I screamed at the top of my lungs what’s going on! Come by for a casual end-of-year chat about what’s happening in the world of international trade. Our experts have a grab bag of topics, and you’re welcome to submit your own questions!
Trade News
Five US Companies Sanctioned China
China has sanctioned five US companies, BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat and Data Link Solutions as a result of US sanctions. Read More
Justice: A New Hampshire Charity Sentenced 5 Years Probation and $25,000 Fine for Unlawful Export of Humanitarian Goods to Syria
A New Hampshire charity, NuDay Syria, was sentenced at the end of December in federal court for exporting humanitarian goods to Syria unlawfully. The organization was sentenced to 5 years of probation and to pay a $25,000 fine for three…
OFAC: Settles with PURE for $466,200 Over Ukraine/Russia Sanctions
OFAC: They settled with Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) for $466,200. This was to settle potential civil liability of Ukraine- / Russia-related sanctions. Read More
Justice: Ghacham Inc. Sentenced for Scheming Duty Evasion and Ties to Sinaloa Drug Cartel
Ghacham Inc., doing business as “Platini”, was sentenced in District Court for scheming to avoid paying duties and doing business with a woman linked to the Sinaloa drug cartel. They were fined $4 million, ordered to pay ~ $6.4 million…
Congress: The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs released a 90-Day Review Report of BIS.
Chairman McCaul determined that BIS has enabled a virtually unrestricted flow of American technology to CCP-controlled companies, facilitating China’s rapid rise as a technological, economic, and military superpower. Read More
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…
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…