U.S. Sanctions Info

For tourists and long-term American residents in Burma, the U.S. sanctions law prohibits the import of any products of Burmese origin, regardless of the country in which they are purchased. There are a few important exceptions:

Informational Materials Exception

Informational materials (OFAC General License #9) are exempt, including publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact discs, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds.

"Artworks" is defined quite explicitly by the U.S. Customs Service to be: (1) Framed or un-framed paintings, drawings and pastels, executed entirely by hand (other than architectural or other commercial drawings). Hand-painted or hand-decorated manufactured articles are not included; (2) Framed or un-framed original engravings, prints and lithographs entirely executed by hand; and, (3) Original sculptures and statuary, in any material except for mass-produced reproductions or works of conventional craftsmanship of a commercial character, even if these articles are designed or created by artists.

Substantially Transformed Products Exception

Products of Burmese origin that are "substantially transformed" in a third country, as determined by the U.S. Customs Service’s Rules of Origin, are exempt.

Resident in Burma Prior to July 28, 2003 Exception

(OFAC General License #10) U.S. persons resident in Burma prior to July 28, 2003 may import into the United States personal and household effects that are products of Burma, including accompanied baggage and articles for family use, provided the imported items were purchased by the U.S. person prior to July 28, 2003, have been actually used abroad by the U.S. person or by other family members arriving from the same foreign household, and are not intended for any other person or for sale.

Also under OFAC General License #10, Burmese nationals are authorized to import into the United States personal and household effects that are products of Burma, including accompanied baggage and articles for family use, provided the imported items are ordinarily incident to the Burmese national’s arrival in the United States, have been actually used abroad by the Burmese national or by other family members arriving from the same foreign household, and are not intended for any other person or for sale.