Over the years, economic sanctions laws and regulations have become increasingly more complex, numerous, and have had a significant effect upon the shipping industry. Sanctions have also had a major impact not only on shipping operations, but also on financial institutions and insurance companies, including on P&I clubs worldwide, serving the shipping industry. The U.S. Department of Treasury, Department of State and the U.S. Coast Guard jointly issued a Sanctions Advisory for the Maritime Industry and the Energy and Metals sectors. The focus of the Advisory was to highlight tools for these industries to counter current and emerging trends related to illicit shipping and sanctions evasion. The Advisory evidences the U.S. Government's commitment to prevent sanctions evasion, smuggling, criminal activity, and facilitation of terrorist activities with a focus on Iran, North Korea and Syria. More recently, as a result of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, the sanctions regulators of the U.S., U.K. and E.U., among others, have implemented sanctions restricting trade in various goods with Russia, including but not limited to enforcing price caps on crude oil and petroleum products of Russian origin. More details on these restrictions and sanctions applicable to other countries are contained in the American Club's Circulars to its Members. Past circulars are available below, organized by relevant country. Ultimately, however, the U.S. Government and the other principal sanctions regulators emphasize the need for Members to assess their own sanctions risk and, as necessary, to implement compliance controls to address any identified gaps in their compliance programs.
The document, Economic Sanctions - Compliance Guidance (PDF) 0.25MB provides guidance on sanctions related resources which can be utilized to not only foster and encourage general awareness of sanctions issues, but also to enable Members to develop their own internal compliance policies and procedures and to appreciate the interplay between such sanctions laws and their potential effect on a Member's P&I, Charterers and/or FD&D coverage.
Members are urged to know how to recognize sanctions issues and consult legal counsel when their compliance program and due diligence investigation into a particular transaction or contemplated voyage raises any sanctions-related concern. As an added benefit to Members, the American Club has partnered with International Compliance Services, Inc., which offers enhanced sanctions due diligence investigations and reports at discounted rates for American Club Members. After completing their own due diligence investigation, with respect to whether cover is available from the American Club for the transaction or voyage in question, Members should contact the Managers prior to the voyage to confirm whether the performance of the contemplated transaction or voyage may or may not prejudice their P&I cover. In an effort to assist our Members in their assessment of sanctions risks, the Compliance Department has created a Due Diligence Questionnaire (PDF) 0.65MB , the purpose of which is to elicit relevant information pertaining to persons and entities linked to a voyage and the cargo transported.
It is hoped that, through such internal compliance and due diligence investigation by the Member, when combined with its consulting legal counsel and maintaining close communication with the American Club to address any issues regarding cover, this resource will assist the American Club's Membership to better navigate these complex issues and reduce overall exposure to sanctions related problems and risks.
Disclaimer
This brief economic sanctions compliance guidance has been prepared by the American Club to assist Members in complying with sanctions laws applicable to them and to the American Club. This guidance does not constitute and should not be construed as legal advice or a determination by the American Club as to the availability of cover for any specific case or the sufficiency of a Member's sanctions compliance program under applicable law. The American Club urges Members to obtain independent legal advice regarding the applicability of sanctions laws to them and with respect to their compliance obligations under such laws.
General
Price Cap Coalition Issues Updated Advisory and OFAC Issues a Compliance Communiqué with Sanctions Compliance Guidance for the Maritime Industry: November 13, 2024: Club Circular No. 21/24 (PDF) 0.27MB
A statement on press coverage regarding sanctions. (Video link, February 2024)
Obligations of Foreign-based Persons to Comply with US Sanctions and Export Control Laws: March 14, 2024: Club Circular No. 09/24 (PDF) 0.33MB
Statement on Press Coverage Regarding Sanctions: February 09, 2024: Club Circular No. 06/24 (PDF) 0.30MB
Quint-Seal Compliance Note: Know Your Cargo: January 19, 2024: Club Circular No. 02/24 (PDF) 0.32MB
Sanctions - Recent Deceptive Practices: February 01, 2022: Club Circular No. 04/22 (PDF) 0.36MB
US Issues Global Advisory Providing Guidance to Maritime Sector to Preclude Illicit Shipping and Sanctions Evasion: May 22, 2020: Club Circular No. 22/20 (PDF) 0.26MB
Vessel Monitoring and P&I Insurance: May 15, 2020: Club Circular No. 20/20 (PDF) 0.23MB
Iran
OFAC Issues Advisory to the Maritime Petroleum Shipping Community on Sanctions Risks Related to Petroleum Shipments Involving Iran and Syria: Club Circular No. 19/24 (PDF) 0.30MB
Authorization Issued Providing for 90-day Wind-down Period for Pre-January 10, 2020 Contracts with Iran: Club Circular No. 04/20 (PDF) 0.10MB
Additional US Economic Sanctions Imposed Against Iran: Club Circular No. 02/20 (PDF) 0.14MB
US Department of Treasury Action on Iran and Russia Sanctions: Member Alert - December 18, 2019 (PDF) 0.20MB
Guidance on OFAC: Iran Sanctions as They Relate to Bunkering Operations: September 11, 2019: Club Circular No. 34/19 (PDF) 0.11MB
The United States Expands The Universe Of Iran Sanctions Targets (SDNs) By Targeting The Metals Sector Of Iran: May 10, 2019: Club Circular No. 15/19 (PDF) 0.10MB
Recent US Government Advisories Concerning Iran, North Korea and Syria: March 27, 2019: Club Circular No. 10/19 (PDF) 1.59MB
Iran Sanctions: the Direct Or Indirect Sale, Supply, or Transfer to or from Iran of Graphite, Raw or Semi-finished Metals, Such as Aluminum and Steel, Coal, and Software for Integrating Industrial Processes: November 29, 2018: Club Circular No. 45/18 (PDF) 0.15MB
Iranian Crude Oil Shipment Waivers: November 28, 2018: Club Circular No. 44/18 (PDF) 0.14MB
Secondary Sanctions Against Iran come into force: November 06, 2018: Club Circular No. 41/18 (PDF) 0.24MB
Mandarin Translations of Recent Club Circular Concerning US Sanctions on Iran: Member Alert - August 16, 2018 (PDF) 0.03MB
U.S. Formally Reimposes Secondary Sanctions Against Iran: August 07, 2018: Club Circular No. 28/18 (PDF) 1.09MB
US Withdraws from JCPOA and Reimposes Secondary Sanctions Against Iran: Member Alert - May 11, 2018 (PDF) 0.02MB
U.S. Withdraws from JCPOA and Reimposes Secondary Sanctions Against Iran: May 10, 2018: Club Circular No. 15/18 (PDF) 0.18MB
US Sanctions - Presidential Announcement Concerning Iran: Member Alert - October 17, 2017 (PDF) 0.08MB
US Enacts New Law Requiring the Imposition of Additional Economic Sanctions with Respect to North Korea, Iran and Russia: August 03, 2017: Club Circular No. 23/17 (PDF) 0.20MB
US Economic Sanctions - Expansion of Iranian Sanctions Targets: Member Alert - July 19, 2017 (PDF) 0.04MB
Iran: Additional US Sanctions: February 06, 2017: Club Circular No. 07/17 (PDF) 0.05MB
Coverage by IG Clubs of Incidents Involving Countries Subject to US Economic Sanctions: Trading to and from Iran: February 19, 2016: Club Circular No. 09/16 (PDF) 0.10MB
US Removes Restriction on American Club's Ability to Provide Cover for Shipments of Crude Oil & Petroleum from Iran: February 09, 2016: Club Circular No. 07/16 (PDF) 0.05MB
The US Lifts Secondary Sanctions on Iran and Takes Steps to Implement Certain Other Limited Sanctions Relief: January 18, 2016: Club Circular No. 04/16 (PDF) 0.72MB
US Office of Foreign Assets Control Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Port Operator, Tidewater Middle East Co.: Member Alert - July 05, 2011 (PDF) 0.15MB
Syria
OFAC Issues Advisory to the Maritime Petroleum Shipping Community on Sanctions Risks Related to Petroleum Shipments Involving Iran and Syria: Club Circular No. 19/24 (PDF) 0.30MB
Recent US Government Advisories Concerning Iran, North Korea and Syria: March 27, 2019: Club Circular No. 10/19 (PDF) 1.59MB
Continuing EU and US Sanctions – Syria: May 13, 2016: Club Circular No. 19/16 (PDF) 0.13MB
Additional EU Economic Sanctions - Iran and Syria: October 22, 2012: Club Circular No. 28/12 (PDF) 1.01MB
Additional US Economic Sanctions: Iran and Syria: May 07, 2012: Club Circular No. 12/12 (PDF) 0.04MB
Developments: (1) EU Ban on the Importation and Transport of Iranian Oil, Petroleum and Petrochemical Products: (2) Proposed US 180 Day Ban of Vessels Trading to Iran, North Korea and Syria: January 26, 2012: Club Circular No. 07/12 (PDF) 0.05MB
US Economic Sanctions in Regard to Syria: December 13, 2011: Club Circular No. 37/11 (PDF) 0.04MB
EU Economic Sanctions in Regard to Syria: September 12, 2011: Club Circular No. 25/11 (PDF) 0.07MB
Cuba
Sanctions Refresher: Venezuela and Cuba: October 26, 2021: Club Circular No. 23/21 (PDF) 0.21MB
The US Embargo of Cuba: Further Guidance - 180 Day Prohibition Waiver Club Circular No. 36/16 (PDF) 0.06MB
The US Embargo in Regard to Cuba: Further Guidance: January 08, 2016 Club Circular No. 02/16 (PDF) 0.08MB
Sudan
Russia & Ukraine (Crimea)
Price Cap Coalition Issues Updated Advisory and OFAC Issues a Compliance Communiqué with Sanctions Compliance Guidance for the Maritime Industry: November 13, 2024: Club Circular No. 21/24 (PDF) 0.27MB
European Union (EU) Adopts 14th Sanctions Package Against Russia: July 8, 2024: Club Circular No. 14/24 (PDF) 0.35MB
Russian Sanctions Update: Key Developments in the Sanctions Imposed Against Russia by the UK, EU and US: February 2, 2024: Club Circular No. 2/24 (PDF) 0.32MB
European Union (EU) Sanctions - 11th Package of Economic Sanctions Against Russia: July 6, 2023: Club Circular No. 9/23 (PDF) 0.34MB
United States and European Union Impose Further Sanctions on Russia: March 6, 2023: Club Circular No. 5/23 (PDF) 0.34MB
The Price Cap on Russian Oil: an Update: February 14, 2023: Club Circular No. 3/23 (PDF) 0.28MB
Notice of Cancellation in Respect of War Risks for Certain Covers: December 23, 2022: Club Circular No. 33/22 (PDF) 0.28MB
The Price Cap on Russian Oil: December 9, 2022: Club Circular No. 32/22 (PDF) 0.55MB
European Union (EU) Sanctions - Exception/waiver Published on the Carriage of Certain Russian Cargoes Including Coal and Fertilizers - Update: September 28, 2022: Club Circular No. 26/22 (PDF) 0.23MB
EU Sanctions - Clarification Published on the Carriage of Certain Russian Cargoes Including Coal and Fertilizers: August 12, 2022: Club Circular No. 23/22 (PDF) 0.33MB
UK General Trade Licence Dated March 17, 2022 - Reporting of Vessel Calls to Russia and of Vessels Transiting Russian Waters: May 25, 2022: Club Circular No. 16/22 (PDF) 0.37MB
UK General Trade Licence Dated March 17, 2022 - Reporting of Vessel Calls to Russia and of Vessels Transiting Russian Waters:
Club Circular No. 16/22 (PDF) 0.37MB
Frequently Asked Questions concerning Club Circular No. 16/22
Sanctions Update: Further Sanctions Imposed Against Russia: Club Circular No. 08/22 (PDF) 0.70MB
Sanctions Update: The United States Imposes Economic Sanctions Against Russian-controlled Regions of Eastern Ukraine, Donetsk, and Luhansk: Club Circular No. 06/22 (PDF) 0.70MB
US Department of Treasury Action on Iran and Russia Sanctions: Member Alert - December 18, 2019 (PDF) 0.20MB
US Mitigates Effects of Economic Sanctions Imposed Against Additional Russian Entities and Individuals: Member Alert - April 26, 2018 (PDF) 0.06MB
New Developments Concerning United States Sanctions on Russia and Venezuela: Member Alert - April 13, 2018 (PDF) 0.04MB
The United States Imposes Sanctions Against Additional Russian Entities and Individuals: March 13, 2018: Club Circular No. 13/18 (PDF) 0.11MB
US Enacts New Law Requiring the Imposition of Additional Economic Sanctions with Respect to North Korea, Iran and Russia: August 03, 2017: Club Circular No. 23/17 (PDF) 0.20MB
Additional Individuals and Entities Targeted in Relation to Ukraine/Russia: August 04, 2015: Club Circular No. 34/15 (PDF) 0.05MB
Ukraine/Russia Related Economic Sanctions: Crimea Region of Ukraine: February 11, 2015: Club Circular No. 11/15 (PDF) 0.49MB
PEME Program Update: Effect of Sanctions on PEME Clinics in the Crimea - Sevastopol and Kerch: February 10, 2015: Club Circular No. 10/15 (PDF) 0.04MB
Additional US Economic Sanctions Against Russia/Russian Entities: December 23, 2014: Club Circular No. 38/14 (PDF) 0.08MB
Additional US Sanctions - Russian Entities: September 17, 2014: Club Circular No. 26/14 (PDF) 0.12MB
Imports of Goods from Crimea and Sevastopol: August 12, 2014: Club Circular No. 24/14 (PDF) 0.04MB
Additional US Sanctions - Russian Entities: July 30, 2014: Club Circular No. 22/14 (PDF) 0.04MB
New US Sectoral Sanctions Against Certain Russian Entities: July 17, 2014: Club Circular No. 20/14 (PDF) 0.04MB
EU Sanctions in Respect of Crimea and Sevastopol: July 16, 2014: Club Circular No. 19/14 (PDF) 0.04MB
The Ukraine and Crimea: US Sanctions Against Russian Individuals and Entities: Member Alert - 03/24/14 (PDF) 0.01MB
North Korea
U.S. economic sanctions against North Korea prohibit the American Club from, among other things, providing cover for members and their vessels trading with North Korea. The American Club does not provide cover for voyages to and from North Korea or otherwise or engage in transactions involving North Korea. The U.S. North Korean economic sanctions have recently been strengthened and they prohibit a wide range of activities and transactions that have both a North Korean and U.S. nexus.
Our Circulars of January 6, 2016, February 26, 2016, March 18, 2016, December 19, 2016, and August 3, 2017 summarize comprehensive U.S. economic sanctions against North Korea, which continue in force:
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Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) (North Korea) - Enforcement of Sanctions: May 1, 2020: Club Circular No. 18/20 (PDF) 0.23MB
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Recent US Government Advisories Concerning Iran, North Korea and Syria: March 27, 2019: Club Circular No. 10/19 (PDF) 1.59MB
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Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) (North Korea) - Enforcement of UN, US and EU Sanctions: January 11, 2019: Club Circular No. 03/19 (PDF) 0.12MB
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Implementation of Economic Sanctions Against North Korea by The People's Republic of China: March 09, 2018: Club Circular No. 11/18 (PDF) 0.39MB
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The United States Issues Detailed Advisory Regarding Deceptive Shipping Practices by North Korea to Evade Economic Sanctions: February 27, 2018: Club Circular No. 10/18 (PDF) 0.61MB
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The United Nations Imposes Additional Sanctions on North Korea: January 03, 2018: Club Circular No. 01/18 (PDF) 0.10MB
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The United Nations and the United States Impose New, Additional Sanctions on North Korea: September 25, 2017: Club Circular No. 27/17 (PDF) 0.30MB
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United Nations Imposes Additional Sanctions on North Korea: August 09, 2017: Club Circular No. 24/17 (PDF) 0.17MB
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US Enacts New Law Requiring the Imposition of Additional Economic Sanctions with Respect to North Korea, Iran and Russia: August 03, 2017: Club Circular No. 23/17 (PDF) 0.20MB
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United States Imposes Additional Sanctions on North Korea: December 19, 2016: Club Circular No. 44/16 (PDF) 0.05MB
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United States Imposes Additional Sanctions with Respect to North Korea: March 18, 2016: Club Circular No. 13/16 (PDF) 0.14MB
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United States Imposes Additional Sanctions with Respect to North Korea: February 26, 2016: Club Circular No. 11/16 (PDF) 0.07MB
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US Economic Sanctions - North Korea: January 06, 2015: Club Circular No. 03/15 (PDF) 0.05MB
On August 5, 2017, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2371 (2017) strengthening existing economic sanctions against North Korea in response to North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile tests. Resolution 2371 is a further step in the intensification of economic sanctions against North Korea. Previously, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2270 which targeted North Korea’s military as well as its economic sectors in an effort to stop North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities.
Our Circulars of March 4, 2016 and August 9, 2017 summarize U.N. economic sanctions against North Korea, which member states of the U.N. are obligated to implement and enforce:
Libya
Economic Sanctions Update: UN and US expansion of limited sanctions: Club Circular No. 15/16 (PDF) 0.13MB
Economic Sanctions Update: US Libya Sanctions Lifted: Member Alert – 12/21/11 (PDF) 0.01MB
Venezuela
United States Issues Updated Venezuela General License 40C, Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving the Exportation or Reexportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas to Venezuela: July 11, 2024: Club Circular No. 15/24 (PDF) 0.26MB
United States Temporarily Authorizes the Wind Down of Transactions Related to Oil Or Gas Sector Operations in Venezuela: April 18, 2024: Club Circular No. 10/24 (PDF) 0.20MB
United States Temporarily Authorizes Transactions Involving Oil, Gas and Gold in Venezuela: December 1, 2023: Club Circular No. 19/23 (PDF) 0.36MB
United States Temporarily Authorizes Transactions Involving Oil, Gas and Gold in Venezuela: October 23, 2023: Club Circular No. 14/23 (PDF) 0.25MB
Sanctions Refresher: Venezuela and Cuba: October 26, 2021: Club Circular No. 23/21 (PDF) 0.21MB
Venezuela Sanctions - Venezuela Maritime Authority: February 9, 2021: Club Circular No. 04/21 (PDF) 0.18MB
US Sanctions - US Department of the Treasury Action on Venezuela: February 19, 2020: Member Alert - February 19, 2020 (PDF) 0.04MB
Developments in Regard to US Sanctions on Venezuela: Blocking of Venezuelan Government and Other Entities: Implications for US and Non-US Persons: August 19, 2019: Club Circular No. 30/19 (PDF) 0.30MB
US Sanctions on Venezuela: Risks for Non-US Persons Concerning Transactions with PdVSA: April 12, 2019: Club Circular No. 12/19 (PDF) 0.10MB
US Imposes New Sanctions Against the Government of Venezuela Through Designation of Petroleos De Venezuela S.A. (PdVSA): February 06, 2019: Club Circular No. 04/19 (PDF) 0.50MB
New Developments Concerning United States Sanctions on Russia and Venezuela: Member Alert - April 13, 2018 (PDF) 0.04MB
United States Imposes New Financial Sanctions Against the Government of Venezula Including PdVSA: August 31, 2017: Club Circular No. 26/17 (PDF) 0.17MB
Other (Burma/Myanmar, Ivory Coast, etc.)
United States Imposes Sanctions on Jet Fuel Transport to Burma: September 8, 2023: Club Circular No. 11/23 (PDF) 0.32MB
US Economic Sanction Against Burma Terminated: October 12, 2016: Club Circular No. 35/16 (PDF) 0.04MB
US Economic Sanctions: Certain Persons (Individuals) in Venezuela: March 12, 2015: Club Circular No. 14/15 (PDF) 0.04MB
United States Sanctions Against Certain Persons (Entities and Individuals) in Yemen: November 16, 2012: Club Circular No. 30/12 (PDF) 0.04MB
Relaxation of US Sanctions Against Burma (Myanmar): October 03, 2012: Club Circular No. 25/12 (PDF) 0.18MB
Economic Sanctions Update: US Libya Sanctions Lifted: Member Alert – 12/21/11 (PDF) 0.01MB
Circulars and Member Alerts are published by The American Club as a service to Members. While the information is believed to be correct, it is not complete and The American Club does not assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.