Additional General License Involving Afghanistan or Governing Institutions in Afghanistan

PRESS STATEMENT

ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE

FEBRUARY 25, 2022Share

The United States took action today to facilitate a broad range of commercial activity in Afghanistan that will benefit the Afghan people.

General License 20 and related updated FAQs  and new FAQs  clarify that financial institutions, nongovernmental organizations, international organizations, and private sector companies can engage in wide-ranging transactions and activities in Afghanistan while complying with U.S. sanctions.  The affected sectors include personal and commercial banking, infrastructure development and maintenance, commercial trade, safety and maintenance operations for transportation systems, and telecommunications and information transactions.

To be clear, sanctions on the Taliban remain in place.  Today’s action facilitates private companies and aid organizations working with Afghan governing institutions and paying customs, duties, fees, and taxes, including institutions that are headed by sanctioned individuals.

We stand with the people of Afghanistan as they work to rebuild their economy.