Justice: ADCO Industries Settles for $2.5 Million

ADCO Industries (aka Dallco Marketing), an importer of industrial products, has agreed to pay $2.5 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act. They underrepresented the value of goods, along with their broker and the Chinese suppliers, to…

Justice: German Company Mislabeling Tools as “Made in Germany” for Items Produced in China and Rerouted via Germany

KingKong-Tools, a German company, was labeling its tools “made in Germany” when they were made in China and transshipped through Germany. The company will pay $1.9 million to settle those allegations. Read More

CSMS: Mandating Euro Indication on Documentation

Countries that use the Euro must put that currency on all of the invoices, documents, and entry transmissions from those countries. Read More

Treasury: Largest Settlement in History

In combination with OFAC, FinCEN, and IRS, Treasury is announcing the largest settlement in history. This is with Binance Holdings for violations of anti-money laundering and sanctions laws. Binance is a virtual currency exchange, responsible for ~ 60% of virtual…

Justice: Virginia Tactical Gear Company Settles False Claims Act Allegations

A tactical gear and equipment company from Virginia is paying ~$2.1million to for False Claim Act allegations – they were selling textile-based products to the Department of Defense, and claimed that they complied with Buy American Act, the Trade Agreements…

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Export Screening

Do you know who you’re doing business with? One of the key elements to due diligence in export transactions is knowing your customer. We will dig into the regulations and guidance from government agencies, and walk you through steps that…

DSCA: The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Report Exposes Foreign Intelligence Targets

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency put out a report of sectors that are being targeted. This is on areas that foreign intelligence is targeting. When they refer to “cleared industry”, my military source tells me that means those that…

Commerce: Temporary Halt on Firearms, Components, and Ammo Licensing for 90 Days

As of 10/27/2023 Commerce is pausing issuing licenses for firearms, components, and ammo for ~ 90 days. During this “pause” period, the Department will further assess current firearm export control review policies to determine whether any changes are warranted to…

BIS: Bureau of Industry and Security Published Interim Final Rule

Interim Final Rule (IFR) on the Implementation of Additional Export Controls: Certain Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing Items; Supercomputer and Semiconductor End Use. Effective 11/17/2023, discussion of comments. Read More

EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency Published Rule on Hydrofluorocarbons

A rule on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) was published 10/24. It’s effective 12/26. HFCs are a group of synthetic gases that are used mostly for cooling and refrigeration. As part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, the EPA can limit the…

CTPAT Supply Chain Security

Why, How, and How Much:  CTPAT is the new normal and an industry standard. Changes to the minimum-security criteria (MSC) in 2020, remote validations, and recent developments are requiring new and existing CTPAT program members to dedicate increased attention and…

Justice: A Florida Couple Plead Guilty to Duty Evasion

A couple from Florida plead guilty to duty evasion on plywood imports, and selling illegally imported plywood products, as well as smuggling and violations of the Lacey Act. The loss of duties was ~ $42 million. Read More