Cuba: State Sponsor of Terrorism Rescission

In December 2014, the President instructed the Secretary of State to immediately launch a review of Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and provide a report to him within six months regarding Cuba’s support for international terrorism. On April 8, 2015, the Secretary of State completed that review and recommended to the President that Cuba no longer be designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

Accordingly, on April 14, the President submitted to Congress the statutorily required report indicating the Administration’s intent to rescind Cuba’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, including the certification that Cuba has not provided any support for international terrorism during the previous six-months; and that Cuba has provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future. The 45-day Congressional pre-notification period has expired, and the Secretary of State has made the final decision to rescind Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, effective today, May 29, 2015.

To read the press release: U.S. Dep. of State

NOTE: The Secretary of State’s action does not change the Export Administration Regulations.   It does not suspend or terminate any of the license requirements or other controls in those regulations pertaining to Cuba.  Cuba remains subject to a comprehensive embargo and the export or reexport of all items subject to the EAR still requires authorization from BIS.

Read more: BIS