Embargoed Countries

From Sanctions Wiki

Globally Embargoed Countries (GEC)

GEC’s are countries with an embargo imposed on them. An embargo is more or less a complete prohibition of commerce and trade with a particular country, in order to isolate it. Embargos are considered strong diplomatic measures imposed in an effort, by the embargo imposing country (i.e. US, EU), to elicit a given national-interest result from the country on which it is imposed. Embargoes should not be confused with blockades. A blockade is an effort to cut off food, supplies, war material or communications from a particular area by force. A blockade may be seen as an act of war or similar to this.

Difference between Embargo and Sanction

An import embargo means that there is a full or complete import prohibition. No good is allowed to be imported from the embargoed country. This is also called an “absolute embargo.” Example: The US has an import embargo against Cuba and Syria. No good can be imported from Cuba or Syria.
An export embargo, of course, means that there is a full or complete export prohibition. No good is allowed to be exported to the embargoed country. This is also called an “absolute embargo.” Example: The US has an export embargo against Cuba and Syria. No good (of US origin) may be exported to Cuba or Syria.
An import sanction is an import prohibition of certain types of goods. We could also call this a “partial embargo.” Example: The EU has an import sanction against North Korea for arms and related material and for items that can contribute to North Korea’s nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programs. The above mentioned goods cannot be imported from North Korea. Imports of other goods from North Korea are allowed.
An export sanction, of course, is an export prohibition of certain types of goods. Example: The EU has an export sanction against North Korea for arms and related material, for items that can contribute to North Korea’s nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programs and for luxury goods. The above mentioned goods cannot be exported to North Korea. Exports of other goods to North Korea are allowed.

Most countries have put procedures in place to grant permission and to lift the embargo under certain (strict) conditions. Permission or license must be obtained upfront! This includes humanitarian aid; there is never an upfront general permission or license.

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