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 July 10, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) issued General License No. 2 (“GL 2”) under the Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Regulations (the “DRCSR”) as the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, including an Ebola outbreak in the region. GL 2 goes beyond the existing general license found in section 547.513 of the DRCSR, which is limited to…
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act (H.R. 2913) (the “Act”), a broad measure that would, if enacted, (1) impose new Russia-related sanctions, (2) codify and tighten existing U.S. export controls, (3) impose duties of at least 500% on Russian imports and taxation of blocked assets, and (4) authorize additional Ukraine-related security and reconstruction measures. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain. If…
On May 31, 2026, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) issued guidance clarifying that a license continues to be required under the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) for exports of advanced computing items to entities located in any country, if those entities are headquartered in Country Group D:5 (including China) or Macau, or have “an ultimate parent company” headquartered in Country Group D:5 or Macau. The BIS Guidance was prompted by…