) as paragraphs (c)
and (d), adding new paragraph (b), and
revising redesignated paragraph (c) to
read as follows:
■
§ 515.571 Certain transactions incident to
travel to, from, and within the United States
by Cuban nationals.
*
*
*
*
*
Note to paragraph (a)(5): This paragraph
authorizes depository institutions, as defined
in § 515.333, to open and maintain accounts
solely in the name of a Cuban national who
is present in the United States in a non-
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immigrant status or pursuant to other nonimmigrant travel authorization for use while
the Cuban national is located in the United
States in such status, and to close such
accounts prior to departure. See § 515.571(b)
for an authorization for depository
institutions to maintain accounts opened
pursuant to this paragraph while the Cuban
national is located outside the United States.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Maintenance of accounts opened
pursuant to paragraph (a)(5) of this
section while the Cuban-national
account holder is located outside the
United States is authorized, provided
that the Cuban-national account holder
may only access the account pursuant to
paragraph (a)(5) of this section when the
Cuban-national account holder is
lawfully present in the United States in
a non-immigrant status or pursuant to
other non-immigrant travel
authorization issued by the U.S.
government.
(c) Payments and transfers of credit in
the United States from blocked accounts
in domestic banking institutions held in
the name of a Cuban national who is
present in the United States in a nonimmigrant status or pursuant to other
non-immigrant travel authorization
issued by the U.S. government to or
upon the order of such Cuban national
are authorized, provided that such
payments and transfers of credit are
made only for the living, traveling, and
similar personal expenses in the United
States of such Cuban national or his or
her family, or other transactions
ordinarily incident to the Cuban
national’s presence in the United States
in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to
other non-immigrant travel
authorization issued by the U.S.
government.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 25. Amend § 515.572 by revising
paragraphs (a)(2) and (3), adding new
paragraph (a)(4), revising paragraph (c),
and adding a new Note to § 515.572 to
read as follows:
§ 515.572 Authorization to provide travel
services, carrier services, and remittance
forwarding services.
(a) * * *
(2) Authorization to provide carrier
services. Persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction are authorized to provide
carrier services, to, from, or within Cuba
in connection with travel or
transportation between the United
States and Cuba of persons, baggage, or
cargo authorized pursuant to this part.
*
*
*
*
*
(3) Authorization to provide
remittance forwarding services. Banking
institutions, as defined in § 515.314,
including U.S.-registered brokers or
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dealers in securities and U.S.-registered
money transmitters, are authorized to
provide services in connection with the
collection, forwarding, or receipt of
remittances authorized pursuant to this
part.
(4) Authorization to provide lodging
services. Persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction who are providing carrier
services by vessel authorized pursuant
to paragraph (a)(2) of this section are
authorized to provide lodging services
onboard such vessels to persons
authorized to travel to or from Cuba
pursuant to this part during the period
of time the vessel is traveling to, from,
or within Cuba, including when docked
at a port in Cuba.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) Specific licenses. Specific licenses
may be issued on a case-by-case basis
authorizing the provision of travel,
carrier, or remittance-forwarding
services other than those authorized by
paragraph (a) of this section.
rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Note to § 515.572: The following persons
may be transported between the United
States and Cuba by a person authorized to
provide carrier services:
(1) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction
who are traveling to or from Cuba
pursuant to a general license under one
of the 12 categories of travel listed in
§ 515.560 or under a specific license
from the Office of Foreign Assets
Control may be transported between the
United States and Cuba;
(2) Cuban nationals applying for
admission to the United States, as well
as third-country nationals, with a valid
visa or other travel authorization issued
by the U.S. government may be
transported to the United States from
Cuba;
(3) Cuban nationals present in the
United States in a non-immigrant status
or pursuant to other non-immigrant
travel authorization issued by the U.S.
government may be transported from
the United States to Cuba;
(4) Cuban nationals who have taken
up residence in the United States and
are licensed as unblocked nationals
pursuant to § 515.505(a)(1) are persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction and may be
transported between the United States
and Cuba if they meet the criteria set out
in (1) above; and
(5) An individual, including a foreign
national, who is traveling on official
business of the U.S. government, a
foreign government, or an
intergovernmental organization of
which the United States is a member or
in which the United States holds
observer status—including an employee,
contractor, or grantee of such
government or intergovernmental
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organization and any individual
traveling on a diplomatic passport, as
well as any close relative, as defined in
§ 515.339, accompanying the traveler—
may be transported between the United
States and Cuba.
■ 26. Revise § 515.573 to read as
follows:
§ 515.573 Physical presence in Cuba
authorized; Cuban news bureaus.
(a) All transactions necessary to
establish and maintain a physical
presence in Cuba by persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction to engage in
transactions authorized pursuant to or
exempt from the prohibitions of this
part that are identified in paragraph (b)
of this section are authorized, including
the following:
(1) Leasing physical premises,
including office, warehouse, classroom,
or retail outlet space, and securing
related goods and services, including for
use in and to pay fees related to the
operation of the physical premises;
(2) Marketing related to the physical
presence;
(3) Employment of Cuban nationals in
Cuba; and
(4) Employment of individuals who
are persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
Note to paragraph (a)(4): Individuals who
are employed pursuant to § 515.573(a)(4) are
authorized to engage in all transactions
necessary to establish domicile in Cuba,
including accessing U.S. assets, for the
duration of their employment.
(5)(i) Opening and maintaining bank
accounts at Cuban financial institutions
to engage in authorized transactions.
The opening and maintenance of
accounts, including the deposit of funds
in such accounts by wire transfer, at a
financial institution in Cuba, provided
that such accounts are used only for
transactions authorized pursuant to, or
exempt from, this part.
(ii) Closing bank accounts. The
closing of an account opened pursuant
to the authorization in paragraph
(a)(5)(i) of this section, provided that
any transfer of funds may only be
effected by wire transfer to an account
maintained at a depository institution,
as defined in § 515.333, that is a person
subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
Note to paragraph (a): Physical presence
includes through a local representative,
including an employee or contractor.
(b) The following persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction may engage in the
transactions authorized pursuant to
paragraph (a) of this section, provided
that such transactions may only be
engaged in to support transactions
authorized by or exempt from the
prohibitions of this part:
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(1) News bureaus whose primary
purpose is the gathering and
dissemination of news to the general
public authorized by paragraph (c) of
this section;
(2) Exporters of goods authorized for
export or reexport to Cuba by § 515.533
or § 515.559 or that are otherwise
exempt;
(3) Entities providing mail or parcel
transmission services authorized by
§ 515.542(a) or providing cargo
transportation services in connection
with trade involving Cuba authorized by
or exempt from the prohibitions of this
part;
(4) Providers of telecommunications
services authorized by § 515.542(b)
through (d) or persons engaged in
activities authorized by § 515.542(e);
(5) Entities organizing or conducting
educational activities authorized by
§ 515.565(a);
(6) Religious organizations engaging
in religious activities in Cuba
authorized by § 515.566;
(7) Providers of travel and carrier
services authorized by § 515.572; and
Note to paragraph (b)(7): This
authorization does not allow persons subject
to U.S. jurisdiction to establish a physical
presence in Cuba for the purpose of
providing lodging services in Cuba.
(8) Providers of services authorized by
§ 515.578.
(c) News bureaus. (1) All transactions
in Cuba related to the gathering and
dissemination of news to the general
public are authorized.
(2) Specific licenses may be issued
authorizing transactions necessary for
the establishment and operation of news
bureaus in the United States by Cuban
organizations whose primary purpose is
the gathering and dissemination of news
to the general public.
Note to § 515.573: The export or reexport
to Cuba of items subject to the Export
Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts
730 through 774) may require separate
authorization from the Department of
Commerce.
27. Amend § 515.575 by revising
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 515.575
Humanitarian projects.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Authorized humanitarian projects.
The following projects are authorized by
paragraph (a) of this section: medical
and health-related projects; construction
projects intended to benefit legitimately
independent civil society groups;
disaster relief; historical preservation;
environmental projects; projects
involving formal or non-formal
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educational training, within Cuba or offisland, on the following topics:
entrepreneurship and business, civil
education, journalism, advocacy and
organizing, adult literacy, or vocational
skills; community-based grassroots
projects; projects suitable to the
development of small-scale private
enterprise; projects that are related to
agricultural and rural development that
promote independent activity;
microfinancing projects, except for
loans, extensions of credit, or other
financing prohibited by § 515.208; and
projects to meet basic human needs.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 28. Amend § 515.578 by revising the
section heading and paragraphs (a)(2),
(a)(4), and (b)(1), redesignating
paragraph (c) as paragraph (f), and
adding new paragraphs (c), (d), and (e)
to read as follows:
rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
§ 515.578 Exportation, reexportation, and
importation of certain internet-based
services; importation of certain software.
(a)* * *
(2) Services related to certain
exportations and reexportations. To the
extent not authorized by paragraph
(a)(1) of this section or by § 515.533, the
exportation or reexportation of services,
including software design, business
consulting, and information technology
management services (including cloud
storage), that are related to the following
items, or of services to install, repair, or
replace such items, and training related
to installation, repair, or replacement of
such items:
(i) Items subject to the Export
Administration Regulations (15 CFR
part 730 through 774) (EAR). Items
exported or reexported to Cuba pursuant
to 15 CFR 740.19 (License Exception
Consumer Communication Devices
(License Exception CCD)), pursuant to
15 CFR 740.21(d)(4) (paragraph (d)(4) of
License Exception Support for the
Cuban People (License Exception SCP)),
or pursuant to an individual license
issued by the Department of Commerce
for the export of other consumer
communication devices that fall outside
License Exception CCD or commodities
or software used to develop software
that fall outside paragraph (d)(4) of
License Exception SCP;
(ii) Items not subject to the EAR
because they are of foreign origin and
are located outside the United States.
Items that are of a type described in
License Exception CCD provided that
the items would be designated EAR99 if
they were located in the United States
or would meet the criteria for
classification under the relevant ECCN
specified in License Exception CCD if
they were subject to the EAR or items
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of a type described in paragraph (d)(4)
of License Exception SCP, provided that
the items would be designated EAR99 or
controlled on the Commerce Control
List for anti-terrorism reasons only if
they were located in the United States;
and
(iii) Software not subject to the EAR
because it is described in 15 CFR
734.3(b)(3). Software not subject to the
EAR because it is described in 15 CFR
734.3(b)(3) that is exported, reexported,
or provided, directly or indirectly, by a
person subject to U.S. jurisdiction to
Cuba and that is of a type described in
License Exception CCD or paragraph
(d)(4) of License Exception SCP.
*
*
*
*
*
(4) Exportation, reexportation, or
provision of certain internet-based
services to certain end-users. (i) The
exportation or reexportation, directly or
indirectly, from the United States or by
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, to a
prohibited official of the Government of
Cuba, as defined in § 515.337, or a
prohibited member of the Cuban
Communist Party, as defined in
§ 515.338, of services described in
paragraphs (a)(1) or (2) of this section
provided that such services are widely
available to the public at no cost to the
user.
(ii) The exportation or reexportation,
directly or indirectly, from the United
States or by persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction, to organizations
administered or controlled by the
Government of Cuba or the Cuban
Communist Party of the following
services:
(A) Services described in paragraph
(a)(1) of this section, and
(B) Services described in paragraph
(a)(2) of this section provided that such
services are widely available to the
public at no cost to the user.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(1) The direct or indirect exportation
or reexportation of services with
knowledge or reason to know that such
services are intended for a prohibited
official of the Government of Cuba, as
defined in § 515.337, or a prohibited
member of the Cuban Communist Party,
as defined in § 515.338, or to
organizations administered or
controlled by the Government of Cuba
or the Cuban Communist Party, except
as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this
section.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) Licensing and marketing. Persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction are
authorized to enter into licensing
agreements related to services
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56925
authorized by paragraph (a) of this
section, and to market such services.
(d) Subsidiaries, joint ventures, and
other business arrangements. Except for
transactions prohibited by § 515.208,
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are
authorized to engage in all transactions
necessary to establish and maintain a
business presence in Cuba, including
through subsidiaries, branches, offices,
joint ventures, franchises, and agency or
other business relationships with any
Cuban national, and to enter into all
necessary agreements or arrangements
with such entity or individual, for the
purpose of engaging in the activities
authorized by paragraph (a) or (c) of this
section.
(e) Mobile applications. (1) The
importation into the United States of
Cuban-origin mobile applications is
authorized.
Note to paragraph (e)(1): This paragraph
does not authorize U.S.-owned or -controlled
firms in third countries to import goods of
Cuban origin into the authorized trade zone.
See § 515.559.
(2) The employment of Cuban
nationals to develop mobile
applications is authorized.
*
*
*
*
*
§ 515.582
[Amended]
29. Amend § 515.582 by removing
Note 1 to § 515.582 and redesignating
Note 2 to § 515.582 as Note 1 to
§ 515.582.
■ 30. Amend § 515.584 by adding
paragraph (e) to read as follows:
■
§ 515.584 Certain financial transactions
involving Cuba.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) Unblocking of certain previously
blocked funds transfers authorized. Any
depository institution, as defined in
§ 515.533, that is a person subject to
U.S. jurisdiction is authorized to
unblock and return to the originator or
originating financial institution or their
successor-in-interest previously blocked
funds transfers that could have been
rejected or processed pursuant to
paragraphs (d)(1) or (2) of this section,
§ 515.562(b), or § 515.579(b) if the
rejection or processing of those transfers
would have been authorized had they
been sent under the current text of those
provisions, provided that persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction unblocking
funds transfers originally blocked on or
after August 25, 1997, pursuant to this
section must submit a report to the
Department of the Treasury, Office of
Foreign Assets Control, Attn: Sanctions
Compliance & Evaluation Division, 1500
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Annex,
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Washington, DC 20220 within 10
business days from the date such funds
transfers are released. Such reports shall
include the following:
(1) Where available, a copy of the
original blocking report filed with
OFAC pursuant to § 501.603(b)(1) of this
chapter.
(2) The date the unblocked funds
transfer was released;
(3) The amount of funds unblocked;
(4) The name of the party to whom the
funds were released; and
(5) A reference to this section as the
legal authority under which the funds
transfer was unblocked and returned.
■ 31. Amend § 515.585 by revising the
section heading, designating the
undesignated paragraph as paragraph
(a), revising newly designated paragraph
(a), and adding paragraph (b) to read as
follows:
§ 515.585 Certain transactions with certain
Cuban nationals in third countries.
(a) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction
are authorized to provide goods and
services to a Cuban national located in
a third country who is an individual,
provided that the transaction does not
involve a commercial exportation,
directly or indirectly, of goods or
services to or from Cuba.
(b)(1) Opening and maintaining bank
accounts. Banking institutions, as
defined in § 515.314, are authorized to
open and maintain accounts, including
the deposit of funds in such accounts by
wire transfer, for a Cuban national
located in a third country who is an
individual, provided that such accounts
are used only while the Cuban national
is located outside of Cuba and may not
be used for transactions that involve a
commercial exportation of goods or
services to or from Cuba.
(2) Closing bank accounts. Banking
institutions, as defined in § 515.314, are
authorized to close an account opened
pursuant to the authorization in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 32. Amend § 515.586 by revising
paragraph (c) to read as follows:
§ 515.586 Cuban official missions in the
United States.
rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES
*
*
*
*
*
(c) Depository institutions, as defined
in § 515.333, are authorized to operate
accounts for, extend credit to, and
process funds transfers on behalf of the
official missions of the Government of
Cuba to the United States, and the
official missions of the Government of
Cuba to international organizations in
the United States, and employees
thereof, subject to the limitations in
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section
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and provided that any depository
institution making use of the
authorization in this section must
submit a report to the Department of the
Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets
Control, Attn: Sanctions Compliance &
Evaluation Division, 1500 Pennsylvania
Ave NW., Annex, Washington, DC
20220, no later than 30 days following
the establishment of the account. Such
report shall include the name and
address of the depository institution, the
name of the account holder, and the
account number.
Dated: September 16, 2015.
John E. Smith,
Acting Director, Office of Foreign Assets
Control.
33. Add § 515.587 to subpart E to read
as follows:
[Docket No. USCG–2015–0732]
§ 515.587 Remittances from Cuban
nationals to persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction.
Security Zone, Delaware River;
Philadelphia, PA
■
Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction
are authorized to receive remittances in
the United States from Cuban nationals,
wherever located, provided that the
remitter is not a prohibited official of
the Government of Cuba, as defined in
§ 515.337, or a prohibited member of the
Cuban Communist Party, as defined in
§ 515.338.
Note to § 515.587: See § 515.572 for an
authorization to provide services related to
the receipt of remittances authorized by this
section.
34. Add § 515.588 to subpart E to read
as follows:
■
§ 515.588 Certain Cuban legal services
authorized.
(a) All transactions, including
payments, ordinarily incident to receipt
of the following legal services from
Cuba or from a Cuban national are
authorized: legal advice and counseling
on the requirements of and compliance
with the laws of Cuba or any
jurisdiction within Cuba, provided that
such advice and counseling relate to
transactions authorized by or exempt
from the prohibitions of this part.
(b) The receipt of any other legal
services from Cuba or a Cuban national,
not otherwise authorized in this part,
requires the issuance of a specific
license.
35. Add § 515.589 to subpart E to read
as follows:
■
§ 515.589 Authorization of emergency
medical services.
The provision of nonscheduled
emergency medical services in the
United States to Cuban nationals is
authorized.
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4700
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[FR Doc. 2015–23587 Filed 9–18–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–AL–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
RIN 1625–AA87
Coast Guard, DHS.
Temporary final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard is
establishing security zones in the waters
of the Delaware River and Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia, PA. These zones
are intended to restrict vessels from
portions of the Delaware River and
Schuylkill River during the 2015 Papal
visit on September 26, 2015, and
September 27, 2015. During the
enforcement period, no unauthorized
vessels or people will be permitted to
enter or move within the security zones
without permission from the Captain of
the Port or his designated
representative. This security zone is
necessary to provide security for Pope
Francis.
SUMMARY:
This rule will be effective and
enforced from 6:00 a.m. on September
25, 2015, to 12:00 p.m. on September
28, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in
this preamble are part of docket [USCG–
2015–0732]. To view documents
mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to https://
www.regulations.gov, type the docket
number in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click
‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket
Folder on the line associated with this
rulemaking. You may also visit the
Docket Management Facility in Room
W12–140 on the ground floor of the
Department of Transportation West
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this rule, call or
email Lieutenant Brennan Dougherty,
U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Delaware Bay,
Chief Waterways Management Division,
Coast Guard; telephone (215) 271–4851,
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM
21SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 182 (Monday, September 21, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56915-56926]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23587]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of Foreign Assets Control
31 CFR Part 515
Cuban Assets Control Regulations
AGENCY: Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets
Control (OFAC) is amending the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to
further implement elements of the policy announced by the President on
December 17, 2014 to engage and empower the Cuban people. Among other
things, these amendments further facilitate travel to Cuba for
authorized purposes (including authorizing by general license the
provision of carrier services by vessel), expand the telecommunications
and Internet-based services general licenses, authorize certain persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction to establish a physical presence in Cuba,
allow certain additional persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to open
and maintain bank
[[Page 56916]]
accounts in Cuba to use for authorized purposes, allow certain
additional financial transactions (including removing the limit on
donative remittances to Cuba and unblocking certain previously blocked
remittances and funds transfers), authorize all persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to provide goods and services to Cuban national
individuals located outside of Cuba, and allow a number of other
activities related to, among other areas, legal services, imports of
gifts sent to the United States, and educational activities. These
amendments also implement certain technical and conforming changes.
DATES: Effective: September 21, 2015.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Department of the Treasury's
Office of Foreign Assets Control: Assistant Director for Licensing,
tel.: 202-622-2480, Assistant Director for Policy, tel.: 202-622-2746,
Assistant Director for Regulatory Affairs, tel.: 202-622-4855,
Assistant Director for Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation, tel.: 202-
622-2490; or the Department of the Treasury's Office of the Chief
Counsel (Foreign Assets Control), Office of the General Counsel, tel.:
202-622-2410.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic and Facsimile Availability
This document and additional information concerning OFAC are
available from OFAC's Web site (www.treasury.gov/ofac). Certain general
information pertaining to OFAC's sanctions programs also is available
via facsimile through a 24-hour fax-on-demand service, tel.: 202- 622-
0077.
Background
The Department of the Treasury issued the Cuban Assets Control
Regulations, 31 CFR part 515 (the ``Regulations''), on July 8, 1963,
under the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. 5 et seq.). OFAC
has amended the Regulations on numerous occasions.
Most recently, on January 16, 2015, OFAC amended the Regulations,
in a coordinated action with the Department of Commerce, to implement
certain policy measures announced by the President on December 17, 2014
to further engage and empower the Cuban people (the ``January 2015
amendments''). OFAC's January 2015 amendments facilitated travel to
Cuba for authorized purposes, facilitated the provision by travel
agents and airlines of authorized travel and carrier services and the
forwarding by certain entities of authorized remittances, raised the
limit on certain categories of remittances to Cuba, allowed U.S.
financial institutions to open correspondent accounts at Cuban
financial institutions to facilitate the processing of authorized
transactions, authorized certain transactions with Cuban nationals
located outside of Cuba, and allowed a number of other activities
related to, among other areas, telecommunications, financial services,
trade, and shipping.
Today, OFAC and the Department of Commerce are taking additional
coordinated actions in support of the President's Cuba policy. OFAC is
amending the Regulations to further implement certain policy measures
announced by the President on December 17, 2014 to engage and empower
the Cuban people. Among other things, these amendments further
facilitate travel to Cuba for authorized purposes (including
authorizing by general license the provision of carrier services by
vessel), expand the telecommunications and Internet-based services
general licenses, authorize certain persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to establish a physical presence in Cuba to facilitate
authorized transactions, allow certain additional persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction to open and maintain bank accounts in Cuba to use for
authorized purposes, allow certain additional financial transactions
(including removing the limit on donative remittances to Cuba and
unblocking certain previously blocked remittances and funds transfers),
authorize all persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide goods and
services to Cuban national individuals located outside of Cuba, and
allow a number of other activities related to, among other areas, legal
services, imports of gifts sent to the United States, and educational
activities. These amendments also implement certain technical and
conforming changes.
Travel and Related Services
Carrier service by vessel and certain lodging services. OFAC is
amending section 515.572 to authorize persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to provide carrier services by vessel, without the need
for specific licenses from OFAC, and to add an authorization to provide
certain lodging services aboard such vessels in connection with such
transportation. OFAC also is adding a note to section 515.572 to
clarify which categories of persons may be transported between Cuba and
the United States.
Family visits. OFAC is amending section 515.561 to allow persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction and persons traveling with them who share
a common dwelling as a family to visit a close relative located in Cuba
or accompany a close relative traveling to Cuba pursuant to sections
515.562 (official government business), 515.563 (journalistic
activity), 515.564(a) (professional research), 515.565(a)(1) through
(4) and (6) (educational activities), 515.566 (religious activities),
515.575 (humanitarian projects), or 515.576 (activities of private
foundations or research or educational institutes). OFAC is also
removing a restriction requiring that the authorized traveler being
visited or accompanied must be in Cuba for more than 60 days if that
traveler is located in Cuba pursuant to section 515.565(a)(1)-(4).
Bank accounts for authorized travelers. OFAC is amending section
515.560 to allow all authorized travelers to open and maintain bank
accounts in Cuba in order to access funds while located in Cuba for
authorized transactions, and to close such accounts.
Telecommunications and Internet-based Services
Subsidiaries, joint ventures, and other business relationships with
Cuban individuals and entities. In order to further enhance the free
flow of information to, from, and among the Cuban people and to better
provide efficient and adequate telecommunications services between the
United States and Cuba, OFAC is amending sections 515.542 and 515.578
to authorize persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to establish and
maintain a business presence in Cuba, including through subsidiaries,
branches, offices, joint ventures, franchises, and agency or other
business relationships with any Cuban individual or entity, to provide
authorized telecommunications and internet-based services. OFAC is also
authorizing persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to enter into
licensing agreements related to services authorized by section
515.542(b) through (d) and section 515.578(a), and to market such
services. OFAC is amending section 515.505 to unblock any entity,
office, or other sub-unit established pursuant to sections 515.542 and
515.578.
Mobile applications. To further enhance the free flow of
information to, from, and among the Cuban people, OFAC is adding a
provision in section 515.578 to authorize the importation into the
United States of Cuban-origin mobile applications. In addition, OFAC is
authorizing the employment of Cuban nationals by persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction to develop such mobile applications.
Additional internet-based services and services related to
additional authorized exports. In the January 2015
[[Page 56917]]
amendments, OFAC authorized services beyond those authorized in section
515.533 related to items exported pursuant to the Commerce Department's
License Exception Consumer Communications Devices (CCD), certain non-
U.S.-origin items located outside the United States, and certain
software not subject to the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR
part 730 et seq.). These services include software design, business
consulting, information technology management, and other services to
install, repair, and replace such items. OFAC is amending section
515.578 to expand the permitted services to include training related to
the installation, repair, or replacement of such items. OFAC also is
expanding the authorization to extend to services related to exports of
consumer communications devices not eligible for License Exception CCD
but authorized pursuant to an individual license from the Department of
Commerce and to services related to exports authorized pursuant to the
Commerce Department's License Exception Support for the Cuban People
(SCP) of certain commodities and software that will be used by
individuals or private sector entities to develop software that will
improve the free flow of information or that will support certain
private sector activities. OFAC also is amending section 515.578 to
authorize persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to provide services
related to all such items that were exported to Cuba from a third
country. OFAC is removing a restriction relating to organizations
administered or controlled by the Government of Cuba or the Cuban
Communist Party with respect to certain internet-based services (such
as instant messaging, chat and email, and social networking) authorized
pursuant to section 515.578(a)(1), while maintaining this restriction
on provision of these services to prohibited officials of the
Government of Cuba and prohibited members of the Cuban Communist Party.
Physical Presence in Cuba
Physical presence in Cuba for certain persons. OFAC is amending
section 515.573 to authorize certain persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to establish a physical presence, such as an office or
other facility, in Cuba, to facilitate authorized transactions. This
authorization covers the following: news bureaus; exporters of goods
authorized for export pursuant to sections 515.533 or 515.559;
providers of authorized mail and parcel transmission services and cargo
transportation services; providers of telecommunications or internet-
based services; entities organizing or conducting certain educational
activities; religious organizations; and providers of travel and
carrier services. In addition, OFAC is authorizing these individuals
and entities to open and maintain bank accounts at financial
institutions in Cuba for use for authorized transactions, and to close
such accounts. The prior provisions in this section authorizing certain
transactions by news organizations have been fully incorporated into
the revised section. OFAC is also amending section 515.505 to unblock
any entity, office, or other sub-unit established pursuant to section
515.573, as well as to unblock any individual authorized to establish
domicile in Cuba pursuant to section 515.573(a)(4).
Financial Transactions
Remittances. OFAC is amending section 515.570(b) to remove the
limitation on donative remittances to Cuban nationals who are not
prohibited officials of the Government of Cuba or prohibited members of
the Cuban Communist Party. OFAC also is amending section
515.560(c)(4)(i) to remove the limitation on certain authorized
remittances that authorized travelers may carry to Cuba, and section
515.560(d)(2) to remove the limitation on the amount of remittances
that a Cuban national permanently resident in Cuba who is departing the
United States may carry to Cuba.
Unblocking of certain previously blocked remittances and funds
transfers. Prior to the January 2015 amendments, banks were required to
block remittances exceeding the then $500 per quarter limit on
authorized periodic remittances to non-family members. Following the
January 2015 amendments, banks were required to block remittances
exceeding the revised $2,000 per quarter limit on authorized periodic
remittances to non-family members. OFAC is issuing a new general
license in section 515.570(h) authorizing the unblocking and return of
such blocked remittances, provided they would be authorized under the
current regulations. Similarly, OFAC is adding a new general license in
section 515.584(e) authorizing the unblocking and return of previously
blocked funds transfers that could have been rejected or processed
pursuant to section 515.584(d)(1) or (d)(2) (certain wire transfers),
section 515.562(b) (official business of the U.S. government, foreign
governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations), or section
515.579(b) (funds transfers for third-country official missions and
certain intergovernmental organizations), if those transfers could be
rejected or processed under current regulations. Persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction unblocking funds transfers pursuant to these
authorizations must provide a report to OFAC within 10 business days
from the date such funds transfers are released.
Account access for Cuban nationals present in the United States.
Section 515.571 previously authorized depository institutions to open
and maintain accounts for a Cuban national who was present in the
United States in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to other non-
immigrant travel authorization, subject to the requirement that
accounts not closed prior to the departure of the Cuban national from
the United States be blocked. OFAC is amending section 515.571 to add
an authorization for depository institutions to maintain these accounts
while the Cuban-national account holder is located outside the United
States, provided that the account holder may only access the account
while lawfully present in the United States. In addition, prior to
today's amendments, section 515.571 established a $250 cap on payments
from blocked accounts held by Cuban nationals in the United States in a
non-immigrant status to use for living expenses. OFAC is amending
section 515.571 to remove this cap to more adequately allow Cuban
nationals lawfully present in the United States to access sufficient
funds for living expenses or other transactions ordinarily incident to
their presence in the United States in a non-immigrant status or
pursuant to other non-immigrant travel authorization issued by the U.S.
government.
Remittances from Cuba to the United States. OFAC is adding a new
general license in section 515.587 authorizing remittances from Cuba or
from certain Cuban nationals located in third countries to the United
States. OFAC is making a conforming change to section 515.572(a)(3) to
authorize banking institutions, including U.S.-registered brokers and
dealers in securities and U.S.-registered money transmitters, to
provide services in connection with the receipt of such remittances.
Estate-related transactions. Prior to today's amendments, a
specific license was required for certain estate-related transactions
that were not generally licensed, including to unblock shares of a
Cuban estate for a U.S. beneficiary and remit the estate of a person
subject to U.S. jurisdiction to a Cuban national who is not a close
relative. OFAC is now expanding a general license in section
[[Page 56918]]
515.523 related to administering decedents' estates and a general
license in section 515.570(f) to allow the unblocking of, and
remittances related to, estates in which a Cuban national has an
interest. OFAC is removing section 515.522 and substantially revising
section 515.524 because most transactions previously described in those
sections are now authorized by general license. OFAC is also making
conforming edits to sections 515.407 and 515.525.
Commercial Transactions
Provision of goods and services to Cuban nationals located in a
third country. OFAC is amending section 515.585 to expand the existing
authorization to allow all persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to
provide goods and services to Cuban national individuals located in a
third country. In addition, OFAC is adding an authorization to allow
banking institutions to open, maintain, and close bank accounts for
such Cuban nationals.
Other Amendments
Legal services. OFAC is amending section 515.512 to generally
authorize receipt of payment for the provision of authorized legal
services to Cuba or a Cuban national other than prohibited officials of
the Government of Cuba and prohibited members of the Cuban Communist
Party. In addition, recent amendments to certain OFAC sanctions
programs have included general licenses authorizing payments from funds
outside the United States for legal services provided to blocked
individuals, subject to certain conditions. OFAC is adding this general
license in section 515.512(e) to authorize payments from outside the
United States for the provision of authorized legal services to or on
behalf of prohibited officials of the Government of Cuba and prohibited
members of the Cuban Communist Party. OFAC also is adding a new
authorization in section 515.588 to permit persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to receive, and make payments for, certain legal services
from Cuba or Cuban nationals, subject to certain conditions.
Gift imports sent to the United States. OFAC is amending section
515.544 to generally authorize the importation into the United States
of merchandise from Cuba or Cuban-origin merchandise from a third
country intended as gifts provided that the value of the merchandise is
not more than $100, the merchandise is of a type and in quantities
normally given as gifts between individuals, the merchandise is sent
and not carried by a traveler, and the merchandise is not alcohol or
tobacco products.
Educational activities. OFAC is expanding the general license in
section 515.565 to allow additional educational activities that are
authorized in other sanctions programs administered by OFAC, including
the provision of standardized testing services and internet-based
courses to Cuban nationals, as well as to authorize U.S. and Cuban
universities to engage in academic exchanges and joint non-commercial
academic research.
Ordinarily incident transactions. OFAC is issuing interpretive
guidance in new section 515.421 to clarify that, with certain
exceptions, transactions ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction
and necessary to give effect thereto are also authorized. In response
to public inquiries, OFAC is providing a specific example in this
section to clarify that ordinarily incident transactions include
payments made using online payment platforms for authorized
transactions.
Air ambulances and emergency medical services. OFAC has had a
favorable specific licensing policy and has authorized on a case-by-
case and expedited basis air ambulances to travel to and from Cuba and
to evacuate individuals requiring medical care. In such exigent
circumstances, OFAC has allowed U.S. medical and other essential
personnel to provide services to individual travelers in need of
medical attention, regardless of nationality or the purpose of the
individual's travel to Cuba. OFAC is amending section 515.548 to
generally authorize such services. To clarify the availability of
nonscheduled emergency medical services in the United States, OFAC also
is adding a new general license in section 515.589.
Humanitarian projects. OFAC is amending section 515.575 to
explicitly include disaster relief and historical preservation as
authorized humanitarian projects.
Cuban official missions. OFAC is amending section 515.586 to
authorize funds transfers on behalf of official missions of the
Government of Cuba in the United States.
Technical and Conforming Amendments. OFAC also is making a number
of technical and conforming amendments. Among other things, OFAC is
amending sections 515.533(d) and 515.559(d) to make explicit that those
authorizations extend to such additional transactions as are directly
incident to the installation in Cuba of items consistent with the
export or reexport licensing policy of the Department of Commerce, and
amending section 515.533(d) by removing the reference to ``sales'' to
clarify that the authorization applies to transactions related to
donated exports. OFAC is amending section 515.550 to waive vessel
restrictions for vessels engaging in authorized trade in imports,
including those from Cuban entrepreneurs, and carrying persons engaging
in authorized travel between the United States and Cuba, and making a
conforming change to the Note to section 515.207.
Public Participation
Because the amendments of the Regulations involve a foreign affairs
function, Executive Order 12866 and the provisions of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) requiring notice of
proposed rulemaking, opportunity for public participation, and delay in
effective date are inapplicable. Because no notice of proposed
rulemaking is required for this rule, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601-612) does not apply.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The collections of information related to the Regulations are
contained in 31 CFR part 501 (the ``Reporting, Procedures and Penalties
Regulations'') and section 515.572 of this part. Pursuant to the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), those collections of
information will be covered by the Office of Management and Budget
under control numbers 1505-0164, 1505-0167, and 1505-0168. An agency
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to,
a collection of information unless the collection of information
displays a valid control number.
List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 515
Administrative practice and procedure, Banking, Blocking of assets,
Carrier services, Cuba, Financial transactions, Remittances, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements, Telecommunications, Travel
restrictions.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Department of the
Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control amends 31 CFR part 515 as
set forth below:
PART 515--CUBAN ASSETS CONTROL REGULATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for part 515 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2370(a), 6001-6010, 7201-7211; 31 U.S.C.
321(b); 50 U.S.C. App 1-44; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890 (28
[[Page 56919]]
U.S.C. 2461 note); Pub. L. 104-114, 110 Stat. 785 (22 U.S.C. 6021-
6091); Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681; Pub. L. 111-8, 123 Stat.
524; Pub. L. 111-117, 123 Stat. 3034; E.O. 9193, 7 FR 5205, 3 CFR,
1938-1943 Comp., p. 1174; E.O. 9989, 13 FR 4891, 3 CFR, 1943-1948
Comp., p. 748; Proc. 3447, 27 FR 1085, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p.
157; E.O. 12854, 58 FR 36587, 3 CFR, 1993 Comp., p. 614.
Subpart B--Prohibitions
0
2. Amend Sec. 515.207 by revising the Note to Sec. 515.207 to read as
follows.
Sec. 515.207 Entry of vessels engaged in trade with Cuba.
* * * * *
Note to Sec. 515.207: For the waiver of the prohibitions
contained in this section for vessels engaged in certain trade and
travel with Cuba, see Sec. 515.550.
Subpart D--Interpretations
0
3. Revise Sec. 515.407 to read as follows.
Sec. 515.407 Administration of blocked estates of decedents.
With respect to transactions incident to the administration of the
blocked estate of a decedent, including the appointment and
qualification of personal representatives, the collection and
liquidation of assets, the payment of claims, and distribution to
beneficiaries, attention is directed to Sec. 515.523, which authorizes
all transactions incident to the administration and distribution of the
assets of blocked estates of decedents.
0
4. Amend Sec. 515.415 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.415 Travel to Cuba; transportation of certain Cuban
nationals.
* * * * *
(b) Transactions incident to the travel to the United States of
Cuban nationals who are traveling other than in a non-immigrant status
or pursuant to other non-immigrant travel authorization issued by the
U.S. government are not authorized under the provisions of Sec.
515.571.
* * * * *
0
5. Add Sec. 515.421 to subpart D to read as follows:
Sec. 515.421 Transactions ordinarily incident to a licensed
transaction.
(a) Any transaction ordinarily incident to a licensed transaction
and necessary to give effect thereto is also authorized, except:
(1) A transaction by or with a prohibited official of the
Government of Cuba, as defined in Sec. 515.337, or a prohibited member
of the Cuban Communist Party, as defined in Sec. 515.338, where the
terms of the applicable general or specific license expressly exclude
transactions with such persons;
(2) A transaction involving a debit to a blocked account or a
transfer of blocked property that is not explicitly authorized within
the terms of the license;
(3) A transaction prohibited by Sec. 515.208; or
(4) In the case of export or reexport-related transactions
authorized by Sec. 515.533(a), payment or financing that is not
explicitly authorized by that section.
Note to paragraph (a)(4): See Sec. 515.533(a)(2) for payment
and financing terms for exportations or reexportations authorized
pursuant to Sec. 515.533.
(b) Examples. (1) A specific license authorizing a person to
complete a securities sale involving Cuban Company A, whose property
and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this part, also
authorizes other persons to engage in activities that are ordinarily
incident and necessary to complete the sale, including transactions by
the buyer, broker, transfer agents, and banks.
(2) A general license authorizing a person to import certain goods
from independent Cuban entrepreneurs also authorizes funds transfers or
payments that are ordinarily incident to the importation, including
payments made using online payment platforms.
Subpart E--Licenses, Authorizations, and Statements of Licensing
Policy
0
6. Amend Sec. 515.502 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.502 Effect of subsequent license or authorization.
* * * * *
(b) No regulation, ruling, instruction, or license authorizes a
transaction prohibited under this part unless the regulation, ruling,
instruction, or license is issued by the Treasury Department and
specifically refers to this part.
0
7. Amend Sec. 515.505 by revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (3) and adding
paragraphs (a)(4) and (5) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.505 Certain Cuban nationals unblocked.
(a) * * *
(2) Any individual national of Cuba who has taken up permanent
residence outside of Cuba, provided that the required documentation
specified in paragraph (c) of this section is obtained and the
individual is not a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba, as
defined in Sec. 515.337, or a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist
Party, as defined in Sec. 515.338;
(3) Any entity that otherwise would be a national of Cuba solely
because of the interest therein of one or more persons licensed in this
paragraph (a) as an unblocked national;
(4) Any entity, office, or other sub-unit authorized pursuant to
Sec. Sec. 515.542, 515.573, or 515.578; and
(5) Any individual authorized to establish domicile in Cuba
pursuant to Sec. 515.573(a)(4).
* * * * *
0
8. Revise Sec. 515.512 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.512 Provision of certain legal services authorized.
(a) The provision of the following legal services to or on behalf
of Cuba or a Cuban national is authorized, provided that receipt of
payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses
must be authorized by or pursuant to paragraph (d) or (e) of this
section, or otherwise authorized pursuant to this part:
(1) Provision of legal advice and counseling on the requirements of
and compliance with the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction
within the United States, provided that such advice and counseling are
not provided to facilitate transactions in violation of this part;
(2) Representation of persons named as defendants in or otherwise
made parties to legal, arbitration, or administrative proceedings
before any U.S. federal, state, or local court or agency;
(3) Initiation and conduct of legal, arbitration, or administrative
proceedings before any U.S. federal, state, or local court or agency;
(4) Representation of persons before any U.S. federal, state, or
local court or agency with respect to the imposition, administration,
or enforcement of U.S. sanctions against such persons; and
(5) Provision of legal services in any other context in which
prevailing U.S. law requires access to legal counsel at public expense.
(b) The provision of any other legal services to Cuba or a Cuban
national, not otherwise authorized in this part, requires the issuance
of a specific license.
(c) Entry into a settlement agreement or the enforcement of any
lien, judgment, arbitral award, decree, or other order through
execution, garnishment, or other judicial process purporting to
transfer or otherwise alter or affect property in which Cuba or a Cuban
national has had an interest at any time on or since 12:01 a.m.,
Eastern Standard Time, July 8, 1963, is
[[Page 56920]]
prohibited unless licensed pursuant to this part.
(d) Receipts of payment--(1) Legal services to or on behalf of
certain blocked persons. All receipts of payment of professional fees
and reimbursement of incurred expenses for the provision of legal
services authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section to or on
behalf of a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba, as defined
in Sec. 515.337, or a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party,
as defined in Sec. 515.338, must be specifically licensed or otherwise
authorized pursuant to Sec. 515.512(e), which authorizes certain
payments from funds originating outside the United States.
(2) Legal services to or on behalf of all others. All receipts of
payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses for
the provision of legal services authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this section to or on behalf of Cuba or a Cuban national, other than
those described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, are authorized,
except that nothing in this section authorizes the debiting of any
blocked account or the transfer of any blocked property.
(e) Payments for legal services from funds originating outside the
United States authorized. Receipts of payment of professional fees and
reimbursement of incurred expenses for the provision of legal services
authorized pursuant to Sec. 515.512(a) to or on behalf of a prohibited
official of the Government of Cuba, as defined in Sec. 515.337, or a
prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party, as defined in Sec.
515.338, are authorized from funds originating outside the United
States, provided that:
(1) The funds received by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction as
payment of professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses for
the provision of legal services authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this section do not originate from:
(i) A source within the United States;
(ii) Any source, wherever located, within the possession or control
of a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction; or
(iii) Any person, other than the person on whose behalf the legal
services authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section are to be
provided, whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant
to any part of this chapter other than part 515.
(2) Reports. (i) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who receive
payments in connection with legal services authorized pursuant to
paragraph (a) of this section must submit annual reports no later than
30 days following the end of the calendar year during which the
payments were received providing information on the funds received.
Such reports shall specify:
(A) The individual or entity from whom the funds originated and the
amount of funds received; and
(B) If applicable:
(1) The names of any individuals or entities providing related
services to the person subject to U.S. jurisdiction receiving payment
in connection with authorized legal services, such as private
investigators or expert witnesses;
(2) A general description of the services provided; and
(3) The amount of funds paid in connection with such services.
(ii) The reports, which must reference this section, are to be
mailed to: Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets
Control, Attn: Licensing Division, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Annex,
Washington, DC 20220.
Note 1 to Sec. 515.512: Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction
who receive payments in connection with legal services authorized
pursuant to Sec. 515.512(a) do not need to obtain specific
authorization to contract for related services that are ordinarily
incident to the provision of those legal services, such as those
provided by private investigators or expert witnesses, or to pay for
such services. This does not authorize the hiring of Cuban
nationals. Additionally, persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction do not
need to obtain specific authorization to provide related services
that are ordinarily incident to the provision of legal services
authorized pursuant to Sec. 515.512(a).
Note 2 to Sec. 515.512: See Sec. Sec. 515.527 and 515.528 for
general licenses authorizing fees due to attorneys in connection
with certain intellectual property-related transactions. See Sec.
515.588 for a general license authorizing the receipt of, and
payment for, certain legal services from Cuba or a Cuban national.
Sec. 515.522 [Removed and Reserved]
0
9. Remove and reserve Sec. 515.522.
0
10. Revise Sec. 515.523 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.523 Transactions incident to the administration of
decedents' estates.
All transactions incident to the administration and distribution of
the assets of a blocked estate of a decedent are authorized. Such
transactions include the appointment and qualification of a personal
representative in the United States or Cuba, collection and
preservation of assets by a personal representative and associated
fees, payment of funeral expenses and expenses of the last illness,
transfer of title, and distribution of assets pursuant to a valid
testamentary disposition or intestate succession. All property
distributed pursuant to this section is unblocked, provided that
neither Cuba nor a Cuban national (other than the decedent or a person
unblocked pursuant to Sec. 515.505) has an interest in the property.
Note to Sec. 515.523: See Sec. 515.570(f)(1) for a general
license authorizing funds deposited in a blocked bank account in a
banking institution, as defined in Sec. 515.314, as a result of
certain administration of decedents' estates to be remitted to a
national of Cuba.
0
11. Amend Sec. 515.524 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b), removing
paragraph (c), redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (c), and adding
a Note to paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.524 Payment from and transactions in the administration of
certain trusts.
(a) Any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the
United States, or of any State, territory, possession, or district of
the United States, or any private bank subject to supervision and
examination under the banking laws of any State of the United States,
acting as trustee of a trust created by gift, donation, or bequest and
administered in the United States, in which one or more persons who are
designated nationals have an interest, beneficial or otherwise, or are
co-trustees, is hereby authorized to engage in the following
transactions:
(1) Payments of distributive shares of principal or income to all
persons legally entitled thereto.
(2) Other transactions arising in the administration of such trust
which might be engaged in if no Cuban national were a beneficiary or
co-trustee of such trust.
(b) This section does not authorize a trustee to engage in any
other transaction at the request, or upon the instructions, of any
beneficiary or co-trustee of such trust or other person who is a Cuban
national.
Note to paragraph (b): See Sec. 515.523 for a general license
authorizing transactions incident to the administration of
decedents' estates. See Sec. 515.570(f)(1) for a general license
authorizing funds deposited in a blocked bank account in a banking
institution as a result of certain administration of decedents'
estates to be remitted to a national of Cuba.
* * * * *
0
12. Revise Sec. 515.525 to read as follows:
[[Page 56921]]
Sec. 515.525 Certain transfers as a consequence of the existence or
change of marital status authorized.
Any transfer of any dower, curtesy, community property, or other
interest of any nature whatsoever, provided that such transfer arises
solely as a consequence of the existence or change of marital status,
is authorized.
0
13. Amend Sec. 515.533 by revising paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.533 Exportations from the United States to Cuba;
reexportations of 100% U.S.-origin items to Cuba; negotiation of
executory contracts.
* * * * *
(d) General license for travel-related transactions incident to
exportation or reexportation of certain items. The travel-related
transactions set forth in Sec. 515.560(c) and such additional
transactions as are directly incident to the conduct of market
research, commercial marketing, sales negotiation, accompanied
delivery, installation, or servicing in Cuba of items consistent with
the export or reexport licensing policy of the Department of Commerce
are authorized, provided that the traveler's schedule of activities
does not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent
with a full-time schedule.
* * * * *
0
14. Amend Sec. 515.542 by revising paragraph (a), redesignating
paragraphs (e), (f), (g), and (h) as paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j),
adding new paragraphs (e) and (f), and revising Notes 1 and 2 to Sec.
515.542 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.542 Mail and telecommunications-related transactions.
(a) All transactions, including payments, incident to the receipt
or transmission of mail and parcels between the United States and Cuba
are authorized, provided that the importation or exportation of such
mail and parcels is exempt from or authorized pursuant to this part.
* * * * *
(e) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to enter
into licensing agreements related to services authorized by paragraphs
(b) through (d) of this section, and to market such services.
(f) Except for transactions prohibited by Sec. 515.208, persons
subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to engage in all
transactions necessary to establish and maintain a business presence in
Cuba, including through subsidiaries, branches, offices, joint
ventures, franchises, and agency or other business relationships with
any Cuban national, and to enter into all necessary agreements or
arrangements with such entity or individual, for the purpose of
engaging in the activities authorized in paragraphs (b) through (e) of
this section.
* * * * *
Note 1 to Sec. 515.542: For an authorization of travel-related
transactions that are directly incident to the conduct of market
research, commercial marketing, sales negotiation, accompanied
delivery, installation, or servicing in Cuba of items consistent
with the export or reexport policy of the Department of Commerce,
see Sec. 515.533(d). For an authorization of travel-related
transactions that are directly incident to participation in
professional meetings, including where such meetings relate to
telecommunications services or other activities authorized by
paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section, see Sec. 515.564(a).
Note 2 to Sec. 515.542: For a general license authorizing a
physical presence in Cuba for certain persons, see Sec. 515.573.
For an authorization of certain internet-related services, see Sec.
515.578.
0
15. Revise Sec. 515.544 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.544 Certain gifts sent to the United States.
The importation into the United States of merchandise from Cuba or
Cuban-origin merchandise from a third country intended as gifts is
authorized, provided that the value of the merchandise is not more than
$100; the merchandise is of a type and in quantities normally given as
gifts between individuals; the merchandise is sent and not carried by a
traveler (including as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage); and the
merchandise is not alcohol or tobacco products.
Note to Sec. 515.544: See Sec. 515.533 for a general license
authorizing transactions ordinarily incident to exports of items
from the United States that are licensed or otherwise authorized by
the Department of Commerce, which may include gifts sent to Cuba.
0
16. Revise Sec. 515.548 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.548 Overflight payments, emergency landings, and air
ambulance services authorized.
(a) The receipt of, and payment of charges for, services rendered
by Cuba or a Cuban national in connection with overflights of Cuba or
emergency landings in Cuba by aircraft registered in the United States
or owned or controlled by, or chartered to, persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction are authorized.
(b) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to engage
in all transactions necessary to provide air ambulance and related
medical services, including medical evacuation from Cuba, for
individual travelers in Cuba, regardless of nationality or the purpose
of the individual's travel to Cuba.
Note to paragraph (b): Persons providing air ambulance services
authorized by paragraph (b) are authorized to carry persons who are
close relatives, as defined in Sec. 515.539, of the subject of the
evacuation.
0
17. Amend Sec. 515.550 by revising paragraphs (a), (c), and (d),
adding a Note to paragraph (a), removing the Note to paragraph (d), and
adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.550 Certain vessel transactions authorized.
* * * * *
(a) Engaging or has engaged in trade with Cuba authorized pursuant
to this part;
Note to paragraph (a): The authorization in this paragraph
includes, for example, trade with Cuba authorized pursuant to
Sec. Sec. 515.533, 515.559, or 515.582, or by specific license.
* * * * *
(c) Engaging or has engaged in the exportation or re-exportation to
Cuba from a third country of agricultural commodities, medicine, or
medical devices that would be designated as EAR99 under the Export
Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 through 774), if they were
located in the United States;
(d) A foreign vessel that has entered a port or place in Cuba while
carrying students, faculty, and staff that are authorized to travel to
Cuba pursuant to Sec. 515.565(a); or
(e) Carrying or has carried persons between the United States and
Cuba or within Cuba pursuant to the authorization in Sec.
515.572(a)(2) or, in the case of a vessel used solely for personal
travel (and not transporting passengers), pursuant to a license or
other authorization issued by the Department of Commerce for the
exportation or reexportation of the vessel to Cuba.
0
18. Amend Sec. 515.559 by revising paragraph (d) and Note 2 to Sec.
515.559 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.559 Certain export and import transactions by U.S.-owned or
-controlled foreign firms.
* * * * *
(d) General license. Travel-related transactions set forth in Sec.
515.560(c) and such other transactions as are directly incident to
market research, commercial marketing, sales negotiation, accompanied
delivery, installation, or servicing of exports that are consistent
[[Page 56922]]
with the licensing policy under paragraph (a) of this section are
authorized, provided that the traveler's schedule of activities does
not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a
full-time schedule.
* * * * *
Note 2 to Sec. 515.559: See Sec. 515.585 for provisions
related to certain transactions by persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction with certain Cuban nationals in third countries.
0
19. Amend Sec. 515.560 by revising paragraph (c)(4), adding paragraph
(c)(6) and a Note to paragraph (c)(6), and revising paragraph (d)(2) to
read as follows:
Sec. 515.560 Travel-related transactions to, from, and within Cuba by
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(4) Carrying remittances to Cuba. The carrying to Cuba of any
remittances that the licensed traveler is authorized to remit pursuant
to Sec. 515.570 is authorized, provided that no emigration-related
remittances authorized by Sec. 515.570(e) are carried to Cuba unless a
U.S. immigration visa has been issued for each payee and the licensed
traveler can produce the visa recipients' full names, dates of birth,
visa numbers, and visa dates of issuance.
* * * * *
(6)(i) Opening and maintaining bank accounts. All transactions
incident to the opening and maintenance of accounts, including the
deposit of funds in such accounts by wire transfer, at a financial
institution in Cuba are authorized, provided that such accounts are
used only while the traveler is located in Cuba and for the purpose of
accessing funds in Cuba for transactions authorized pursuant to, or
exempt from, this part.
(ii) Closing bank accounts. All transactions incident to the
closing of accounts opened pursuant to the authorization in paragraph
(c)(6)(i) of this section are authorized, provided that any transfer of
funds may only be effected by wire transfer to an account maintained at
a depository institution, as defined in Sec. 515.533, that is a person
subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
Note to paragraph (c)(6): Account(s) authorized by this general
license may only be accessed while the account holder is located in
Cuba for travel authorized pursuant to this part. The account(s) may
not be accessed or utilized by the account holder unless the account
holder is located in Cuba and is engaging in authorized
transactions. The account(s) may be maintained but not accessed
while the account holder is located outside of Cuba other than for
the purpose of funding or closing the bank account as authorized in
paragraph (c)(6).
(d) * * *
(2) Funds received as remittances pursuant to Sec. 515.570 by the
Cuban national during his or her stay in the United States; and
* * * * *
0
20. Amend Sec. 515.561 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.561 Family visits.
(a) General license. Persons subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States and persons traveling with them who share a common
dwelling as a family with them are authorized to engage in the travel-
related transactions set forth in Sec. 515.560(c) and such additional
transactions as are directly incident to: visiting a close relative, as
defined in Sec. 515.339, who is a national of Cuba or a person
ordinarily resident in Cuba; or visiting a close relative located in
Cuba or accompanying a close relative traveling to Cuba pursuant to the
authorizations in Sec. 515.562 (official government business), Sec.
515.563 (journalistic activity), Sec. 515.564(a) (professional
research), Sec. 515.565(a)(1) through (4) and (6) (educational
activities), Sec. 515.566 (religious activities), Sec. 515.575
(humanitarian projects), or Sec. 515.576 (activities of private
foundations or research or educational institutes).
Note to paragraph (a): Each person relying on the general
authorization in this paragraph must retain specific records related
to the authorized travel transactions. See Sec. Sec. 501.601 and
501.602 of this chapter for applicable recordkeeping and reporting
requirements.
* * * * *
0
21. Amend Sec. 515.565 by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text to paragraph (a);
0
b. Revising the Note to paragraph (a)(5);
0
c. Revising paragraph (a)(7);
0
d. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(8) and (9) as (a)(11) and (12);
0
e. Adding new paragraphs (a)(8), (9), and (10);
0
f. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (a)(11) and (12);
0
g. Revising Notes 1 and 2 to paragraph (a); and
0
h. Adding Note 3 to paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.565 Educational activities.
(a) General license for educational activities. Persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction, including U.S. academic institutions and their
faculty, staff, and students, are authorized to engage in transactions,
including the travel-related transactions set forth in Sec.
515.560(c), that are related to the following activities:
* * * * *
Note to paragraph (a)(5): See Sec. 515.571(a) for
authorizations related to certain banking transactions by Cuban
nationals present in the United States in a non-immigrant status or
pursuant to other non-immigrant travel authorization issued by the
U.S. government.
* * * * *
(7) Sponsorship or co-sponsorship of non commercial academic
seminars, conferences, symposia, and workshops related to Cuba or
global issues involving Cuba and attendance at such events by faculty,
staff, and students of a participating U.S. academic institution;
(8) Establishment of academic exchanges and joint non-commercial
academic research projects with universities or academic institutions
in Cuba;
(9) Provision of standardized testing services, including
professional certificate examinations, university entrance
examinations, and language examinations, and related preparatory
services for such exams, to Cuban nationals, wherever located;
(10) Provision of internet-based courses, including distance
learning and Massive Open Online Courses, to Cuban nationals, wherever
located, provided that the course content is at the undergraduate level
or below; or
(11) The organization of, and preparation for, activities described
in paragraphs (a)(1) through (10) of this section by employees or
contractors of the sponsoring organization that is a person subject to
U.S. jurisdiction;
(12) Facilitation by an organization that is a person subject to
U.S. jurisdiction, or a member of the staff of such an organization, of
licensed educational activities in Cuba on behalf of U.S. academic
institutions or secondary schools, provided that:
(i) The organization is directly affiliated with one or more U.S.
academic institutions or secondary schools; and
(ii) The organization facilitates educational activities that meet
the requirements of one or more of the general licenses set forth in
Sec. 515.565(a)(1), (2), (3), and (6).
Note 1 to paragraph (a): See Sec. 515.560(c)(6) for an
authorization for individuals to open and maintain accounts at Cuban
financial institutions; see Sec. 515.573 for an authorization for
entities conducting educational activities authorized by Sec.
515.565(a) to establish a physical presence in Cuba, including an
authorization to open
[[Page 56923]]
and maintain accounts at Cuban financial institutions.
Note 2 to paragraph (a): The authorization in this paragraph
extends to adjunct faculty and part-time staff of U.S. academic
institutions. A student enrolled in a U.S. academic institution is
authorized pursuant to Sec. 515.565(a)(1) to participate in the
academic activities in Cuba described above through any sponsoring
U.S. academic institution.
Note 3 to paragraph (a): The export or reexport to Cuba of
goods (including software) or technology subject to the Export
Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 through 774) may
require separate authorization from the Department of Commerce.
* * * * *
0
22. Amend Sec. 515.566 by revising the Note to Sec. 515.566 to read
as follows:
Sec. 515.566 Religious activities in Cuba.
* * * * *
Note to Sec. 515.566: See Sec. 515.573 for an authorization
permitting religious organizations engaging in activities authorized
pursuant to this section to establish a physical presence in Cuba,
including an authorization to open and maintain accounts at Cuban
financial institutions.
0
23. Amend Sec. 515.570 by revising paragraphs (b) and (f)(1),
redesignating paragraph (h) as paragraph (i), adding new paragraph (h),
and revising Note 2 to Sec. 515.570 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.570 Remittances.
* * * * *
(b) Donative remittances to Cuban nationals authorized. Persons
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are authorized to make
donative remittances to Cuban nationals, provided that:
(1) The remittances are not made from a blocked source;
(2) The recipient is not a prohibited official of the Government of
Cuba, as defined in Sec. 515.337, or a prohibited member of the Cuban
Communist Party, as defined in Sec. 515.338;
(3) The remittances are not made for emigration-related purposes.
Remittances for emigration-related purposes are addressed by paragraph
(e) of this section; and
(4) The remitter, if an individual, is 18 years of age or older.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(1) Funds deposited in a blocked account in a banking institution,
as defined in Sec. 515.314, in the United States held in the name of,
or in which the beneficial interest is held by, a national of Cuba as a
result of a valid testamentary disposition, intestate succession or
payment from a life insurance policy or annuity contract triggered by
the death of the policy or contract holder may be remitted to that
national of Cuba, provided that the remittances are not made for
emigration-related purposes. Remittances for emigration-related
purposes are addressed by paragraph (e) of this section .
* * * * *
(h) Unblocking of certain previously blocked remittances
authorized. Banking institutions, as defined in Sec. 515.314, are
authorized to engage in all transactions necessary to unblock and
return remittances if they would have qualified as authorized had they
been sent under current paragraph (b) of this section, provided that
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction unblocking remittances originally
blocked on or after August 25, 1997 pursuant to this section must
submit a report to the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign
Assets Control, Attn: Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation Division, 1500
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Annex, Washington, DC 20220 within 10 business
days from the date such remittances are released. Such reports shall
include the following:
(1) Where available, a copy of the original blocking report filed
with OFAC pursuant to Sec. 501.603(b)(1) of this chapter.
(2) The date the unblocked remittance was released;
(3) The amount of funds unblocked;
(4) The name of the party to whom the remittance was released; and
(5) A reference to this section as the legal authority under which
the remittance was unblocked and returned.
* * * * *
Note 2 to Sec. 515.570: For the rules relating to the carrying
of remittances to Cuba, see Sec. 515.560(c)(4). See Sec. 515.572
for an authorization related to the collection, forwarding, or
receipt of certain remittances to or from Cuba.
0
24. Amend Sec. 515.571 by revising the Note to paragraph (a)(5),
redesignating paragraphs (b) and (c) as paragraphs (c) and (d), adding
new paragraph (b), and revising redesignated paragraph (c) to read as
follows:
Sec. 515.571 Certain transactions incident to travel to, from, and
within the United States by Cuban nationals.
* * * * *
Note to paragraph (a)(5): This paragraph authorizes depository
institutions, as defined in Sec. 515.333, to open and maintain
accounts solely in the name of a Cuban national who is present in
the United States in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to other
non-immigrant travel authorization for use while the Cuban national
is located in the United States in such status, and to close such
accounts prior to departure. See Sec. 515.571(b) for an
authorization for depository institutions to maintain accounts
opened pursuant to this paragraph while the Cuban national is
located outside the United States.
* * * * *
(b) Maintenance of accounts opened pursuant to paragraph (a)(5) of
this section while the Cuban-national account holder is located outside
the United States is authorized, provided that the Cuban-national
account holder may only access the account pursuant to paragraph (a)(5)
of this section when the Cuban-national account holder is lawfully
present in the United States in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to
other non-immigrant travel authorization issued by the U.S. government.
(c) Payments and transfers of credit in the United States from
blocked accounts in domestic banking institutions held in the name of a
Cuban national who is present in the United States in a non-immigrant
status or pursuant to other non-immigrant travel authorization issued
by the U.S. government to or upon the order of such Cuban national are
authorized, provided that such payments and transfers of credit are
made only for the living, traveling, and similar personal expenses in
the United States of such Cuban national or his or her family, or other
transactions ordinarily incident to the Cuban national's presence in
the United States in a non-immigrant status or pursuant to other non-
immigrant travel authorization issued by the U.S. government.
* * * * *
0
25. Amend Sec. 515.572 by revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (3), adding
new paragraph (a)(4), revising paragraph (c), and adding a new Note to
Sec. 515.572 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.572 Authorization to provide travel services, carrier
services, and remittance forwarding services.
(a) * * *
(2) Authorization to provide carrier services. Persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to provide carrier services, to, from,
or within Cuba in connection with travel or transportation between the
United States and Cuba of persons, baggage, or cargo authorized
pursuant to this part.
* * * * *
(3) Authorization to provide remittance forwarding services.
Banking institutions, as defined in Sec. 515.314, including U.S.-
registered brokers or
[[Page 56924]]
dealers in securities and U.S.-registered money transmitters, are
authorized to provide services in connection with the collection,
forwarding, or receipt of remittances authorized pursuant to this part.
(4) Authorization to provide lodging services. Persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction who are providing carrier services by vessel
authorized pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section are authorized
to provide lodging services onboard such vessels to persons authorized
to travel to or from Cuba pursuant to this part during the period of
time the vessel is traveling to, from, or within Cuba, including when
docked at a port in Cuba.
* * * * *
(c) Specific licenses. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-
by-case basis authorizing the provision of travel, carrier, or
remittance-forwarding services other than those authorized by paragraph
(a) of this section.
Note to Sec. 515.572: The following persons may be transported
between the United States and Cuba by a person authorized to provide
carrier services:
(1) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who are traveling to or
from Cuba pursuant to a general license under one of the 12 categories
of travel listed in Sec. 515.560 or under a specific license from the
Office of Foreign Assets Control may be transported between the United
States and Cuba;
(2) Cuban nationals applying for admission to the United States, as
well as third-country nationals, with a valid visa or other travel
authorization issued by the U.S. government may be transported to the
United States from Cuba;
(3) Cuban nationals present in the United States in a non-immigrant
status or pursuant to other non-immigrant travel authorization issued
by the U.S. government may be transported from the United States to
Cuba;
(4) Cuban nationals who have taken up residence in the United
States and are licensed as unblocked nationals pursuant to Sec.
515.505(a)(1) are persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction and may be
transported between the United States and Cuba if they meet the
criteria set out in (1) above; and
(5) An individual, including a foreign national, who is traveling
on official business of the U.S. government, a foreign government, or
an intergovernmental organization of which the United States is a
member or in which the United States holds observer status--including
an employee, contractor, or grantee of such government or
intergovernmental organization and any individual traveling on a
diplomatic passport, as well as any close relative, as defined in Sec.
515.339, accompanying the traveler--may be transported between the
United States and Cuba.
0
26. Revise Sec. 515.573 to read as follows:
Sec. 515.573 Physical presence in Cuba authorized; Cuban news
bureaus.
(a) All transactions necessary to establish and maintain a physical
presence in Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to engage in
transactions authorized pursuant to or exempt from the prohibitions of
this part that are identified in paragraph (b) of this section are
authorized, including the following:
(1) Leasing physical premises, including office, warehouse,
classroom, or retail outlet space, and securing related goods and
services, including for use in and to pay fees related to the operation
of the physical premises;
(2) Marketing related to the physical presence;
(3) Employment of Cuban nationals in Cuba; and
(4) Employment of individuals who are persons subject to U.S.
jurisdiction.
Note to paragraph (a)(4): Individuals who are employed pursuant
to Sec. 515.573(a)(4) are authorized to engage in all transactions
necessary to establish domicile in Cuba, including accessing U.S.
assets, for the duration of their employment.
(5)(i) Opening and maintaining bank accounts at Cuban financial
institutions to engage in authorized transactions. The opening and
maintenance of accounts, including the deposit of funds in such
accounts by wire transfer, at a financial institution in Cuba, provided
that such accounts are used only for transactions authorized pursuant
to, or exempt from, this part.
(ii) Closing bank accounts. The closing of an account opened
pursuant to the authorization in paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section,
provided that any transfer of funds may only be effected by wire
transfer to an account maintained at a depository institution, as
defined in Sec. 515.333, that is a person subject to U.S.
jurisdiction.
Note to paragraph (a): Physical presence includes through a
local representative, including an employee or contractor.
(b) The following persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction may engage
in the transactions authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this
section, provided that such transactions may only be engaged in to
support transactions authorized by or exempt from the prohibitions of
this part:
(1) News bureaus whose primary purpose is the gathering and
dissemination of news to the general public authorized by paragraph (c)
of this section;
(2) Exporters of goods authorized for export or reexport to Cuba by
Sec. 515.533 or Sec. 515.559 or that are otherwise exempt;
(3) Entities providing mail or parcel transmission services
authorized by Sec. 515.542(a) or providing cargo transportation
services in connection with trade involving Cuba authorized by or
exempt from the prohibitions of this part;
(4) Providers of telecommunications services authorized by Sec.
515.542(b) through (d) or persons engaged in activities authorized by
Sec. 515.542(e);
(5) Entities organizing or conducting educational activities
authorized by Sec. 515.565(a);
(6) Religious organizations engaging in religious activities in
Cuba authorized by Sec. 515.566;
(7) Providers of travel and carrier services authorized by Sec.
515.572; and
Note to paragraph (b)(7): This authorization does not allow
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to establish a physical
presence in Cuba for the purpose of providing lodging services in
Cuba.
(8) Providers of services authorized by Sec. 515.578.
(c) News bureaus. (1) All transactions in Cuba related to the
gathering and dissemination of news to the general public are
authorized.
(2) Specific licenses may be issued authorizing transactions
necessary for the establishment and operation of news bureaus in the
United States by Cuban organizations whose primary purpose is the
gathering and dissemination of news to the general public.
Note to Sec. 515.573: The export or reexport to Cuba of items
subject to the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730
through 774) may require separate authorization from the Department
of Commerce.
0
27. Amend Sec. 515.575 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.575 Humanitarian projects.
* * * * *
(b) Authorized humanitarian projects. The following projects are
authorized by paragraph (a) of this section: medical and health-related
projects; construction projects intended to benefit legitimately
independent civil society groups; disaster relief; historical
preservation; environmental projects; projects involving formal or non-
formal
[[Page 56925]]
educational training, within Cuba or off-island, on the following
topics: entrepreneurship and business, civil education, journalism,
advocacy and organizing, adult literacy, or vocational skills;
community-based grassroots projects; projects suitable to the
development of small-scale private enterprise; projects that are
related to agricultural and rural development that promote independent
activity; microfinancing projects, except for loans, extensions of
credit, or other financing prohibited by Sec. 515.208; and projects to
meet basic human needs.
* * * * *
0
28. Amend Sec. 515.578 by revising the section heading and paragraphs
(a)(2), (a)(4), and (b)(1), redesignating paragraph (c) as paragraph
(f), and adding new paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.578 Exportation, reexportation, and importation of certain
internet-based services; importation of certain software.
(a)* * *
(2) Services related to certain exportations and reexportations. To
the extent not authorized by paragraph (a)(1) of this section or by
Sec. 515.533, the exportation or reexportation of services, including
software design, business consulting, and information technology
management services (including cloud storage), that are related to the
following items, or of services to install, repair, or replace such
items, and training related to installation, repair, or replacement of
such items:
(i) Items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR
part 730 through 774) (EAR). Items exported or reexported to Cuba
pursuant to 15 CFR 740.19 (License Exception Consumer Communication
Devices (License Exception CCD)), pursuant to 15 CFR 740.21(d)(4)
(paragraph (d)(4) of License Exception Support for the Cuban People
(License Exception SCP)), or pursuant to an individual license issued
by the Department of Commerce for the export of other consumer
communication devices that fall outside License Exception CCD or
commodities or software used to develop software that fall outside
paragraph (d)(4) of License Exception SCP;
(ii) Items not subject to the EAR because they are of foreign
origin and are located outside the United States. Items that are of a
type described in License Exception CCD provided that the items would
be designated EAR99 if they were located in the United States or would
meet the criteria for classification under the relevant ECCN specified
in License Exception CCD if they were subject to the EAR or items of a
type described in paragraph (d)(4) of License Exception SCP, provided
that the items would be designated EAR99 or controlled on the Commerce
Control List for anti-terrorism reasons only if they were located in
the United States; and
(iii) Software not subject to the EAR because it is described in 15
CFR 734.3(b)(3). Software not subject to the EAR because it is
described in 15 CFR 734.3(b)(3) that is exported, reexported, or
provided, directly or indirectly, by a person subject to U.S.
jurisdiction to Cuba and that is of a type described in License
Exception CCD or paragraph (d)(4) of License Exception SCP.
* * * * *
(4) Exportation, reexportation, or provision of certain internet-
based services to certain end-users. (i) The exportation or
reexportation, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by
persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, to a prohibited official of the
Government of Cuba, as defined in Sec. 515.337, or a prohibited member
of the Cuban Communist Party, as defined in Sec. 515.338, of services
described in paragraphs (a)(1) or (2) of this section provided that
such services are widely available to the public at no cost to the
user.
(ii) The exportation or reexportation, directly or indirectly, from
the United States or by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, to
organizations administered or controlled by the Government of Cuba or
the Cuban Communist Party of the following services:
(A) Services described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and
(B) Services described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section provided
that such services are widely available to the public at no cost to the
user.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(1) The direct or indirect exportation or reexportation of services
with knowledge or reason to know that such services are intended for a
prohibited official of the Government of Cuba, as defined in Sec.
515.337, or a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party, as
defined in Sec. 515.338, or to organizations administered or
controlled by the Government of Cuba or the Cuban Communist Party,
except as specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
* * * * *
(c) Licensing and marketing. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction
are authorized to enter into licensing agreements related to services
authorized by paragraph (a) of this section, and to market such
services.
(d) Subsidiaries, joint ventures, and other business arrangements.
Except for transactions prohibited by Sec. 515.208, persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to engage in all transactions
necessary to establish and maintain a business presence in Cuba,
including through subsidiaries, branches, offices, joint ventures,
franchises, and agency or other business relationships with any Cuban
national, and to enter into all necessary agreements or arrangements
with such entity or individual, for the purpose of engaging in the
activities authorized by paragraph (a) or (c) of this section.
(e) Mobile applications. (1) The importation into the United States
of Cuban-origin mobile applications is authorized.
Note to paragraph (e)(1): This paragraph does not authorize
U.S.-owned or -controlled firms in third countries to import goods
of Cuban origin into the authorized trade zone. See Sec. 515.559.
(2) The employment of Cuban nationals to develop mobile
applications is authorized.
* * * * *
Sec. 515.582 [Amended]
0
29. Amend Sec. 515.582 by removing Note 1 to Sec. 515.582 and
redesignating Note 2 to Sec. 515.582 as Note 1 to Sec. 515.582.
0
30. Amend Sec. 515.584 by adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.584 Certain financial transactions involving Cuba.
* * * * *
(e) Unblocking of certain previously blocked funds transfers
authorized. Any depository institution, as defined in Sec. 515.533,
that is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction is authorized to unblock
and return to the originator or originating financial institution or
their successor-in-interest previously blocked funds transfers that
could have been rejected or processed pursuant to paragraphs (d)(1) or
(2) of this section, Sec. 515.562(b), or Sec. 515.579(b) if the
rejection or processing of those transfers would have been authorized
had they been sent under the current text of those provisions, provided
that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction unblocking funds transfers
originally blocked on or after August 25, 1997, pursuant to this
section must submit a report to the Department of the Treasury, Office
of Foreign Assets Control, Attn: Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation
Division, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Annex,
[[Page 56926]]
Washington, DC 20220 within 10 business days from the date such funds
transfers are released. Such reports shall include the following:
(1) Where available, a copy of the original blocking report filed
with OFAC pursuant to Sec. 501.603(b)(1) of this chapter.
(2) The date the unblocked funds transfer was released;
(3) The amount of funds unblocked;
(4) The name of the party to whom the funds were released; and
(5) A reference to this section as the legal authority under which
the funds transfer was unblocked and returned.
0
31. Amend Sec. 515.585 by revising the section heading, designating
the undesignated paragraph as paragraph (a), revising newly designated
paragraph (a), and adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.585 Certain transactions with certain Cuban nationals in
third countries.
(a) Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to provide
goods and services to a Cuban national located in a third country who
is an individual, provided that the transaction does not involve a
commercial exportation, directly or indirectly, of goods or services to
or from Cuba.
(b)(1) Opening and maintaining bank accounts. Banking institutions,
as defined in Sec. 515.314, are authorized to open and maintain
accounts, including the deposit of funds in such accounts by wire
transfer, for a Cuban national located in a third country who is an
individual, provided that such accounts are used only while the Cuban
national is located outside of Cuba and may not be used for
transactions that involve a commercial exportation of goods or services
to or from Cuba.
(2) Closing bank accounts. Banking institutions, as defined in
Sec. 515.314, are authorized to close an account opened pursuant to
the authorization in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
* * * * *
0
32. Amend Sec. 515.586 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 515.586 Cuban official missions in the United States.
* * * * *
(c) Depository institutions, as defined in Sec. 515.333, are
authorized to operate accounts for, extend credit to, and process funds
transfers on behalf of the official missions of the Government of Cuba
to the United States, and the official missions of the Government of
Cuba to international organizations in the United States, and employees
thereof, subject to the limitations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
section and provided that any depository institution making use of the
authorization in this section must submit a report to the Department of
the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Attn: Sanctions
Compliance & Evaluation Division, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave NW., Annex,
Washington, DC 20220, no later than 30 days following the establishment
of the account. Such report shall include the name and address of the
depository institution, the name of the account holder, and the account
number.
0
33. Add Sec. 515.587 to subpart E to read as follows:
Sec. 515.587 Remittances from Cuban nationals to persons subject to
U.S. jurisdiction.
Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to receive
remittances in the United States from Cuban nationals, wherever
located, provided that the remitter is not a prohibited official of the
Government of Cuba, as defined in Sec. 515.337, or a prohibited member
of the Cuban Communist Party, as defined in Sec. 515.338.
Note to Sec. 515.587: See Sec. 515.572 for an authorization to
provide services related to the receipt of remittances authorized by
this section.
0
34. Add Sec. 515.588 to subpart E to read as follows:
Sec. 515.588 Certain Cuban legal services authorized.
(a) All transactions, including payments, ordinarily incident to
receipt of the following legal services from Cuba or from a Cuban
national are authorized: legal advice and counseling on the
requirements of and compliance with the laws of Cuba or any
jurisdiction within Cuba, provided that such advice and counseling
relate to transactions authorized by or exempt from the prohibitions of
this part.
(b) The receipt of any other legal services from Cuba or a Cuban
national, not otherwise authorized in this part, requires the issuance
of a specific license.
0
35. Add Sec. 515.589 to subpart E to read as follows:
Sec. 515.589 Authorization of emergency medical services.
The provision of nonscheduled emergency medical services in the
United States to Cuban nationals is authorized.
Dated: September 16, 2015.
John E. Smith,
Acting Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
[FR Doc. 2015-23587 Filed 9-18-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-AL-P
