Taliban Rare Earth Minerals Sanctions Act

Summary

Starting 180 days after enactment, the President must impose sanctions on any foreign person the President finds knowingly engaged in a significant transaction with persons that are part of or operate for or on behalf of Afghanistan’s rare earth mineral sector. Sanctions include blocking property and interests under U.S. sanctions law and visa denial/exclusion for aliens, while importation of goods (excluding technical data) is carved out and violations carry civil and criminal penalties under existing law.

• Triggers sanctions 180 days after enactment for foreign persons who knowingly engage in significant transactions with Afghanistan’s rare earth mineral sector.
• Sanctions include blocking property and interests under U.S. sanctions law and visa denial/exclusion for aliens.
• Importation of goods is excluded from the sanctions; the definition of importation excludes technical data.
• Violations carry civil and criminal penalties and a 10-year statute of limitations under existing U.S. sanctions law.
• Implementation and determinations are made by the President and executed by relevant executive agencies.
• The measure targets foreign actors and transactions; it does not authorize new spending or change tax law.
• U.S. persons and financial institutions may be required to block property in their possession or control if tied to a designated person.
• The law focuses on disrupting financial and travel privileges of those supporting Afghanistan’s rare earth sector rather than restricting physical imports of goods.