Well, I wouldn't say it "requires" approval. You can use it whenever and however you want, but to turn it into fiat and use it further like, say, depositing it to the bank you will have to explain where the money comes from because it might imply that you are engaged in terrorism and other illegal stuff. So, unless it is officially approved, its use is very limited and if you want to use all the benefits it offers you are interested in its approval.