meta_id 3334765

On July 17, 2026, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published updates to its sanctions lists following the expiration of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13936 on July 14, 2026. The expiration does not repeal or affect the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (HKHRDA) or the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020 (HKAA), which remain in effect. OFAC removed individuals from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) whose property had been blocked solely under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Persons remaining sanctioned under the HKAA have been transferred to OFAC's Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions List (NS-MBS List), with previously blocked assets remaining blocked. OFAC added 47 individuals to the NS-MBS List pursuant to the HKAA, including Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, Commissioner of Police Chris Tang, and Secretary for Security John Ka-chiu Lee. The list also includes Chinese officials holding positions such as Vice-Chairpersons of the 13th National People's Congress Standing Committee and directors of Hong Kong-related government offices. OFAC removed 24 individuals from the SDN List, including Stephen Lo, Paul Ting Kwok Lam, and others designated under Executive Order 13936. OFAC intends to amend the Hong Kong-Related Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR part 585) in a future Federal Register publication to reflect the national emergency expiration. OFAC is reviewing and will update relevant frequently asked questions and guidance associated with its Hong Kong-related sanctions program. **Reference:** Office of Foreign Assets Control, "Hong Kong-related Designations Updates and Removals," July 17, 2026, https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20260717