US Issues First Designations Under New Cuba Sanctions Executive Order 14404
The United States has issued its first sanctions designations under Executive Order 14404, which entered into force on 1 May 2026. The new framework targets individuals and entities responsible for repression in Cuba.
The following were designated under the order:
OFAC simultaneously issued General License No. 1, which authorises transactions that were already permitted under the pre-existing Cuban Assets Control Regulations, ensuring continuity for previously licensed activities.
OFAC has clarified that EO 14404 applies exclusively to foreign persons specifically listed under the order, and does not automatically block those already identified under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.
The following were designated under the order:
- Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A (GAESA) — for operating in the financial services sector of the Cuban economy
- Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera (LASTRES) — as a senior leader and board member of GAESA
- Moa Nickel S.A (MNSA) — for operating in the metals and mining sector of Cuba
OFAC simultaneously issued General License No. 1, which authorises transactions that were already permitted under the pre-existing Cuban Assets Control Regulations, ensuring continuity for previously licensed activities.
OFAC has clarified that EO 14404 applies exclusively to foreign persons specifically listed under the order, and does not automatically block those already identified under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.
