On 19 August 2026, the Swiss Federal Council adopted extensive amendments to the Ordinance on Measures in Connection with the Situation in Ukraine (the “Ukraine Ordinance”; the following citations in each case refer to the Ukraine Ordinance), thereby completing the implementation of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia (see press release here). This final step follows the initial implementation step taken on 22 May 2026, when the Swiss Federal Council updated several Annexes to…
In brief On July 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or “Commission”) added foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotic devices to the Covered List. This placement bars new foreign-produced models from obtaining the equipment authorization required for lawful importation and marketing of radiofrequency devices unless the FCC grants Conditional Approval. This action effectuates two National Security Determinations (NSDs) that a White House-convened Executive Branch interagency body delivered to the FCC on July 27, 2026.1 Each NSD…
On August 6, 2026, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) published a temporary final rule (the “Rule”) that restricts exports of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap without a license. Beginning August 27, 2026, US persons that sell black mass and tungsten waste and scrap must allocate 100 percent of their monthly sales to US persons, unless they first obtain an adjustment or exception from BIS. This Rule implements…
On 23 July 2026, the European Council adopted its 21st package of Russia sanctions as well as additional measures targeting Belarus. The package concentrates on sectors with the greatest impact on Russia’s war economy, including energy, shipping, gold, financial services (including crypto), trade, and the Russian military-industrial complex. Key elements include a full-year suspension of the oil price cap adjustment, a new tool allowing transaction bans on named refineries that process Russian crude (listing one…