On July 10, 2026, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) issued a final rule (the “Final Rule”), providing enhanced favorable treatment to the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) under the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). BIS indicates the change is a recognition of the UAE’s status as a US Major Defense Partner, its key role in advancing US national security interests including during Operation Epic Fury, its commitment to implementing effective export…
In less than two weeks, we have seen Syria go from one of the most heavily sanctioned countries on the planet to a country well on the road to establishing normal trade relations with the Western world. The latest flurry of developments started on May 13, 2025, when President Trump caught much of the world by surprise when he said in a speech in Riyadh: “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria…
Earlier this month, as reported on our blog, the Turkish Ministry of Trade announced a complete export and import ban targeting Israel. This week, the Office of Antiboycott Compliance in the Bureau of Industry and Security at the US Commerce Department published an “Antiboycott Advisory on Türkiye”. The core of the Advisory states that US companies operating in Türkiye “are cautioned to be alert to their receipt of any requests to refrain from importing or…
Last month, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) published updated guidance materials for freight forwarders and exporters and updated their “Don’t Let This Happen to You” guidance document. BIS also published a new resource to help identify boycott-related requests. Updated Guidance BIS issued updated guidance for freight forwarders and exporters who use freight forwarders to help them ensure compliance with US export controls and regulatory requirements. The guidance outlines compliance…