Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation

The Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation is responsible for developing and implementing foreign policy-related sanctions adopted to counter threats to national security posed by particular activities and countries.

SPI builds international support for implementation of economic sanctions, provides foreign policy guidance to the Department of Treasury and Commerce on sanctions implementation, and works with Congress to draft legislation that advances U.S. foreign policy goals in these areas.

The Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation (TFS/SPI) maintains and enforces sanctions to maximize their economic impact on our targets and minimize the damage to U.S. economic interests. We also work to remove economic sanctions when appropriate to reward and incentivize improved behavior or demonstrate U.S. support for newly established democratic governments. In addition, SPI conducts outreach on sanctions issues to a wide range of interested parties including NGOs, companies, diaspora groups, and others.

Other USG Resources:

• Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury  – OFAC plays a primary role in administering and enforcing many U.S. sanctions programs. In coordination with the Department of State, OFAC issues licenses where appropriate for a variety of goods, services and transactions. OFAC’s website is a useful resource on sanctions programs and on individuals and entities subject to sanctions.
• Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce  – The Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), is responsible for developing export control policies and issuing export licenses for particular goods/end users/destinations as appropriate in consultation with State, DOD, and Energy. The BIS website is a useful resource for information on which destinations are subject to foreign policy related controls.