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CBP Proposes Streamlining Origin Rules for Imports from Canada and Mexico

I learned a new word recently: “goat-rope.” The safe-for-work definition is a big, confusing mess. While it can be used to describe many different situations, I thought it was a perfect description for the ways in which the United States makes origin determinations for products imported from Canada and Mexico. Fortunately, help to make thingsRead More »CBP Proposes Streamlining Origin Rules for Imports from Canada and Mexico
Florida Residents Charged Sanctions

Florida Residents Charged with Conspiring to Violate Iran Sanctions, Other Crimes

Three Florida residents have been charged in federal district court in Miami with crimes related to their alleged violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran, and money laundering. Defendants Mohammad Faghihi, 52, his wife Farzeneh Modarresi, 53, and his sister Faezeh Faghihi, 50, operated Florida company Express Gene. According to the criminal complaint affidavit, between OctoberRead More »Florida Residents Charged with Conspiring to Violate Iran Sanctions, Other Crimes
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) Top Glove Corp.

Malaysia pledges to tackle forced labor after US downgrade

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s government pledged July 5, 2021, to take steps to eliminate forced labor after the country was downgraded by the U.S. to the worst level in an annual report on human trafficking. Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan said the government is taking the downgrade seriously and has ramped up effortsRead More »Malaysia pledges to tackle forced labor after US downgrade
Mexico Seeks US Talks Over Car-Rules Dispute Under Trade Pact

Mexico seeks US talks over car-rules dispute under trade pact

Mexico is seeking formal consultations with the U.S. over rules for cars shipped across regional borders under a year-old trade agreement as it seeks to de-escalate a conflict that emerged last month. The Mexican government wants the talks in order to avoid or settle a potential dispute over the requirements the U.S. is imposing onRead More »Mexico seeks US talks over car-rules dispute under trade pact
USA ITAR

ITAR Brokering Activities Demystified

Part 129 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) requires certain persons engaged in “brokering activities” to register with and pay a fee to, the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (“DDTC”). ITAR Part 129.2 broadly defines “broker” as any person engaging in “brokering activities” (discussed in greater detail below) fittingRead More »ITAR Brokering Activities Demystified
Court image with text Electrical Engineer sentenced

Electrical Engineer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export to China Semiconductor Chips with Military Uses

A California man was sentenced today to 63 months, or more than five years, in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally export integrated circuits with military applications to China the required filing of electronic export information. As part of his sentence, the Judge ordered Shih to pay $362,698 in restitution to theRead More »Electrical Engineer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export to China Semiconductor Chips with Military Uses
DDTC TECH DATA EXPORT

DDTC Consent Agreement Highlights Technical Data Export Challenges

It’s my long-held position that technology controls present the most challenging export compliance challenge. Last month’s consent agreement between the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and Honeywell International illustrates my point quite well. As we’ll discuss, Honeywell fell into three of the most common traps for unauthorized exports of controlled information. Companies subject to the International TrafficRead More »DDTC Consent Agreement Highlights Technical Data Export Challenges
Export Controls: Five Charged in Scheme to Export thermal imaging devices subject to ITAR Five Charged in Scheme to Export

Five Charged in Scheme to Export Thermal Imaging Scopes and Night Vision Goggles to Russia, in Violation of Arms Export Control Act

A federal grand jury in Los Angeles unsealed an indictment Thursday that accuses five defendants of conspiring to unlawfully export defense articles to Russia. Specifically, the defendants allegedly exported thermal imaging riflescopes and night-vision goggles without a license, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. According to court documents, Elena Shifrin, 59, of Mundelein,Read More »Five Charged in Scheme to Export Thermal Imaging Scopes and Night Vision Goggles to Russia, in Violation of Arms Export Control Act
night image of network of lights with buildings in the background Settlements Exports Controlled - Software Encryption

Settlements for Exports of Controlled Encryption Software to Iran

SAP, a German multinational software corporation with a significant U.S. presence, recently settled allegations that it violated OFAC and BIS regulations concerning exports of software, upgrades, and patches from the United States to Iran and Iranian companies.  The settlement amounts totaled in excess of $6.4 million. Watch the video as George W. Thompson, International TradeRead More »Settlements for Exports of Controlled Encryption Software to Iran