Trade News

EAR, ECCN & Licensing

October 16, 2024

Complying with export regulations! Get some practical understanding of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Commerce Control List (CCL), and Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN). We discussed interpreting the EAR, navigating the CCL, and determining ECCN and License Requirements. Topics…

Justice: Two Russian Nationals Indicted for Smuggling and Wire Fraud

October 14, 2024

Two Russian nationals have been indicted for export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering. They fraudulently procured microelectronics from US distributors using shell companies to hide that the controlled items were destined for Russia. Read More

CSMS: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Lifts Import Ban on Disposable Gloves

October 14, 2024

The withhold release order against disposable gloves made by Brightway Holdings and Biopro is being modified. As of 10/11/24 CBP is no longer detaining disposable gloves and will allow them to enter. Read More

East and Gulf Coast Ports Hit by First ILA Strike in Over 40 Years as Contract Expires

October 1, 2024

The ILA began picket lines early this morning after the contract expired at midnight. The strike impacts 36 ports, all East and Gulf Coast. Currently the US Maritime Association (USMX for some reason) is in negotiations with the International Longshoremen’s…

BIS: Quantum Corporation Fined $150,000 for Antiboycott Violations

October 1, 2024

Bureau of Industry and Security has imposed a civil penalty of ~$150,000 on Quantum Corporation for alleged violations of antiboycott provisions of the EAR. Quantum is a data storage, management, and protection company that received requests from a UAE distributor…

FTC: GameStop CEO Fined Nearly $1M by FTC for Violating Antitrust Laws in Wells Fargo Stock Purchase

September 27, 2024

The Federal Trade Commission announced 9/18 that the CEO of GameStop will be paying nearly $1m to settle charges that his acquisition of Wells Fargo shares violated the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act. The CEO’s acquisition was above the threshold of HSR…

Treasury: Sanctions on Entities and Vessels Smuggling Iranian Oil and Gas to Syria and East Asia

September 27, 2024

Treasury sanctioned more than a dozen vessels and entities for their involvement in shipment of Iranian crude oil and petroleum gas to Syria and East Asia on behalf of Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard. Read More

CBP: Trade Compliance Partners Can Now Use FTZs for Goods Subject to Forced Labor Action

September 18, 2024

A new benefit for CTPAT has been implemented! Importers who are CTPAT Trade Compliance partners in good standing may utilize an FTZ for storage of goods subject to potential forced labor action. Read More

OFAC: New Rule Extends Retention Period to 10 Years

September 18, 2024

Office of Foreign Assets Control published an interim final rule changing recordkeeping requirements for certain transactions from 5 to 10 years. That’s consistent with the OFAC statute of limitations. This will be in effect March 12, 2025. Comments can be…

Justice: Couple Charged in Alleged Scheme to Provide Services to Sanctioned Russian Broadcaster and Launder Funds, Including Ties to Sanctioned Oligarch

September 12, 2024

Virginia couple allegedly conspired to provide services to and receive money from a sanctioned Russian broadcaster (Channel One Russia), and then launder the funds. Both members of the couple are charged with one count of violating the IEEPA, one count…

BIS: Enforces New Controls on Critical and Emerging Technologies, Targeting Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, and Advanced Manufacturing

September 12, 2024

Bureau of Industry and Security published an interim final rule implementing controls on critical and emerging technologies, things like quantum computing, advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, gate all-around field-effect transistor tech, and additive manufacturing. Read More

CSMS: Compliance Reminders for Drawback Filers

September 5, 2024

Customs and Border Protection posted some reminders to drawback filers on how to stay in compliance with drawback claims, and reminded filers that noncompliant claims won’t get drawback, and the claimant can be subject to penalties. Read More