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

CBP: Joint Forces Uncover Who Stole Dinosaur Bone

U.S. Customs and Border Protection worked with Bureau of Land Management to find people who stole dinosaur bones from Utah to sell and export. The defendants were in court in October. Read More

BIS: Issued an Update for Samsung and SK hynix

The Bureau of Industry and Security issued a rule updating the general authorizations for Samsung and SK hynix for semiconductor facilities in PRC. This is under the Validated End-User (VEU) program. This basically gives the South Korea companies permission to…

Justice: New Safe Harbor Policy

The Deputy AG announced new Safe Harbor policy for VSDs that are made in connection with mergers and acquisitions. This was during the remarks that Lisa Monaco gave at the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics’ 22nd Annual Compliance and…

Buy American/America/TAA

Three programs – what do they mean?  The Trade Agreements Act, Buy American Act, and Buy America Act are three unique opportunities that may be available to your business to increase sales and improve your likelihood of getting that contract.…

DDTC: Directorate of Defense Trade Controls issued an ITAR Compliance Risk Matrix

The Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is issuing a new ITAR Compliance Risk Matrix, accompanied by a supplemental risk matrix specific to universities. These risk matrices are intended to assist organizations in assessing their level of…

BIS: Bureau of Industry and Security Published Guidance on Best Practice

BIS published guidance on Best Practice: Certification to Prevent Diversion to Russia of Highest Priority Items. They identified 45 HS codes that have controlled items that are at risk of being diverted due to their importance to Russia’s ware efforts.…

Sanctions in Singapore

Singapore is fining Hydronav Services, a Singpore company, for violations of their export controls in sending goods to Myanmar. They lied and said it was going to Indonesia. Read More