US Treasury Launches Online Portal for Sanctions Removal Requests

The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has launched a new online platform, the “Reconsideration Portal,” on its website to simplify and accelerate the process of challenging sanctions. The portal enables individuals and entities subject to US sanctions to submit delisting requests electronically, reducing the need to hire specialized lawyers and moving away from traditional mail or email communications.

In addition to delisting requests, the portal allows applicants to ask for non-classified and non-confidential information that served as the basis for their designation. Previously, such requests were handled via regular or electronic mail, often requiring legal assistance.

This move is part of OFAC’s broader effort to enhance transparency and efficiency in sanctions administration. Notably, on June 22, OFAC temporarily eased restrictions on Iranian oil and petroleum products for two months, and on June 24, it removed seven Russian citizens and two cargo ships from its sanctions list.