A Maine resident was taken into custody for illegally bringing bird and whale parts from Eastern Europe into the United States in violation of the Lacey Act. Authorities report that if convicted he could face up to five years in…

Due to a lapse in federal appropriations, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has significantly reduced operations. Access to the Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS) is unavailable, suspending submissions and public access for registrations, license applications including…

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans an October 7 enhancement in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Certification (CERT) environment, raising the maximum number of entry summaries allowed on a single statement from 2,000 to 9,999. This update comes as…

A withhold release order has been announced requiring U.S. Customs and Border Protection to detain all bicycles, bicycle components, and related accessories produced by Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Beginning September 24, 2025, CBP officers at every U.S. port of entry…

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has introduced a new license exception, SPP (Syria Peace and Prosperity), allowing U.S.-origin goods, software, and technology with purely civilian applications (EAR99), consumer communications devices, and select civil aviation items to be exported…

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued a final determination on corrosion-resistant steel, commonly known as stainless steel, and the case is now awaiting a decision from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC has 45 days to…

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has moved to fully revoke license-free export privileges under the Validated End-User (VEU) program for semiconductor manufacturing in China. While the program was expanded in 2023 to permit select foreign chipmakers to receive…

Mexico plans to exclude footwear from the Maquiladora program, adding the relevant tariff headings to the restricted list published in the Official Gazette. The Gazette now reflects all goods barred from Maquiladora treatment. Separately, the government is considering higher tariffs…

U.S. national security officials are alerting academic institutions and researchers to potential threats from foreign governments seeking to access sensitive research and export-controlled technologies. The advisory emphasizes caution around international collaborations and foreign talent programs, providing practical guidance to help…

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a $12.4 million settlement to resolve allegations that an importer evaded customs duties on quartz surface products from China, commonly used for countertops and similar applications. According to the government, the company misrepresented the…

The Department of State is reminding all parties subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to exercise heightened diligence in their export compliance programs. The Department emphasized the importance of ensuring that no regulated activities, directly or indirectly,…

A recent executive order directs the stockpiling of six months’ worth of essential medications, aiming to bolster national security and enhance supply chain resiliency. While the measure addresses preparedness for potential crises, it may also help mitigate future impacts from…