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…
In January this year, we reported on substantial proposed changes to the Defence Trade Control Act 2012 (“DTC Act”) that would require businesses handling Defence and Strategic Goods List (“DSGL”) subject matter within and from Australia to implement enhanced compliance mechanisms. On 27 March 2024, the Australian federal parliament implemented these proposed changes by passing the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024 (“Amendment Act”). The bulk of the changes to the DTC Act will commence no later than 8…
The U.S. has recently made public that a number of countries have joined a pledge to implement export controls on spyware technology. This is part of a broader initiative to establish trade barriers for cyber-related items that could potentially be used in human rights abuses. On March 18, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Poland, and South Korea became part of the commitment, joining the U.S., Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland,…
On March 14, 2024, the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (“DDTC”) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) announced more restrictive export controls on Nicaragua stated to be in response to the Nicaraguan Government’s human rights abuses, attacks on civil society, and increased cooperation with Russia. The DDTC and BIS press releases are available here and here. DDTC: New ITAR Export Controls The State Department announced…