On October 17, 2016, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published in the Federal Register a final rule amending the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) to further implement elements of the policy announced by the President on December 17, 2014, to engage and empower the Cuban people. Among other things, these amendments authorize certain transactions related to Cuban-origin pharmaceuticals and joint medical research; add, expand, and clarify authorizations relating to trade and commerce; authorize certain civil aviation safety-related services; further facilitate authorized travel to Cuba; and expand the authorizations for grants and humanitarian-related services designed to directly benefit the Cuban people. These amendments also implement certain technical and conforming changes. OFAC is making these amendments in support of the process of normalizing bilateral relations with Cuba.
