The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on September 14, 2020 that forced labor goods from China are now banned.  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued Withhold Release Orders on products produced in China’s Xinjiang province.  In a statement Acting CBP Commissioner Mark A. Morgan stated that the forced labor goods banned

The Arab League Boycott was dealt a severe blow when the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a decree ending its involvement in it.  This announcement now allows trade between the UAE and Israel.  It follows the normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE created by the recent peace accord.  What is the Arab Boycott

Managing an Export Compliance Program properly ensures its effectiveness.  Any plan, no matter how well conceived, is only as effective as its execution.  Given the importance of export compliance to the sustainability of a business this is a task that must be addressed appropriately. Technology Control Plan – ITAR A Technology Control Plan (TCP) is

The Bureau of Industry and Security added 24 companies added to list entity list for their involvement in constructing artificial military islands for the Chinese military.  China has been building these islands since 2013.  This announcement was made by the U.S Department of Commerce on August 26, 2020.  The islands have been condemned by the

Training Requirements for ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) are often overlooked by companies working with defense related articles.  In truth, the day to day challenges of developing product, conducting testing, advancing sales opportunities, and meeting deadlines consume most of our time.  The reality however, is that well designed and intentioned export compliance programs are

The U.S. Department of Justice announced arrests for export dual use violations of Chong Sik Yu, and Yunseo Lee.  These two individuals are executives of America Tecma Inc..  The charges involve exporting electronic components with military applications to Hong Kong and China.  They are also charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and

Export Control Training Export control training is an essential part of an effective export compliance program.  Both the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the Directorate of  Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) recommend regular training for all employees involved in exports.  For businesses that are involved with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) this includes

Commerce Department regulations that gave Hong Kong Special Status have been suspended.  U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross made this announcement on June 29, 2020.  This change will effect the export of sensitive U.S. technologies to Hong Kong.  It will also effect the availability for export license exceptions. Mr. Ross also mentioned that further actions

Export regulations due diligence is a somewhat vague term given the gravity of maintaining an export compliance program.  It is no easy task to determine product classifications, obtain licenses, and screen potential customers. Bureau of Industry and Science and Export Administration Regulations The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) manages Export Administration Regulations (EAR).  The

The U S Restricts Huawei’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Capabilities The U S will Restrict Huawei semiconductor manufacturing by limiting the use of technologies for design and manufacture.  This planned action was announced by the Bureau of Industry and Science (BIS) on May 15, 2020.  The BIS is implementing this action to protect national interests by preventing

FEMA Temporary Ruling on Allocation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) A Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA ruling on medical resources will be effective until August 10, 2020. This action has been taken in response to the immediate need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) caused by the COVID-19 epidemic.  Recent studies have shown that COVID-19 is

The Importance of Understanding Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Understanding Export Administration Regulations is especially important for businesses today because of the prevalence and ease of conducting international trade in today’s world.  Many businesses learn too late the consequences of remaining ignorant of federal export laws.  Unfortunately, ignorance is not a defense. Title 15 of the

Export Compliance Program Management Effective export compliance program management is important for a successful business.  International trade is more prevalent than in any time in history.  Failure to comply with export laws such as the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) can lead to criminal penalties and imprisonment, civil