America eases sanctions against Russian Federal Security Service

The US authorities eased sanctions against Russia’s Federal Security Service. Such information is contained in the General License No. 1 posted on Thursday by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department, TASS reports.

According to the license, "all transactions and activities" with participation of the Russian Federal Security Service, prohibited earlier by executive orders of the US President, are authorized with certain exceptions.

In particular, "requesting, receiving, utilizing, paying for, or dealing in licenses, permits, certifications, or notifications issued or registered by the Federal Security Service (FSB) for the importation, distribution, or use of information technology products in the Russian Federation," is allowed.

Products subjected to export control require a relevant authorization from the US Department of Commerce and the fee due for licenses, permits, certifications and notifications shall not exceed "exceed $5,000 in any calendar year."

Except for limited purposes indicated in the License, it "does not authorize the exportation, reexportation, or provision of goods or technology to or on behalf of the Federal Security Service."

It is indicated in a separate note that exportation, reexportation, or provision of any goods, technology, or services to the Crimea region is not allowed. The License also does not authorize use of accounts blocked in the United States by certain executive orders.