Trade News

CSMS: Mandating Euro Indication on Documentation

November 21, 2023

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

November 21, 2023

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

November 20, 2023

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

November 1, 2023

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

October 27, 2023

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

October 25, 2023

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

October 24, 2023

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…

Justice: A Florida Couple Plead Guilty to Duty Evasion

October 19, 2023

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

October 19, 2023

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

October 13, 2023

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

October 4, 2023

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…

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

September 28, 2023

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…