App Store Rejection Due to Syrian Sanctions Despite OFAC Update (July 2025) – Need Clarification

Question

saria_Houloubi OP

Created 4d

Replies 1

Boosts 6

Participants 2

Hello Apple Team,

We're reaching out as part of a wider group of developers and businesses who have seen repeated App Store rejections under Guideline 5.0 - Legal, specifically related to U.S. sanctions on Syria.

However, as of July 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC) has officially lifted those sanctions for commercial activities. This is clearly stated in the latest OFAC FAQ.

Also visiting the link that we get from apple reviewers https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/pages/syria.aspx is not any more there and dose not include Syria at all.

Despite this, rejections continue for those apps :( .

Question:

Has the App Review system been updated to reflect the July 1 OFAC decision? If not, is there a timeline for when Apple will begin processing these changes in the review flow?

Our community is trying hard to work and build apps for middle east zones and Syria is part, this rejections brin heavy burdens on our community and makes unable to bring great apps for those markets.

Thank you for your support.

Boost

Answer 1

App Review OP

Apple

1d

Thank you for your post. If you disagree with the outcome of the review, we recommend submitting an appeal to the App Review Board. When filing your appeal, make sure to:

Provide specific reasons why you believe your app complies with the App Review Guidelines.
Submit only one appeal per rejection.
Respond to any requests for additional information before submitting an appeal.

Once you have submitted the appeal we can escalate it to the App Review Board for review. The App Review Board will contact you directly as soon as they've completed their investigation.

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