On April 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) released a memorandum entitled, “Clarifying Our Policy Regarding Voluntary Self-Disclosures and Disclosures Concerning Others” (the “April Memo”). The April Memo highlights additional penalties and incentives to encourage exporters – and whistleblowers – to disclose potential violations of the
Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
BIS Amends EAR to Include Human Rights Protection as a Basis For Adding Entities To the Entity List
On March 28th, BIS issued a final rule amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to confirm that protecting human rights worldwide is a basis for adding entities to the Entity List. Additionally, BIS added 11 entities from Burma, China, Nicaragua, and Russia to the Entity List.
As reflected in the decision by the…
U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Strengthens Antiboycott Regulations
On October 7, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) simultaneously published a final rule strengthening the antiboycott regulations in Part 766 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (the “Final Rule”), as well as a memorandum on the new rule’s implementation (the “Final Rule Memo”), issued by the Assistant Secretary…
Sanctions/Export Highlights [As of October 13, 2022]
EU Updates FAQS to Address Energy Security: On October 7, 2022, the EU updated two FAQs clarifying the impact of Council Regulation 833/2014 on the import, purchase and transfer of listed goods. The EU clarified that Council Regulation 833/2014 prohibits the transfer of any listed goods if they originate in Russia or are exported from…
New U.S. Restrictions on Transfers to China for Semiconductor and Advanced Computing Uses
Two new rules announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) strive to severely inhibit China’s progress in indigenously producing advanced semiconductors. Although advanced semiconductors are widely used for commercial applications, BIS cited serious concerns regarding China’s use of the technology for WMD and military applications, and enabling human rights…
Sanctions/Export Highlights [As of October 6, 2022]
New U.S., UK, and EU Designations: On September 30, 2022, the U.S. designated 295 individuals and entities. The new designations included 14 persons in Russia’s military industrial complex, including Sinno Electronics Co. and Taco LLC, Chinese and Armenian suppliers, for their support of a Russian defense procurement firm. The U.S. also targeted two Russian…
Sanctions/Export Highlights [As of September 29, 2022]
UK Designates 89 Individuals and Three Entities: On September 26, 2022, in response to Russia’s “sham” referendums to annex four Russian-occupied regions in Ukraine, the UK designated an additional 92 individuals and entities. “Today’s sanctions will target those behind these sham votes, as well as the individuals that continue to prop up…
Sanctions/Export Highlights [As of August 18, 2022]
UK Publishes General License for Energy for Mongolia: On August 16, 2022, the UK published General License INT/2022/2085212 for Mongolia energy payments. The license permits payments to the Credit Bank of Moscow, Gazprombank, Sberbank, Rosbank PJSC, or any entity owned or controlled by these banks, for the purpose of making energy available for use…
BIS and DDTC Add Cambodia to their ‘Naughty’ List
On December 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) both issued final rules adding export restrictions on Cambodia.
BIS amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement more restrictive export controls for Cambodia to ensure that items…
Bureau of Industry and Security Issues Proposed Rule to Amend Export Administration Regulations to Clarify and Expand Restriction on the Availability of License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization
On October 22, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced its proposal to amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) in order to clarify and expand restrictions on the availability of License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (License Exception STA or STA) for items controlled by the EAR. BIS proposed clarifying…