Foreign policy and sanctions

Executive Order 12846: Additional Measures With Respect to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)

President: Bill Clinton

Expanded sanctions involving Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnian Serb-controlled areas under United Nations measures; EO 13304 later ended the emergency and revoked it.

Status: Revoked.

Is Executive Order 12846 still in effect? No. Revoked effective May 29, 2003; former regulations removed in 2011.

What does Executive Order 12846 do?

EO 12846 expanded emergency sanctions concerning the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including blocking and transport restrictions tied to United Nations measures. EO 13304 revoked it and ended the relevant emergencies effective May 29, 2003. Treasury later removed the former Yugoslavia sanctions regulations in 2011; Treasury maintains a separate Western Balkans sanctions program under other authorities.

Administration position: The order implemented and enforced United Nations Security Council measures and described further restrictions as necessary. That was the administration’s national-security and foreign-policy determination.
SignedApril 25, 1993
Lead agenciesTreasury, in consultation with State
Authority citedIEEPA, National Emergencies Act and U.N. Participation Act

Before and after

Before the order

Earlier orders had blocked Yugoslav government property and imposed trade restrictions under the same national emergency.

After the order

The sanctions program covered additional entities, property, conveyances and transactions until the emergency was terminated.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
TreasuryBlock covered property and administer licensingFrom the effective date
Customs and other enforcement agenciesDetain covered conveyances and cargo when authorizedDuring the sanctions program
U.S. personsAvoid prohibited trade, transport and evasion transactionsWhile the order remained in force

What happened next

EO 12846 signed.

EO 13304 terminated the emergency and revoked EO 12846.

Treasury removed the former Yugoslavia sanctions regulations while amending separate Western Balkans rules.