Updated statements of legal authority to reflect Continuation of Emergency Declared in Executive Orders 12947 and 13224
February 22, 2012 — Bureau of Industry and Security - U.S. Department of Commerce
This rule updates the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) legal
authority citations for the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to
replace citations to the President's Notice of January 13, 2011,
Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Terrorists Who
Threaten to Disrupt the Middle East Peace Process, with citations to
the President's Notice of January 12, 2012, and add citations to the
President's Notice of September 21, 2011, Continuation of the National
Emergency With Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or
Support Terrorism. These notices are the most recent such annual
Presidential notices on those subjects. BIS is making these changes to
keep the CFR's legal authority citations for the EAR current. Read more . . .
Source: Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office
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Richland Trace Homeowners Association, Inc. assessed a penalty for violating the former Liberian regime of Charles Taylor sanctions regulations
February 21, 2012 — U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Foreign Assets Control
Richland Trace Homeowners Association, Inc. ("Richland Trace"), Dallas, TX, has been assessed a penalty of $9,000 for violating the Former Liberian Regime of Charles Taylor Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 593 (the "Regulations"). Richland Trace used $9,500 of the proceeds from the February 3, 2009, sale of property in which a person designated pursuant to Executive Order 13348, Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Importation of Certain Goods from Liberia, had an interest, to reimburse itself for past assessments and late fees that had accrued against the property since December 2005. As a result, OFAC determined that Richland Trace violated the prohibition against dealing in blocked property set forth in § 593.201 of the Regulations. OFAC determined that Richland Trace did not voluntarily self-disclose the violation to OFAC and that the violation constituted a non-egregious case. The base penalty amount for the violation was $10,000. The assessed penalty amount reflects OFAC's consideration of the following facts and circumstances, pursuant to the General Factors under OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines: Richland Trace displayed reckless disregard for U.S. sanctions by failing to comply with the conditions of its OFAC license and has no history of prior OFAC violations. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury - Resource Center
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California resident and company plead guilty to conspiracy to export computer-related equipment to Iran
February 16, 2012 — Department of Justice - Office of Public Affairs
*** At a hearing today before U.S. District Judge Ellen S. Huvelle, Habibion and Online Micro each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and to defraud the United States. Motamedian pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. Judge Huvelle set sentencing for May 16, 2012. The maximum sentence for Habibion and the company is five years in prison and $1 million. The maximum sentence for Motamedian is 20 years in prison. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
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United States and European Union agree to historic new partnership on organic trade
February 15, 2011 — Office of the United States Trade Representative - Press Releases
The United States and the European Union announced today that beginning June 1, 2012, organic products certified in the United States or in Europe may be sold as organic in either region. This partnership between the two largest organic producers in the world will establish a strong foundation from which to promote organic agriculture, benefiting the growing organic industry and supporting jobs and businesses on a global scale.
The organics sector in the United States and European Union is valued at more than $50 billion combined, and rising every year. Read more . . .
Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative
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OFAC provides information on General Licenses A and B issued pursuant to new Iranian sanctions
February 13, 2011 — U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Foreign Assets Control
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets
Control ("OFAC") is providing information regarding General Licenses
A and B issued pursuant to the new Executive Order of February 5, 2012
("Blocking Property of the Government of Iran and Iranian Financial
Institutions") ("new Executive Order"). Read more . . .
Source: Federal Register Online - Government Printing Office
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Notice to Exporters 2012/09 - BIS Secretary of State announces suspension mechanism for processing of licence applications in countries experiencing a sharp deterioration in security or stability
February 9, 2012 — UK ECO
Overview
1. In light of events in the Middle East and North Africa (Arab Spring), the Foreign Secretary led a review of defence and security export policy. The Foreign Secretary announced the findings of the reviews on 13th October 2011 which concluded there were no fundamental flaws with the UK Strategic Export Licensing system. There were, however, a few areas identified where the system required further strengthening. Business Secretary Vince Cable’s announcement on 7th February included a package of proposals developed by FCO and BIS to further strengthen the Export Licensing system including:
1.1 A mechanism to allow the immediate suspension of licence applications being processed to countries which experience a sharp deterioration in security or stability; the suspension mechanism will not cover extant licences.
1.2 A commitment to continue to work to improve public information on defence & security exports including increased transparency of export licensing decisions Read more . . .
Source: Department of Business Innovation & Skills - Notice to Exporters
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Freight Forwarder pleads guilty to conspiracy
for facilitating export of goods to Iran
February 6, 2012 — U.S. Department of Justice
A former manager of a Netherlands-based freight-forwarding company pleaded guilty today for conspiring to defraud the United States by facilitating the illegal export of goods to Iran, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Ulrich Davis, 50, a Dutch citizen of Pumerend, The Netherlands, pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States through the violation of a U.S. Department of Commerce Temporary Denial Order ("TDO"). Davis entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court.
According to the Information to which Davis pleaded guilty, other documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Davis was the sales and business development manager for a company described in the Information as the "Netherlands Freight Forwarding Company" in 2007 and 2008. The Netherlands Freight Forwarding company was affiliated with a New York-based freight-forwarding company.
During that time, Davis facilitated shipments to be made to Iran without the necessary authorization from the United States government and in violation of the law. Read more . . .
Source: Bureau of Industry and Security - U.S. Department of Justice
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Executive Order blocking the property and interests in property of the Government of Iran and Iranian Financial Institutions
February 6, 2012 — U.S. Department of the Treasury - Recent Actions
The President has signed a new Executive Order blocking the property and interests in property of the Government of Iran and Iranian financial institutions. The E.O. requires U.S. persons to block all property and interests in property of the Government of Iran (including the Central Bank of Iran), of all Iranian financial institutions, and of all persons determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be owned by, controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of any of those parties, when that property comes within the United States or within the possession or control of U.S. persons. The E.O. builds upon the Iranian Transactions Regulations ("ITR") and does not apply to certain Iranian property that was blocked in November 1979 and made subject to transfer directives in 1981. Transactions involving the Government of Iran or Iranian financial institutions that previously needed to be rejected, now must be blocked, except that OFAC has issued two General Licenses which, subject to certain exceptions, continue to allow transactions that were previously authorized by OFAC or not prohibited, including the transfer of personal remittances by U.S. depository institutions to and from Iran. Read more . . .
Source: OFAC
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2012 - Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
February 3, 2012 — United States International Trade Commission
This edition of the HTS is the basic printed version. Further changes have occurred due to Presidential Proclamations which incorporate international changes to the HTS nomenclature. This version will go into effect on Feb. 3, 2012. The printed 2012 HTS will be available from the Government Printing Office. Read more . . .
Source: United States International Trade Commission
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Amendment to the EAR: Addition of a reference to a provision of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (ISA) and statement of the licensing policy for transactions involving persons sanctioned under the ISA
February 3, 2012 — Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce
In this rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends
the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to add a reference to the
Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (ISA), which states BIS's licensing policy
for export and reexport transactions that involve persons sanctioned
pursuant to certain enumerated statutes. In this rule, BIS provides
notice to the public that it has a general policy of denial for export
and reexport license applications in which a person sanctioned by the
State Department under the ISA is a party to the transaction. BIS also
makes technical corrections to enhance clarity and consistency. Read more . . .
Source: Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office
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Three companies settle antiboycott charges
February 3, 2012 — Bureau of Industry and Security - U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security, David W. Mills announced today that three companies agreed to pay a total of $35,200 in civil penalties to settle allegations that each violated the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The companies are: Weiss-Rohlig USA LLC, JAS Forwarding (USA) Inc. (Los Angeles), and Rexnord Industries LLC. Read more . . .
Source: Bureau of Industry and Security - Office of Congressional and Public Affairs
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Treasury sanctions supporters of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) tied to drug trafficking in Europe
February 1, 2012 — Office of Foreign Assets Control
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today announced the designation of Moldovan-based individuals Zeyneddin Geleri, Cerkez Akbulut (a.k.a. Cernit Murat), and Omer Boztepe as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers (SDNTs) for acting for or on behalf of the PKK, also known as Kurdistan Workers Party or Kongra-Gel. OFAC also designated Omer Geleri and three Romanian-based companies due to their ties and or activities related to Zeyneddin Geleri. Today’s action represents the first designation under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act) of entities that are owned or controlled by individuals acting for the PKK in Europe. As a result of this action, U.S. persons are prohibited from conducting financial or commercial transactions with the designees and any assets they may have under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Foreign Assets Control
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Guidance for Exports to Afghanistan
January 31, 2012 — DDTC
It is the policy of the Department of State to expedite requests for exports directly supporting our coalition efforts in Afghanistan. To ensure these priority efforts are supported, the Department will ensure only requests directly related to coalition operations are afforded this expedited review. To be eligible for this expedited handling,the following criteria must be met and the requests must be for:
- Defense articles and services to forces or organizations deployed in Afghanistan, or;
- Defense articles and services to forces or organizations within 90 days of a scheduled deployment.
License applications submitted requesting expedited handling but not in fact meeting these criteria will be returned without action and the applicant will be instructed to resubmit as a routine license.
Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
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Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Trade
Agreements Thresholds (DFARS Case 2012-D005)
January 30, 2012 — Defense Acquisition Regulations System; Department of Defense
DoD is issuing a final rule amending the Defense Federal
Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to incorporate adjusted
thresholds for application of the World Trade Organization Government
Procurement Agreement and the Free Trade Agreements, as determined by
the United States Trade Representative. Additionally, this rule
includes language in prescriptions for use of contract clauses intended
to clarify their applicability to commercial items. Read more . . .
Source: Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office
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Rules for investigations relating to global and bilateral
safeguards actions, market disruption, trade diversion, and review of relief actions
January 26, 2012 — United States International Trade Commission
The United States International Trade Commission (Commission)
is adopting interim rules that amend the Commission's Rules of Practice
and Procedure to make technical amendments and to provide rules for the
conduct of safeguard investigations under statutory provisions that
implement bilateral safeguard provisions in free trade agreements that
the United States has negotiated with Australia, Bahrain, Chile,
Colombia, the Dominican Republic and five Central American countries
(Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), Jordan,
Korea, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore. With the exception
of the free trade agreements with Colombia, Korea, and Panama, all of
the aforementioned free trade agreements have entered into force. The
free trade agreements with Colombia, Korea, and Panama are expected to enter into force imminently. The interim rules would amend and expand upon current
rules that pertain to the conduct of bilateral safeguard investigations
under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation
Act with respect to imports from Canada and Mexico. Read more . . .
Source: United States International Trade Commission
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Statement by the plenary chair of the Wassenaar Arrangement on export controls for conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies
January 25, 2012 — The Wassenaar Arrangement
Effective 25 January 2012, the necessary procedures for joining the Wassenaar Arrangement having been completed, Mexico became the 41st Participating State in the Arrangement. Read more . . .
Source: The Wassenaar Arrangement
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Canada Imposes Further Sanctions Against Syria
January 25, 2012 — Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada - Foreign Policy
On January 25, 2012, Canada imposed further sanctions against Syria under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to the continuing repression of Syrian civilians and Syria’s failure to implement the Arab League plan to resolve the crisis. The measures announced today in a statement made by Minister Baird further expand Canada’s targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and those that provide it with support.
The announced measures impose an assets freeze and dealings prohibition on additional individuals and entities associated with the Assad regime, while providing for new exemptions to minimize the impact on ordinary Canadians and Syrians. Read more . . .
Source: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
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Action Strikes at One of Iran’s Few Remaining Access Points to the Global Financial System
January 23, 2012 — U.S. Department of the Treasury - Press Center
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated Iran's third-largest bank, Bank Tejarat, for providing financial services to several Iranian banks and firms already subject to international sanctions for their involvement in Iran’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation activities. With today’s action, 23 Iranian-linked financial institutions, including all of Iran’s largest state-owned banks, have been sanctioned by the U.S. based on their involvement in Iran’s illicit activities.
"At a time when banks around the world are cutting off Iran and its currency is depreciating rapidly, today’s action against Bank Tejarat strikes at one of Iran’s few remaining access points to the international financial system," said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, David S. Cohen. "Today’s sanction against Bank Tejarat will deepen Iran’s financial isolation, make its access to hard currency even more tenuous, and further impair Iran’s ability to finance its illicit nuclear program." Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury
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World commercial services trade rises 12% according to new WTO figures
January 20, 2012 — World Trade Organization (WTO) - News Items
According to the latest WTO data, world exports in commercial services increased by 12% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter of 2010 (balance-of-payments basis, current price, not seasonally adjusted). Overall, in the first nine months of 2011, exports of commercial services grew by 13% year-on-year. Read more . . .
Source: World Trade Organization (WTO)
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European Union publishes new Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 implementing restrictive measures on Syria
January 19, 2012 — UK ECO
"The European Union (EU) has adopted new restrictive measures against Syria. These measures are set out in Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 (‘the Regulation’) which was adopted on 18 January 2012. The Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 19 January 2012, when it also came into force..."
"As explained in Notice to Exporters 2012/03, Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 which was adopted on 18 January 2012 (and came into force on 19 January 2012) details new restrictive measures targeted at the both the Syrian oil and gas industry and those participating in certain electricity generating projects..."
Notices to Exporters
Source: BIS Department for Business Innovation & Skills
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Piracy attacks in East and West Africa dominate world report
January 19, 2012 — International Chamber of Commerce
Pirate attacks against vessels in East and West Africa accounted for the majority of world attacks in 2011, signalling a rising trend, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) global piracy report revealed today. Of the 439 attacks reported to the IMB in 2011, 275 attacks took place off Somalia on the east coast and in the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of Africa. Read more . . .
Source: ICC Commercial Crime Services
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An international code of conduct for outer space activities: strengthening long-term sustainability, stability, safety, and security in space
January 17, 2012 — U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Public Affairs
***
An International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities
In response to these challenges, the United States reached a decision to formally work with the European Union and spacefaring nations to develop and advance an International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities. The European Union’s draft Code of Conduct is a good foundation for the development of a non-legally binding International Code of Conduct focused on the use of voluntary and pragmatic transparency and confidence-building measures to help prevent mishaps, misperceptions, and mistrust in space. An International Code of Conduct, if adopted, would establish guidelines for responsible behavior to reduce the hazards of debris-generating events and increase the transparency of operations in space to avoid the danger of collisions. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of State
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Three companies sanctioned under the amended Iran Sanctions Act
January 12, 2012 — Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs
On January 12, 2012, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton imposed sanctions on three companies under the Iran Sanctions Act, as amended by the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act (CISADA), for conducting business with Iran’s energy sector. These three firms are Zhuhai Zhenrong Company (Zhenrong), Kuo Oil (S) Pte. Ltd. (Kuo), and FAL Oil Company Limited (FAL).
The United States is working with international partners to maintain pressure on the Government of Iran to comply with its international nuclear obligations. UN Security Council Resolution 1929 recognized the potential connection between Iran’s revenues derived from its energy sector and the funding of its proliferation sensitive nuclear activities. In recognition of that connection, the United States adopted CISADA, which makes sanctionable certain activities in Iran’s energy sector, including the provision of refined petroleum products to Iran. The European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Canada, and Australia have also adopted their own sanctions that target Iran's energy sector. The result of these actions has been an unprecedented international sanctions effort aimed at convincing Iran to change its behavior. The sanctions announced today are an important step toward that goal, as they target the individual companies that help Iran evade these efforts. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of State
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Agencies, donors boost coordination on food safety, animal and plant health aid
January 10, 2012 — World Trade Organization (WTO) - News Items
Strengthened coordination to improve results in a number of areas feature in a new medium-term strategy for 2012-16 adopted on 10 January 2012 by a five-agency programme to help developing countries meet international standards on food safety and animal and plant health.
The ultimate goal is to assist developing countries tackle pests, animal and plant diseases and contaminants so that they can expand and diversify food and agricultural production and exports, resulting in economic development, poverty reduction, better nutrition, food security and environmental protection. Read more . . .
Source: World Trade Organization (WTO)
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Treasury sanctions three drug traffickers tied to Mexican drug lord Chapo Guzman
January 10, 2012 — U.S. Department of the Treasury - Press Center
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated three individuals with ties to Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin Guzman Loera (a.k.a. Chapo Guzman) as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers (SDNTs) pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). As a result of today’s action, U.S. persons are prohibited from conducting financial or commercial transactions with the designees and any assets they may have under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.
"Today marks the fourth time in the past year that OFAC has targeted and exposed the support structures of the organization led by Chapo Guzman, the world’s most powerful drug trafficker," said OFAC Director, Adam J. Szubin. "OFAC will continue to work with law enforcement and foreign counterparts to help disrupt, and eventually dismantle, Chapo Guzman’s criminal empire." Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury
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Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): notice of the results of the 2010 GSP Annual Review
January 10, 2012 — Office of the United States Trade Representative
BIS imposes new export and reexport license requirements for certain microwave and millimeter wave electronic components
January 9, 2012 — Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security
This rule imposes a license requirement on exports and
reexports to all destinations other than Canada of two types of
microwave and millimeter wave electronic components. The two components
are packaged high electron mobility transistors and packaged microwave
"monolithic integrated circuits" power amplifiers that meet certain
criteria with respect to frequency range, size and output power. BIS
takes this step to control exports and reexports of these components,
which have uses in military radar systems as well as in civilian radar
and telecommunications systems. The U.S. Government also plans to
propose adding these components to the Dual List of the Wassenaar
Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods
and Technologies (Wassenaar Arrangement Dual Use List) in 2012. Read more . . .
This correction adds a compliance date of February 9, 2012, to
a final rule published on January 9, 2012 (77 FR 1017). That final rule
imposed a license requirement on exports and reexports to all
destinations other than Canada of two types of microwave and millimeter
wave electronic components. The two components are packaged high
electron mobility transistors and packaged microwave ``monolithic
integrated circuits'' power amplifiers that meet certain criteria with
respect to frequency range, size and output power. BIS is publishing
this correction to make sure exporters and reexporters have sufficient
time to comply with the rule. Read more . . .
Source: Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office
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Parfums de Coeur, Ltd. pays $27,000 to settle antiboycott case
January 7, 2012 — U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced that Parfums de Coeur, Ltd. of Darien, Connecticut, has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $27,000 to settle claims that it committed
- three violations of EAR § 760.2(d) (furnishing information about business relationships with boycotting countries or blacklisted person) and
- six violations of DAR § 760.5 (failing to report the receipt of a request to engage in restrictive trade practice or foreign boycott against the country friendly to the United States)
Read Settlement Agreement
Source: Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
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FedEx settles charges of causing, aiding, and abetting unlicensed exports
January 4, 2012 — U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced today that FedEx Express (FedEx), Memphis, TN, has agreed to pay a $370,000 civil penalty to settle allegations that it committed six violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) relating to FedEx’s provision of freight forwarding services to exporters.
BIS alleged that on two occasions in 2006, FedEx caused, aided and abetted acts prohibited by the regulations when it facilitated the attempted unlicensed export of electronic components from the United States to Mayrow in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The exports to Mayrow were thwarted when delivery was halted at BIS’s direction. On June 5, 2006, BIS had issued a General Order imposing a license requirement with a presumption of denial for the export or reexport of any item subject to the EAR to Mayrow General Trading and related entities. The General Order was issued based on information that Mayrow and the related entities were acquiring electronic components and devices that were being used in Improvised Explosive Devices deployed against Coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read more . . .
Source: Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
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President Obama issues proclamations on changes to GSP and Harmonized Tariff Schedules
January 4, 2012 — Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
This form will enable Ex-Im Bank to identify the specific details
of the proposed co-financing transaction between a U.S. exporter, Ex-Im
Bank, and a foreign export credit agency; the information collected
includes vital facts such as the amount of U.S.-made content in the
export, the amount of financing requested from Ex-Im Bank, and the
proposed financing amount from the foreign export credit agency. These
details are necessary for approving this unique transaction structure
and coordinating our support with that of the foreign export credit
agency to ultimately complete the transaction and support U.S.
exports--and U.S. jobs. Read more . . .
See Co-Financing with Foreign Export Credit Agency form
To Modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States and for Other Purposes Read more . . .
To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System
of Preferences and for Other Purposes Read more . . .
Source: Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office
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Florida-based defense contractor pays US $4.75 million to resolve allegations related to defective bomb fuzes
December 21, 2011 — U.S. Department of Justice
Kaman Precision Products Inc., an Orlando, Fla., defense contractor, will pay the United States $4.75 million to resolve allegations that the company submitted false claims for non-conforming fuzes sold to the U.S. Army for use in "bunkerbuster" bombs, the Justice Department announced today. In addition, the settlement requires Kaman to adhere to a compliance program and to dismiss administrative claims that it had made against the Army after the termination of its contract.
The lawsuit, filed in the Middle District of Florida by the United States under the False Claims Act for breach of contract, alleged that the company knowingly substituted a component in four lots of fuzes that made them unsafe for use in military operations. Specifically, the United States' allegations relate to FMU-143 fuzes for use in hard target penetration warheads, colloquially referred to as "bunkerbuster" bombs. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
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Treasury Designates 10 Shipping Companies and Chief Executive Tied to IRISL and Irano Hind
December 20, 2011 — U.S. Department of the Treasury - Press Center
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the designation of 10 shipping and front companies and one individual based in Malta affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), an entity facing international sanctions for its involvement in Iran’s efforts to advance its missile programs and transport military cargoes. Today’s action is being taken as IRISL and its subsidiaries have increasingly relied upon multiple front companies and agents to overcome the impact of U.S. and international sanctions and increased scrutiny of their behavior.
"As IRISL and its subsidiaries continue their deceptive efforts to escape the grasp of U.S. and international sanctions, we will continue to take action—as we are today—to expose the front companies, agents and managers working with IRISL and work to stop this illicit business," said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen.
The entities and individual designated today are owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, IRISL, Irano Hind, or ISI Maritime. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury
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Lanier Marine Liquidators settles Sudanese sanctions regulations allegations
December 20, 2011 — Office of Foreign Assets Control
Lanier Marine Liquidators Settles Sudanese Sanctions Regulations Allegations: Lanier Marine Liquidators ("LML"), Dawsonville, GA, has agreed to remit $13,500 to settle allegations of violations of the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 538, occurring between March 2005 and March 2006. OFAC alleged that LML entered into contracts to sell boats and boat parts to an individual in Sudan, and attempted to export a boat and boat parts to Sudan valued at $30,460. The base penalty amount for the alleged violations was $50,000. OFAC determined that LML did not voluntarily disclose this matter to OFAC and that the alleged violations constituted a non-egregious case. The settlement amount reflects OFAC’s consideration of the following General Factors under OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines: LML has no history of prior OFAC violations; LML substantially cooperated with OFAC’s investigation of the alleged violations and entered into tolling agreements with OFAC; and LML took appropriate remedial action upon learning of the potential OFAC violations. Read more . . .
Source: Department of the Treasury
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Changes to Commodity Codes, Effective January 1, 2012
December 16, 2011 — Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Issuance of Libya General License No. 11 Unblocking the Government of Libya and the Central Bank of Libya, with certain exceptions
December 16, 2011 — U.S. Department of the Treasury - Resource Center
On December 16, 2011, OFAC issued General License No. 11 pursuant to the Libyan Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 570, and Executive Order 13566 of February 25, 2011, "Blocking Property and Prohibiting Certain Transactions Related to Libya." General License No. 11 unblocks all property and interests in property of the Government of Libya, its agencies, instrumentalities, and controlled entities, and the Central Bank of Libya (including Libyan Arab Foreign Bank), except that all funds, including cash, securities, bank accounts, and investment accounts, and precious metals of the Libyan Investment Authority ("LIA") and entities owned or controlled by the LIA (including the Libyan Africa Investment Portfolio) blocked as of September 19, 2011, remain blocked. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury - Resource Center
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Ministerial Conference approves Russia's WTO membership
December 16, 2011 — World Trade Organization - News Items
Today, on 16 December 2011, Russia cleared the final hurdle to become a WTO member. WTO Ministers adopted Russia’s WTO terms of entry at the 8th Ministerial Conference in Geneva. Russia will have to ratify the deal within the next 220 days and would become a fully-fledged WTO member 30 days after it notifies the ratification to the WTO. Read more . . .
Source: World Trade Organization
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Historic deal reached on government procurement
December 15, 2011 — World Trade Organization - News Items
Parties to the Plurilateral Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) reached today (15 December 2011) a historic deal to improve the disciplines for this key sector of the economy and expand the market access coverage valued at between 80 to 100 billion dollars a year. Read more . . .
Source: World Trade Organization
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WTO launches new tool for accessing trade policy information
December 15, 2011 — World Trade Organization
The WTO has developed a new application that will allow users to access via one portal all trade policy information notified to the WTO by its members. Known as the Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal (I-TIP), the new application will encompass tariffs, non-tariff measures and related trade statistics.
In its current version, access is limited to WTO members only. However, I-TIP will also be made available to the public via a user-friendly interface, making it an extremely useful tool for governments, the private sector, academia and the public at large. "This new application reinforces the WTO's role as the depository of trade intelligence," said Director-General Pascal Lamy. Read more . . .
Source: World Trade Organization
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Wassenaar Arrangement publishes Best Practice Guidelines on internal compliance programs for dual-use goods and technologies
December 14, 2011 — Wassenaar Arrangement
State/DDTC posts new agreement guidelines pursuant to Exchange of Notes with Canada and the United Kingdom to implement ITAR § 126.18
December 14, 2011 — U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
USTR release of the 2011 Report to Congress on China's WTO Compliance
December 12, 2011 — Office of the United States Trade Representative
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative presented to Congress today the 2011 annual report on China's compliance with its World Trade Organization (WTO) accession obligations. The report is statutorily mandated by Congress and highlights the status of China's ongoing work in areas such as intellectual property rights, industrial policy, agriculture, services and transparency. The complete report can be found here.
Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative
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DHS seeks public comments on U.S.-Canada Action Plan for Perimeter Security
December 9, 2011 — Federal Register 76-76981
The United States and Canada are staunch allies, vital economic partners, neighbors, and steadfast friends. We share common values, communities, and deep links among our citizens. The extensive mobility of people, goods, capital, and information between our two countries has helped ensure that our societies remain open, democratic, prosperous, and secure.
On February 4, 2011, President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. This declaration describes a perimeter approach to security in which the United States and Canada share responsibility for the security and resilience of our nations.
Our countries will seek to jointly address threats at the earliest point possible, while working together to facilitate the flows of legitimate travel and trade.
Beyond the Border identifies four key areas of cooperation: Addressing Threats Early; Trade Facilitation, Economic Growth, and Jobs; Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement; and Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity. Progress in these areas will be underpinned by a respect for the sovereignty, civil rights and civil liberties, privacy protections, and legal frameworks of both countries.
On December 7, 2011, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Harper announced the Beyond the Border Action Plan, which describes specific initiatives our countries intend to undertake to achieve Beyond the Border's goals of perimeter security and economic competitiveness. With this notice, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on behalf of the Administration, is seeking public input on the Beyond the Border Action Plan. The agency must receive comments on or before January 9, 2012.
Source: http://www.gpo.gov/
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Trade can play a role in addressing climate change
December 5, 2011 — WTO - News Items
The WTO is participating in the Durban Climate Change Conference taking place from 28 November to 9 December 2011. One of the topics being discussed at the conference is how trade intersects with climate change in various ways and how it can help mitigate and adapt to climate change by increasing trade opening for "climate-friendly" goods and facilitating access to key mitigation and adaptation technologies. Read more . . .
Source: World Trade Organization
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UK ECO issues Notice to Exporters on use of correct OGELs for military goods
November 30, 2011 — UK ECO - Notice to Exporters
As of the 1st December 2011, UK ECO will deem as ‘failure to comply’ infractions - the incorrect exports of licensed goods under the OGEL (Military Goods: Government or NATO End-Use) when the OGEL (Military Goods) should have been used. failure to use the correct OGEL for the goods and destination[s] will now be considered as ‘non-compliance’ and a warning letter will be issued. This may result in the suspension of your ability to use an incorrectly used OGEL. Read more . . .
Source: Department for Business Innovation & Skills
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Commerzbank AG, New York Branch Settles Cuban Assets Control Regulations Allegations
November 29, 2011 — Office of Foreign Assets Control - Enforcement Information
Commerzbank AG, New York Branch ("Commerzbank"), New York, NY, has agreed to remit $175,500 to settle apparent violations of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 515, that occurred from on or about September 7, 2005, through on or about September 30, 2005. The agreement covers allegations that Commerzbank, acting as an advising and confirming bank in connection with a letter of credit, presented four sets of trade documents, in which a Cuban Specially Designated National ("SDN") had an interest, to the Miami branch of the foreign bank that issued the letter of credit, for payment in favor of a Canadian company. The aggregate value of the trade documents was $884,157. Commerzbank did not voluntarily self-disclose the matter, and the alleged violations constituted a non-egregious case. The base penalty amount for the alleged violations totaled $260,000. The settlement amount reflects OFAC’s consideration of the following facts and circumstances, pursuant to the General Factors under OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines: Commerzbank should have been aware of the prohibited Cuban interest, given that the trade documents contained repeated references to the SDN and its vessels; Commerzbank has undertaken remedial measures to strengthen its OFAC compliance program to ensure that such apparent violations do not recur in the future; and Commerzbank cooperated with OFAC’s investigation, including by agreeing to toll the statute of limitations. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury - Resource Center
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U.S., U.K., and Canada Impose New Sanctions on Iran
November 21, 2011 — U.S. Department of the Treasury - Press Center
Today, the United States is taking a series of actions to confront the threat posed by Iran and significantly increase pressure on Iran to comply with the full range of its international obligations and to address the international community’s longstanding concerns regarding its nuclear program. These steps include: expanding sanctions to target the supply of goods, services, technology, or support (above certain monetary thresholds) to Iran for the development of its petroleum resources and maintenance or expansion of its petrochemical industry; designating eleven individuals and entities under Executive Order 13382 for their role in Iran’s WMD program; and identifying the Islamic Republic of Iran as a jurisdiction of "primary money laundering concern" under section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act.
These actions underscore the Administration’s continued strong commitment – particularly in light of the IAEA Director General’s most recent report – to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its refusal to comply with its international obligations regarding its nuclear program. The Administration is also sending an unequivocal message to the Government of Iran today that it will continue to face increasing international pressure until it addresses the international community’s legitimate concerns regarding the nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Read more . . .
Canada: Sanctions Against Iran
UK: Sanctions Against Iran
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury
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The Export Control (Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions) Regulations 2011
November 21, 2011 — UK ECO
U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission releases 2011 Report to Congress
November 16, 2011 — U.S.-China Economic and Security Rreview Commission
In accordance with our mandate, this Report, which is current as
of November 9, includes detailed treatment of our investigations of
the areas identified by Congress for our examination and recommendation.
These areas are:
- PROLIFERATION PRACTICES—The role of the People’s Republic
of China in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
and other weapons (including dual-use technologies), including
actions the United States might take to encourage the People’s
Republic of China to cease such practices;
- ECONOMIC TRANSFERS—The qualitative and quantitative nature
of the transfer of United States production activities to the
People’s Republic of China, including the relocation of high technology,
manufacturing, and research and development facilities,
the impact of such transfers on United States national security,
the adequacy of United States export control laws, and the effect
of such transfers on United States economic security and employment;
- ENERGY—The effect of the large and growing economy of the
People’s Republic of China on world energy supplies and the role
the United States can play (including joint research and development
efforts and technological assistance), in influencing the energy
policy of the People’s Republic of China;
- UNITED STATES CAPITAL MARKETS—The extent of access to
and use of United States capital markets by the People’s Republic
of China, including whether or not existing disclosure and
transparency rules are adequate to identify People’s Republic of
China companies engaged in harmful activities;
Read more . . .
Source: U.S.-China Economic and Security Rreview Commission
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Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; Statutory Debarment under the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations
November 15, 2011 — Department of State - DDTC
Notice is hereby given that the Department of State has
imposed statutory debarment pursuant to Sec. 127.7(c) of the
International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR") (22 CFR parts 120
to 130) on persons convicted of violating or attempting to violate
Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, ("AECA") (22
U.S.C. 2778). Further, a public notice was published in the Federal
Register on Tuesday, November 2, 1993, listing persons statutorily
debarred pursuant to the ITAR; this notice makes one correction to that
notice. Read more . . .
Source: Government Printing Office - 76 Fed. Reg. 70805
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OFAC Fines Wilson Tool International, Inc., and ASF, Inc.
November 8, 2011 — Office of Foreign Assets Control
Wilson Tool International, Inc. ("Wilson Tool"), White Bear Lake, MN, has agreed to remit $15,000 to settle an alleged violation of the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 560, occurring on or about September 12, 2005. OFAC alleged that Wilson Tool sold and exported punch press tooling equipment to an entity in Iran without an OFAC license. The transaction value was $10,304.33. OFAC determined that Wilson Tool did not voluntarily self-disclose this matter to OFAC and that the alleged violation constituted a non-egregious case. The base penalty amount for the alleged violation was $25,000. The settlement amount reflects OFAC’s consideration of the following facts and circumstances, pursuant to the General Factors under OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines: Wilson Tool has not been the subject of prior OFAC penalties or other administrative actions, and Wilson Tool cooperated with OFAC by promptly responding to OFAC’s administrative subpoenas and entering into a statute of limitations tolling agreement with OFAC.
ASF, Inc. ("ASF"), Mobile, AL, has agreed to remit $5,400 to settle allegations of a violation of the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 560, that occurred on or about May 2, 2006. OFAC alleged that ASF engaged in a transaction related to goods destined for Iran and facilitated the exportation of goods from a third country to Iran by a foreign person, without an OFAC license. OFAC determined that ASF did not voluntarily disclose this matter to OFAC and that the apparent violation constituted a non-egregious case. The base penalty amount for the alleged violation was $10,000. The settlement amount reflects OFAC’s consideration of the following facts and circumstances, pursuant to the General Factors under the Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines: ASF appears to have lacked an OFAC compliance program at the time of the alleged violation; ASF had knowledge or reason to know the goods were destined for Iran; ASF has not been the subject of an OFAC enforcement action in the five years preceding the transactions at issue; the goods may have been eligible for an OFAC license; and ASF cooperated with OFAC’s investigation of this matter, including by agreeing to toll the statute of limitations. Read online
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury - Resource Center
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Australian Government introduces Defence Trade Controls Bill 2011
November 3, 2011 — Australian Government - Department of Defense
On 2 November 2011, the Minister for Defence Materiel, the Hon Jason Clare MP, introduced the Defence Trade Controls Bill 2011, into the House of Representatives.
The purpose of this Bill is to implement the Australia-United States Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty and to strengthen Australia’s export controls for defence and dual-use goods.
The Treaty removes the requirement for individual licences to be obtained for each export, and allows for the licence-free movement of eligible defence articles within the Approved Australian and US Communities. Read more . . .
Source: Australian Government
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Making it easier for America's small businesses and America's exporters to access government services to help them grow and hire
November 2, 2011 — U.S. President Obama
"As I outlined in my State of the Union address to the Congress on January 25, 2011, winning the future in the global economy will require a Government that wisely allocates its scarce resources to maximize efficiency and effectiveness so that it can best support American competitiveness, innovation, and job growth. If we are to thrive in the global economy, and make America the best place on Earth to do business, we need to equip our Government with the tools necessary to support innovation and job growth in the 21st century." Read more . . .
Source: 76 Fed. Reg. 68049
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Notice to Exporters 2011/24 - United States (US) ITAR rule change 126.18 concerning dual and third country national employees
October 31, 2011 — UK ECO - Notice to Exporters
World services exports rise 16% according to new WTO figures
October 31, 2011 — World Trade Organization
The WTO is releasing for the first time quarterly and monthly statistics on international trade in commercial services (on a balance of payments basis) for available economies. These statistics are current price numbers, not seasonally adjusted. According to these latest statistics, world exports in commercial services increased by 16% in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter of 2010. Read more . . .
Source: WTO News
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Zurigo Trading, Inc. assessed a penalty for violating the Iranian transactions regulations
October 27, 2011 — Office of Foreign Assets Control
Zurigo Trading, Inc. ("Zurigo"), Weston, FL, has been assessed a penalty of $7,000 for violating the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 560. In September 2006, Zurigo attempted to export goods valued at $7,168 to Iran on behalf of its foreign customer. OFAC determined that Zurigo did not voluntarily self-disclose the violation to OFAC and that the violation constituted a non-egregious case. The base penalty amount for the violation was $10,000. The assessed penalty amount reflects OFAC’s consideration of the following facts and circumstances, pursuant to the General Factors under OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines: Zurigo had knowledge or reason to know that the goods were destined for Iran; Zurigo did not have an OFAC compliance program in place at the time of the violation; Zurigo has not been the subject of an OFAC enforcement action in the five years preceding the transaction at issue; and, some of the goods Zurigo attempted to ship appear to have been eligible for an OFAC license had an application been submitted to OFAC. Read more . . .
Source: Office of Foreign Assets Control
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Four companies settle antiboycott charges
October 27, 2011 — Bureau of Industry and Security - Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Bureau of Industry and Security, David W. Mills announced today that four companies agreed to pay a total of $ 72,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations that each violated the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The companies are: ChemGuard Inc, Bank of New York Mellon (Shanghai Branch), World Kitchen LLC, and Tollgrade Communications Inc. Read more . . .
Source: Bureau of Industry and Security - Department of Commerce
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BIS adds fifteen parties to entity list for sending components for improvised explosive devices to Iraq and Iran
October 25, 2011 — Bureau of Industry and Security - U.S. Department of Commerce
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) today announced that it will add fifteen parties located in China, Hong Kong, Iran and Singapore to the Entity List. The parties who are added to the Entity List have been determined by the U.S. Government to be acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. In a related action, the Department of Justice announced today the indictment of five people and four companies for fraud conspiracy involving exports to Iran of U.S. - origin components later found in bombs in Iraq.
"Today’s action targets egregious conduct by these foreign companies and individuals who have endangered the lives of U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq," said Under Secretary of Commerce Eric L. Hirschhorn. "Keeping U.S. technology from falling into the wrong hands and from being used against our troops overseas is a top priority for the Bureau of Industry and Security and its law enforcement partners." Read more . . .
Source: Bureau of Industry and Security - Office of Public Affairs
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Signing of International Wine Trade Memorandum of Understanding will ease burden on U.S. wine exporters, support American jobs
October 23, 2011 — Office of the United States Trade Representative - Resource Center
Santiago, Chile - Today, members of the World Wine Trade Group (WWTG), including the United States, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and Georgia, joined together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Certification Requirements, which will help reduce barriers to international wine trade and support exporters of wine in each participating country. This MOU will facilitate trade in wine among these countries by encouraging the elimination of burdensome requirements and certifications of wine products and ingredients. Read more . . .
Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative
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President Obama signs Trade Agreements and Trade Adjustment Assistance
October 21, 2011 — Office of United States Trade Representative - FTA
Every $1 billion in new exports of American goods supports more than 6,000 additional jobs here at home. Every billion dollars of services exports supports more than 4,500 jobs. The South Korea, Colombia, and Panama trade agreements will open markets for U.S. firms, increasing trade and exports. Increasing U.S. exports through these agreements will support additional jobs for American workers who produce Made-in-the-USA goods and services.
In addition, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) provides training and support for American workers who are negatively affected by trade and is designed to help workers, firms, farmers and fishermen transition to alternative employment. The Administration is pleased that passage of the trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama were accompanied by a robust renewal of TAA consistent with the goals of the 2009 law that improved the scope and effectiveness of the program. This includes, for instance, covering Americans employed in the services sector in addition to U.S. manufacturing workers. Read more . . .
Source: Office of United States Trade Representative
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Lamy says today’s challenge is to manage change without conflict
October 18, 2011 — World Trade Organization - DG Pascal Lamy
Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech after being awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the Sichuan University in Chengdu, China on 18 October 2011, said that "the relative dynamism of emerging economies over the past several years has meant that these economies, many of them in Asia, have come to play an ever-growing role in the world economy and to account for a larger and larger share of economic activity. The consequences of shifts in economic power take time to adjust to politically and organizationally. As we work towards a new equilibrium in international cooperation, new relationships and leadership patterns will inevitably emerge, just as they have throughout history. While this transformation is in progress, multilateralism is going through a difficult time. This is not just about trade. It is also true for climate change, for financial regulation and for macroeconomic coordination. Nations are being tested in defining and implementing common strategies in response to all the global challenges facing us. A core challenge of our time is to manage change in a manner that avoids conflict. Let us hope that the leaders of today can show the way, as their predecessors had to do in the past." Read more . . .
Source: WTO News: Speeches — DG Pascal Lamy
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Membership of the Bureau of Industry and Security Performance Review Board
October 17, 2011 — Federal Register
"In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 4314(c)(4), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Department of Commerce (DOC), announce the appointment of those individuals who have been selected to serve as members of BIS's Performance Review Board. The Performance Review Board is responsible for (1) reviewing performance appraisals and rating of Senior Executive Service (SES) members and (2) making recommendations to the appointing authority on other performance management issues, such as pay adjustments, bonuses and Presidential Rank Awards for SES members. The appointment of these members to the Performance Review Board will be for a period of twenty-four (24) months." Read more . . .
Source: 76 FR 64072
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New York resident and his company plead guilty to conspiracy to export computer-related equipment to Iran
October 7, 2011 — U.S. Department of Justice
WASHINGTON – Jeng "Jay" Shih, 54, a U.S. citizen, and his Queens, N.Y., company, Sunrise Technologies and Trading Corporation, pleaded guilty today in the District of Columbia to conspiracy to illegally export U.S.-origin computers from the United States to Iran through the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
*** At a hearing today before U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, Shih and his company each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to defraud the United States. The maximum sentence is five years in prison and $1 million in criminal fines. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 13, 2012. Read more . . .
Source: Bureau of Industry and Security - U.S. Department of Commerce
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BIS settles antiboycott case against JAS Forwarding (USA) Inc.
October 6, 2011 — Bureau of Industry and Security - Settlement Agreement
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced that JAS Forwarding (USA) Inc. in Los Angeles, California, has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $19,200 to settle charges that it committed three violations of EAR § 760.2(d) - Furnishing information about business relationships with boycotted countries or blacklisted persons. Read more . . .
Source: Bureau of Industry and Security - Department of Commerce
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Exchange of letters between the United States Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and the Department of Public Works and Government Services of Canada
October 6, 2011 — Public Works and Government Services Canada
Department of Public Works and Government Services of Canada has posted the exchange of Letters with State/DDTC
"a) the treatment to be afforded to registrants in the Controlled Good Program (CGP) and to holders of licenses or other approvals granted pursuant to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) when the latter export defense articles, including technical data, to the former and b) information sharing. These discussions reflect our Governments' high regard for the CGP as a means to mitigate the risk of diversion of defense articles and the shared objectives of ensuring the security of defense articles in order to facilitate enhanced defense cooperation between our two Governments." Read more . . .
Source: Public Works and Government Services Canada
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Questions regarding Syria Executive Order 13582
October 4, 2011 — Office of Foreign Assets Control - FAQs
Texas firm and its foreign affiliates settle 288 charges of unlicensed exports and reexports to Iran, Syria, and other countries
October 3, 2011 — Bureau of Industry and Security - Press Release
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced today that Flowserve Corporation and ten of its foreign affiliates have agreed to pay a civil penalty totaling $2.5 million to settle 288 charges for violating the Export Administration Regulations by making unlicensed exports and reexports of pumps, valves and related components to Iran and Syria and other countries. Flowserve is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and is a supplier of goods and services to the oil, gas, chemical, and other industries.
"Today’s settlement reflects the serious consequences that result when companies do not comply with sanctions against trading with Iran and Syria," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement David W. Mills "U.S. companies must maintain a vigilant compliance program that extends to affiliates wherever they do business." BIS alleged that between 2002 and 2008, Flowserve and six of its foreign affiliates made unlicensed exports and reexports to a variety of countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia and Venezuela, of items classified under Export Control Classification Number 2B350 and controlled for reasons of chemical and biological weapons proliferation. BIS also alleged that six of Flowserve’s foreign affiliates caused the transshipment of EAR99 items to Iran and/or the reexport of EAR99 items to Syria without the required U.S. Government authorization. Read more . . .
Source: BIS Press Release
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Notice to Exporters – Pakistan policy update
October 1, 2011 — U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
Section 203 of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-73) prohibits for fiscal years 2012-2014 the issuance of export licenses for major defense equipment (defined in 22 U.S.C. 2794(6)) to be exported to Pakistan absent an appropriate certification or waiver under Section 203 in the fiscal year. Since no certification or waiver has been issued for fiscal year 2012, exporters are advised not to submit such license requests to DDTC. A new notice will be issued in the event of a waiver or certification in fiscal year 2012. Read more . . .
Source: U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
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Joint press statement of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement negotiating parties
October 1, 2011 — Office of United States Trade Representative - Press Release
Tokyo, Japan – Today representatives from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement at a Tokyo signing ceremony hosted by the Government of Japan. Read more . . .
Source: Office of United States Trade Representative
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