Consultants Corner

OCTOBER 2024 EXPORT CONTROLS AND COMPLIANCE UPDATES

This newsletter is a listing of the latest changes in export control regulations through October 31, 2024.  The newsletter is provided as a complimentary service to assist exporters with their ITAR and EAR export compliance responsibilities. It provides a summary of recent changes to export control regulations or other regulatory matters of interest that may impact your company’s international trade and export compliance functions. Call us at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net with questions or comments.

 

See also our “Latest Sanctions Fines & Penalties” section below for an update on companies and

persons denied export privileges by the United States Government.

 

REGULATORY UPDATES

President

 

President Biden Continued the National Emergency with Respect to the Situation in and in Relation to Syria

 

October 10, 2024: On October 14, 2019, by Executive Order 13894, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in and in relation to Syria.

 

The situation in and in relation to Syria undermines the campaign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, endangers civilians, and further threatens to undermine the peace, security, and stability in the region, and continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13894 of October 14, 2019, must continue in effect beyond October 14, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13894 with respect to the situation in and in relation to Syria.

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/10/10/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-situation-in-and-in-relation-to-syria-4/ and

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/page/2/

 

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President Biden Continued the National Emergency with Respect to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

October 11, 2024: On October 27, 2006, by Executive Order 13413, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been marked by widespread violence and atrocities that continue to threaten regional stability.  The President took additional steps to address this national emergency in Executive Order 13671 of July 8, 2014.

 

The situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13413 of October 27, 2006, as amended by Executive Order 13671 of July 8, 2014, must continue in effect beyond October 27, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared in Executive Order 13413, as amended by Executive Order 13671.

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/10/11/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-4/ and

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/

 

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President Biden Continued the National Emergency with Respect to Sudan

 

October 25, 2024: On November 3, 1997, by Executive Order 13067, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Sudan pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and took related steps to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan.  On April 26, 2006, by Executive Order 13400, the President determined that the conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region posed an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, and ordered the blocking of property of certain persons connected to the Darfur region.  On October 13, 2006, by Executive Order 13412, the President took additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067 and expanded in Executive Order 13400.  In Executive Order 13412, the President also took steps to implement the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-344).

 

On January 13, 2017, by Executive Order 13761, the President found that positive efforts by the Government of Sudan between July 2016 and January 2017 improved certain conditions that Executive Orders 13067 and 13412 were intended to address.  Given these developments, and in order to encourage the Government of Sudan to sustain and enhance these efforts, section 1 of Executive Order 13761 provided that sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order 13067 and the entirety of Executive Order 13412 would be revoked as of July 12, 2017, provided that the criteria in section 12(b) of Executive Order 13761 had been met.

 

On July 11, 2017, by Executive Order 13804, the President amended Executive Order 13761, extending until October 12, 2017, the effective date in section 1 of Executive Order 13761.  On October 12, 2017, pursuant to Executive Order 13761, as amended by Executive Order 13804, sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order 13067 and the entirety of Executive Order 13412 were revoked.

 

On May 4, 2023, by Executive Order 14098, the President further expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, finding that the situation in Sudan, including the military’s seizure of power in October 2021 and the outbreak of inter-service fighting in April 2023, constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.

 

The crisis that led to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13067 of November 3, 1997; the expansion of the scope of that emergency in Executive Order 13400 of April 26, 2006; the taking of additional steps with respect to that emergency in Executive Order 13412 of October 13, 2006, Executive Order 13761 of January 13, 2017, and Executive Order 13804 of July 11, 2017; and the further expansion of the scope of that emergency in Executive Order 14098 of May 4, 2023, has not been resolved.  The policies and actions of the Government of Sudan, and the situation in Sudan and Darfur, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067, as expanded by Executive Orders 13400 and 14098, must continue in effect beyond November 3, 2024.

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/10/25/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-sudan-4/ and

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/

 

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Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

 

Changes to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and U.S. Munitions List Categories IV and XV

 

October 23, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 84482: The Department of State published proposed rule to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This rule proposed to amend § 121.0 and § 121.1 of the ITAR and add new exemptions to § 126.8. These proposed changes would revise existing USML definitions, along with USML Categories IV and XV, and certain entries under USML Categories VI, VII, VIII, XI, XIII, and XX. Further, the proposed addition to § 126.8 would create three new licensing exemptions intended to promote U.S. industrial base participation in civil space activity commensurate with national security and foreign policy goals.

 

With this rule, the Department proposed to amend specific paragraphs within the USML to address controls that were identified as potentially requiring addition, removal, revision, or clarification. The Department proposed the following general types of changes to the ITAR: (1) USML Modernization Efforts, (2) Civil Space-Related License Exemptions and Special Licensing Provisions, and (3) USML Category Revisions.

 

USML Modernization Efforts:

 

The Department is modernizing the USML, specifically to improve its usability, clarity, and consistency in structure and regulatory text. This proposed rule contains revisions to that effect in the following areas:

  • Revision and Removal of Notes and Expansion of § 121.0 Definitions;
  • Removal of Specially Designed as a Criterion in Certain Paragraphs;
  • Consistency in Construction; and
  • Clarification of Internal References and Standardization of Regulatory Text tructure of USML Categories.

 

Civil Space-Related License Exemptions and Special Licensing Provisions:

 

The Department proposed to add to part 126 three new licensing exemptions intended to promote U.S. industrial base participation in civil space activity commensurate with its national security and foreign policy goals. The Department further proposed to codify a fourth licensing exemption currently provided as guidance in an existing note within the USML.

 

Official Space Agency Exemption

 

This license exemption, proposed to be in a new § 126.8(a), would authorize certain transfers of defense articles and defense services when conducted entirely within the scope of an official U.S. government agency space program listed in § 126.8(a)(2). While the proposed list of articles and services subject to the exemption applies to several NASA spacecraft, the Department emphasizes this licensing exemption does not similarly apply to the space launch vehicles for these spacecraft. The Department assesses the underlying launch vehicle technology is independent of the spacecraft that potentially warrant a licensing exemption, in part due to the implicitly civil, multilateral, or scientific mission of these specific spacecraft.

 

Space Activity Exemption

 

This exemption, proposed to be in a new § 126.8(b), consists of four provisions. The first would authorize certain transfers of defense articles and § 120.32(a)(2) defense services supporting space launches. Certain transfers of electrical connectors would be eligible for this exemption, as the Department assesses that, while they continue to warrant regulation by this subchapter, certain transfers of these articles may be conducted under a licensing exemption without risk to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

 

The Department requested public comment on additional space technologies having both military and commercial applications that should be considered for incorporation into this exemption. Comments on the benefit of such an expansion of the exemption to the regulated community and any perceived or recommended proliferation risk mitigations are also requested.

 

The second provision would authorize certain services related to the transmission of space launch vehicle telemetry, to improve safety of flight and support the growing space launch industry. The Department proposed to limit this authorization to space launch vehicles since similar data can be used by rockets and missiles to deliver weapons of mass destruction.

 

The third provision would authorize certain services to support collaboration with foreign persons when on-orbit defense articles are utilized in support of fundamental research, as defined in § 120.34(a)(8).

 

The fourth provision would authorize certain services associated with radiofrequency transmissions using on-orbit defense articles, including geolocating certain automated information broadcasts, emergency transmissions, and cellular transmissions.

 

Space Tourism and Research Exemption

This exemption, proposed to be in a new § 126.8(c), would authorize certain transfers of manned spacecraft for space tourism or in support of fundamental research, as defined in § 120.34(a)(8).

 

The Department noted the proposed research exemptions apply specifically to certain basic and applied research, and not to the engineering development phase of research and development. Similarly, they do not apply to the design and development of a defense article or to research either not intended for publication or subject to publication restrictions or non-disclosure agreements.

 

Special Licensing Provision for Defense Articles Incorporated Into Spacecraft Subject to the EAR

This exemption, proposed to be in a new § 126.8(d), would authorize certain transfers of defense articles while they are incorporated into spacecraft subject to the EAR. This is consistent with two current notes (note 2 to paragraph (e) and note 2 to paragraph (e)(17)) the Department proposed to remove from Category XV.

 

Satellite Signature Reduction

 

In addition to the proposed exemptions previously described, the Department also requests public comment on specific regulatory changes or clarifications to facilitate industry efforts to reduce the apparent magnitude, as viewed from Earth, of satellite brightness. Commenters should be cognizant of the Department's continued need to control signature reduction technologies that provide a critical military or intelligence advantage, including technologies to reduce spacecraft signatures as viewed in, or between, orbits.

 

USML Category Revisions:

 

USML Category IV

 

The Department proposed to update the title of Category IV to better reflect the items described therein and to avoid the potential misinterpretation that the list of items in the title is exhaustive.

 

Paragraphs (a)(1) and (2)

 

The Department proposed minor adjustments to USML Category IV(a)(1) and (2) for consistency in construction of the control text.

 

The proposed changes to USML Category IV relate to the controls on the following items:

 

  • Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS);
  • Anti-Tank Missiles;
  • Rockets;
  • Bombs;
  • Mines;
  • Grenades;
  • Loitering Munitions;
  • Kinetic Kill Vehicles;
  • Post-Boost Vehicles;
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles;
  • Re-Entry Vehicles;
  • Range and Payload;
  • Model Rockets;
  • Launch Platforms;
  • Propulsion Systems;
  • Rocket Stages, Motors, and Engines;
  • Air-Breathing Engines and Pressure Gain Combustion-Based Propulsion Systems;
  • Flight Control Systems, Guidance Systems, and Attitude Control Equipment;
  • Thrust Vector Control Systems;
  • Thermal Protection Systems (g., Heat Shields and Heat Sinks);
  • Self-Destruct Systems;
  • Separation Systems;
  • SAFF Components;
  • Seeker Systems;
  • Test Equipment; and
  • Non-Nuclear Warheads.

 

Changes to USML Category IV(c): The Department notes it will address issues related USML Category IV(c) in a separate rulemaking. However, the Department still welcomes comments related to this paragraph.

 

Changes to USML Category IV(h):

The Department proposed to modify USML Category IV(h) to economize the text of its subordinate paragraphs. Currently, some subordinate paragraphs of (h) require an article be used in an end item described elsewhere in Category IV. The Department proposed to clearly stipulate in paragraph (h) that the articles in its subordinate paragraphs are for end-items described elsewhere in Category IV, thereby eliminating the need to repeat that requirement in each of its subordinate paragraphs. Consistent with its intent to move systems from paragraph (h) to paragraph (e), the Department also proposed to delete the reference to systems and subsystems in paragraph (h).

 

The proposed changes to USML Category IV(h) relate to the controls on the following items:

 

  • Grip Stocks for MANPADS;
  • Nozzles, Nozzle Throats, Nose Tips, Nose Fairings, and Aerospikes;
  • Engine or Motor Mounts;
  • Combustion Chambers;
  • Injectors;
  • Penetration Aids;
  • Motor Cases;
  • Liners and Insulation;
  • Radomes, Sensor Windows, Antenna Windows, and Embedded Antennae;
  • Payload Fairings;
  • Launch Canisters;
  • Fuzes;
  • Propellant Tanks and Altimeters;
  • Umbilical and Interstage Electrical Connectors; and
  • Turbo Pumps.

 

USML Category IV(i) Technical Data and Defense Services: The Department proposed minor modifications to USML Category IV(i) for consistency in construction of the control text.

 

USML Category VI, VII, VIII, and XX Conforming Changes:

 

The Department proposed to modify USML Category VI(f)(6) and (7) to avoid overlap in controls between those paragraphs and the proposed revision and intent of Category IV(b). As such, the Department proposed to clarify these paragraphs only describe certain integration equipment, aircraft launch and recovery equipment, and certain shipborne defensive systems, not articles described in Category IV(b). The Department further proposed to split paragraph (f)(6) into three subordinate paragraphs for ease of parsing and adjust the “MT” designations for consistency with the MTCR Annex.

 

 

Similarly, the Department proposed to modify USML Category VII(g)(2) to avoid overlap in controls between that paragraph and the proposed revision and intent of Category IV(b), and therefore proposed to clarify paragraph (g)(2) only describes articles not already described in Category IV(b).

 

The Department proposed to add USML Category VII(g)(15) and modify USML Category VIII(h)(6) to ensure items designed for integrating certain defense articles are described in the same USML category as the platform they are being integrated into and to avoid ambiguity about whether they are controlled in USML Category IV(b).

 

Subsequent to these changes, these paragraphs will only describe articles that assist in the integration between a vehicle and either a launching system or a self-launching munition.

 

The Department also proposed minor changes to USML Categories: XI; XII; and XIII. (refer to link at end of article)

 

USML Category XV

 

The proposed changes to USML Category XV relate to the controls on the following items:

 

  • Spacecraft;
  • Detection or Mitigation of a Nuclear Detonation;
  • Detect and Track Objects;
  • Spacecraft for Signals Intelligence;
  • Constellations;
  • Space-Based Weapons;
  • Spacecraft With Remote Sensing Capabilities;
  • Radar Remote Sensing;
  • Position, Navigation, and Timing;
  • Autonomous Collision Avoidance;
  • Suborbital Craft;
  • Inspection or Surveillance;
  • Classified Spacecraft;
  • Articles Jettisoned From Another Spacecraft;
  • Ground Control Systems;
  • Movement of Systems;
  • Active Cooling Systems;
  • Vibration Suppression Systems;
  • Attitude Determination and Control Systems;
  • Thermal Protection Systems (g., Heat Shields and Heat Sinks);
  • Spacecraft Propulsion;
  • Spacecraft Parts, Components, Accessories, and Attachments;
  • Antennas;
  • Optics;
  • Focal Plane Arrays;
  • Optical Bench Assemblies;
  • Directed Energy Systems;
  • Control Moment Gyroscopes;
  • Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs);
  • Oscillators for Radar;
  • Star Trackers;
  • Primary, Secondary, or Hosted Payloads; and
  • Payloads Developed with Department of Defense Funding.

 

The Department proposed the following additions to USML Category XV:

 

  • The Department proposed to add paragraphs (a)(14) through (16). These paragraphs designate, respectively, spacecraft capable of non-cooperative grappling or docking, in-orbit construction of other defense articles, and deploying multiple spacecraft into different orbits.
    • The technology required to facilitate non-cooperative docking is likely to be used in an adversarial manner. A spacecraft capable of in-orbit construction of other defense articles represents a critical logistical advantage. And spacecraft that can rapidly deploy multiple spacecraft into multiple different orbits provide a critical military or intelligence advantage when compared to commercial systems that may be able to achieve the same result over a much longer timeframe.
  • Addition of USML Category XV(e)(22). The Department proposed to add a new paragraph at USML Category XV(e)(22) for technologies that facilitate the signature reduction of in-orbit spacecraft observations. The proposed regulatory text reflects the Department's intent to exclude technology used only to minimize light pollution, as seen from the ground.
  • Notes USML Category XV(e): The Department proposed to eliminate note 1 to USML Category XV(e), as the jurisdiction of articles not described in paragraph (e) is already addressed in the order of review at § 120.11. Note 2 to paragraph (e) delegates the licensing of articles described in paragraph (e) when integrated into a spacecraft subject to the EAR. The Department proposed a licensing exemption in § 126.8 to codify this exemption and to facilitate the deletion of note 2. The Department also proposed to delete notes 3 and 4 to paragraph (e), as the proposed revisions to USML Category XV remove all but one reference to space-qualified and the Department assesses notes 3 and 4 are no longer required to identify space-qualified atomic clocks.

 

USML Category XV(f) Technical Data and Defense Services:

The Department proposed to modify USML Category XV(f) by incorporating guidance currently provided in notes 1 through 3 to paragraph (f), which is not already included in the definition of technical data at § 120.33 or the proposed definition of “spacecraft housekeeping data and output at § 121.0.” The Department also proposed to delete the explanatory information regarding defense services found in the control text, as it assesses such information does not provide substantial guidance beyond the order of review provided at § 120.11 and the USML text, and similar redundancy is not provided in other USML Categories.

 

Please see the federal register notice below for the complete proposed revisions to ITAR and USML Categories IV and XV.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/23/2024-24091/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-itar-us-munitions-list-categories-iv-and-xv and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events

 

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DDTC Name And Address Changes Posted To Website

 

October 7 through 31, 2024: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following name and/or address changes on its website at    

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=bd72ca0adbf8d30044f9ff621f961981:

  • Name change of Eurocopter Kazkahstan Engineering LLP to Airbus Helicopters Kazakhstan Engineering due to merger;
  • Name change of Celemetrix Australia Pty Ltd to Trescal Australia Pty Ltd due to merger;
  • Name change of Delom Services Inc. to Wajax Limited due to corporate rebranding;
  • Name change of Bayanat AI PLC and AI Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC to Space42 PLC due to merger;
  • Name change of WESCO Integrated Supply Polska Sp. z. o. o. to Vallen Integrated Supply Polska Sp z. o.o. due to merger.
  • Address change of ALTEN LTD from 41 Moorgate, London EC2 R6PP, United Kingdom to Saffron House, 6-10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS, United Kingdom.
  • Address change of Filial af GE Aviation Systems North America LLC’s Denmark operations from Osterfaelled Torv 3, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark to Frederiksborggade 15, 3 Copenhagen 1358, Denmark.

 

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Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

 

DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To India

 

October 7, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of India has requested to buy fifty-three (53) MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all up rounds. The following non-MDE items will also be included: Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP); air launch accessories; classified and unclassified torpedo spare parts; torpedo containers; torpedo support equipment, including test equipment and tools; torpedo support services; classified and unclassified books and other publications; other technical assistance, including technical support, technical program management, infrastructure support, test equipment sustainment, exercise firing assistance, contract management, and initial follow-on-technical support (FOTS); in-country torpedo training; related equipment and services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $175 million.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-mk-54-mod-0-lightweight-torpedoes

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Italy

 

October 7, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Italy has requested to buy the Electronic Attack (EA)-37B mission system, consisting of the following non-Major Defense Equipment: Network Centric Collaborative Targeting (NCCT) systems; System Control and Monitoring subsystems; Radio Frequency Receiver (RFR) subsystems; Software-defined Radio (SDR) subsystems; Counter Radar Assembly; Array Panels; AN/ARC-210 RT-2036 radios; KG-250 In-line Network Encryptors; KY-100 Narrow/wideband Terminals; KIV-77 Mode 4/5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF); AN/PYQ-10C Simple Key Loaders; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft support and support equipment; secure communications equipment, precision navigation, and cryptographic devices; major and minor modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; facilities and construction support; transportation and airlift support; warranties; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $680 million. The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, located in Hudson, NH. The U.S. government is not aware of any offset agreements in connection with this potential sale

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/italy-electronic-attack-mission-system

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Romania

 

October 7, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Romania has requested to buy four (4) AN/MPQ-64 F1 Sentinel radar systems. The following non-MDE items will also be included: IPS 250X High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptors (HAIPE); KIV-77 Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) crypto appliqué with Mode 5 and Mode S capability; AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) Receivers (DAGR) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM); AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL); support equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories and repair and return support; classified software; classified command and control (C2) systems and communications and data supply systems; prime movers; new equipment training; weapon system support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; classified software; classified books and publications; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $110 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Andover, MA. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/romania-sentinel-radar-systems

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Saudi Arabia

 

October 11, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy two thousand five hundred three (2,503) AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles (3 for lot acceptance testing). Also included are support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $655 million. The principal contractor will be The Lockheed Martin Corporation, Troy, AL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-agm-114r3-hellfire-ii-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Saudi Arabia

 

October 11, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy ten thousand (10,000) M456 series, 105mm, High Explosive Anti-Tank Tracer cartridges. Also included are various types of tanks, howitzer, and machine gun ammunition; propelling charges; fuses; primers; grenades; support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $139 million. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-ammunition-artillery-systems-machine-guns-and

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Saudi Arabia

 

October 11, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy two-hundred twenty (220) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Tactical Missiles. Also included are missile containers; support equipment; spares; missile software; training; and U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $251.8 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-aim-9x-block-ii-sidewinder-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To United Arab Emirates

 

October 11, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested to buy two hundred fifty-nine (259) Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) M31A1 Unitary Pods (1,554 missiles at six missiles per pod) and two hundred three (203) Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) M57 Unitary Missiles. Also included are publications; personnel training and training equipment; software development; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.2 billion. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Grand Prairie, TX. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the temporary assignment of four (4) U.S. Government and four (4) U.S. contractor representatives to the United Arab Emirates for a duration of no longer than ten (10) days to support new software equipment training and the stockpile reliability program.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/united-arab-emirates-gmlrs-and-atacms-munitions

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To The Netherlands

 

October 16, 2024: : The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government the Netherlands has requested to buy the following non-Major Defense Equipment items: AN/PRC-117G radios; AN/PRC-152A radios; AN/PRC-160 radios; AN/PRC-163 radios; AN/PRC-167 radios; tactical key loaders; network encryptors; Government and contractor technical assistance; spares; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.42 billion. The principal contractor will be L3Harris Global Communications, Inc., located in Rochester, NY. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the principal contractor. Products and services of TrellisWare Technologies, Inc., located in San Diego, CA, and ViaSat, Inc., located in Carlsbad, CA are included in the Foreign Military Sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-radio-equipment

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Japan

 

October 18, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government Japan has requested to buy up to two hundred twelve (212) Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2B, RIM-116E. The following non-MDE items will also be included: RAM Guided Missiles Round Pack (GMRP); Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers; training equipment; operator manuals and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support and assistance; support for establishment of an Intermediate Level Maintenance Facility (ILMF); and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $360 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/japan-rolling-airframe-missile-block-2b-tactical-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Poland

 

October 23, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Poland has requested to buy fifty-eight (58) Improved Programmable Display Generators (48 installed, 10 spares); three (3) AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) Flight Test Vehicles, Captive Carry; three (3) Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II), GBU53/B Guided Test Vehicles (GTV); eight (8) SDB II, GBU-53/B Captive Carry Reliability Trainers; two (2) SDB I, GBU-39(T-1)/B Guided Test Vehicles (GTV); fifty-eight (58) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code capability and Precise Positioning Service (PPS) (48 installed, 10 spares); fifty-eight (58) AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR) (48 installed, 10 spares); sixty (60) Modular Mission Computer (MMC) 7000AH upgrades, or equivalent (48 installed, 12 spares); sixty (60) Next Generation Mission Computer (XMC), or next generation equivalent (48 installed, 12 spares); seventy-three (73) AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suites (IVEWS), or seventy-three (73) AN/ALQ-254V(1) Viper Shield advanced electronic warfare (EW) suites, or equivalent (63 installed, 10 spares); two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Special Air Training Missiles; and two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM). The following non-MDE items will also be included: major modifications and maintenance equipment; Phased Array Warning System (PAWS-2) missile warning systems; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS II); AN/ARC-238 radios (or equivalent); AN/APX-126/127 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) with combined interrogator/transponder (CIT) and Mode 5 (or equivalent); AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS), classified countermeasure processors, sequencer switching units, and control display units; AN/ALQ-254V(1) Viper Shield advanced EW suites, including lab assets (or equivalent); KY-58, KIV-78, or equivalent, KGV-135A, AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKLs), MS-110 reconnaissance pods, communications security (COMSEC) cables, and cryptographic devices; tactical synthetic aperture radars; Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) with unique planning components and software; AGM-158 JASSM classified test equipment; aircraft components, parts, and accessories; spare parts, accessories and consumables, and repair and return support; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $7.30 billion. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, located in Greenville, SC. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/poland-f-16-viper-midlife-upgrade

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Saudi Arabia

 

October 24, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy five hundred seven (507) tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) 2A, radio frequency (RF) missiles (BGM-71E-4B-RF) (including 7 “fly-to-buy” missiles); and five hundred seven (507) TOW 2B, RF missiles (BGM-71F-3-RF) (including 7 “fly-to-buy” missiles). The following non-MDE is also included: support and test equipment; simulators; generators; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; communications equipment; software delivery and support; facilities and construction support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; support equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $440 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation located in Tucson, AZ. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-tow-2a-tow-2b-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Japan

 

October 25, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to two (2) BQM-177A Subsonic Sea-Skimming Aerial Targets (SSAT) for Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV). The following non-MDE items will also be included: GQM-163 target drones; follow-on technical support for ASEVs, including for Combat Systems Sea Qualification Trials (CSSQT) and sustainment support services; Aegis computer software updates; combat systems integration; system integration, testing, overhauls, and upgrades; development, familiarization, operational, and maintenance support; classified books and other publications (technical and non-technical); adaption data; annual service agreements; test support; technical documentation; personnel training; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $113 million. The principal contractor for the BQM-177A SSATs will be Kratos Defense, located in Sacramento, CA, and Fort Walton Beach, FL. The principal contractor for the GQM-163A target drones will be Northrop Grumman, located in Chandler, AZ. The principal contractor for the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Moorestown, NJ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/japan-subsonic-sea-skimming-aerial-targets-and-follow-technical

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office

 

October 25, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States has requested to buy three (3) National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) medium-range air defense solutions, that include: three (3) AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar systems; one hundred twenty-three (123) Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER); two (2) AMRAAM-C8 guidance sections; and four (4) Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS). Also included are fire distribution centers (FDC); Canister Launcher Systems (CLS); electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems; Tactical Control Center (TCC) systems; FDC indoor training simulator; radar communication nodes; MIDS Link 16-capable radios; IPS 250X High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptions (HAIPE); KIV-77 Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) Crypto Applique; AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers (DAGR) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM); AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL), code loaders and cable sets; AIM-120 control sections and containers; AMRAAM and AMRAAM-ER Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs); AIM-120ER load trainers; weapon system support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables, accessories and repair and return support; classified software; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor technical support, engineering and logistics support services; warranty services; Systems Integration and Checkout (SICO); and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $1.16 billion. The principal contractor will be Raytheon, located in Andover, MA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-36

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office

 

October 25, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States has requested to buy AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 radar turnkey systems; spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories; repair and return support; transportation support; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $828 million. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the recipient.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-antps

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Switzerland

 

October 28, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Switzerland has requested to buy sustainment support for its five (5) PATRIOT Fire Units and missile inventory. The following non-MDE items will be included: general electronic test station equipment and program sets; Foreign Liaison Officer support; international engineering services; Field Surveillance Program; modification and upgrade kits; unclassified and classified repair and return; classified missile processing; unclassified and classified spares; transportation; publications and technical documentation; training; U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $450 million. The prime contractors will be RTX Corporation, located in Tewksbury, MA; Lockheed Martin, located in Dallas, TX; and Leidos, located in Huntsville, AL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/switzerland-patriot-sustainment

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Denmark

 

October 29, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Denmark has requested to buy up to two hundred three (203) AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); and up to nine (9) AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM guidance sections to include precise position provided by either Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code. The following non-MDE items will also be included: spare AMRAAM control sections; missile containers and support equipment; munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; weapons software and support equipment; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $744 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/denmark-aim-120d-3-advanced-medium-range-air-air-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Argentina

 

October 30, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Argentina has requested to buy equipment and services to support twenty-four (24) F-16 Block 10/15 aircraft procured through third-party transfer. These items include: thirty-six (36) AIM-120 C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); two (2) AIM-120 C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections; one hundred two (102) MK-82 500lb general purpose bombs; fifty (50) MXU-650 air foil groups for 500lb GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs; one hundred two (102) FMU-152A/B joint programmable fuzes with FZU-63A/B fuze systems; and fifty (50) computer control groups MAU-169L/B. The following non-MDE items will also be included: weapons and weapons support equipment; explosive charges, devices, propellants, and components; AN/ARC-238 radios; Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS); FMU-169D/B inert fuzes; Ground Support System (GSS) for Link-16; KY-58M and KIV-78 cryptographic devices, AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL), communications security (COMSEC) cables, and other COMSEC devices and equipment; cartridges, chaffs, and flares; practical explosive ordinance disposal system trainer; avionics support; communications equipment; precision navigation; Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINS); electronic warfare database support; major and minor modifications and maintenance support; aircraft components, parts, and accessories; instruments and lab equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; clothing, textiles, and individual equipment; jet fuel; aircraft ferry, aerial refueling, and transportation support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $941 million. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, located in Fort Worth, TX. There are no known offsets proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Argentina.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/argentina-f-16-aircraft-equipment-and-support

 

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Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

BIS Updates Boycott Requester List

 

October 1, 2024: The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published its second quarterly update of the boycott Requester List. This list notifies companies, financial institutions, freight forwarders, individuals, and other U.S. persons of potential sources of certain boycott-related requests they may receive during the regular course of business. A party’s inclusion on the Requester List does not mean that U.S. persons are restricted from dealing with the listed party; a party’s inclusion does mean that U.S. persons are on notice that the listed party is more likely to make reportable boycott-related requests. The updated public list of entities who have been identified as having made a boycott-related request in reports received by BIS includes a total of 36 additions. BIS has also removed 21 entities.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-updates-boycott-requester-list-0

 

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Expansion of Validated End User Authorization: Data Center Validated End User Authorization

 

October 2, 2024: 89. Fed. Reg. 80080: The Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to expand the Validated End User Authorization (VEU) program to include VEU Authorization for data centers located in specified destinations (“Data Center VEU” or “Data Center VEU Authorization”). This expansion of the VEU program to include Data Center VEU is intended to facilitate quick and reliable export or reexport of items on the Commerce Control List necessary for a data center, including advanced computing items, to preapproved trusted end users. Data Center VEU adopts much of the framework of the existing VEU program, with additional requirements. This expansion of eligibility is intended to update the VEU program to recognize the advancement and benefits of artificial intelligence. As under the original VEU Authorization Program, the U.S. government will rigorously review Data Center VEU candidates' applications subject to detailed and verifiable criteria.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/02/2024-22587/expansion-of-validated-end-user-authorization-data-center-validated-end-user-authorization

 

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BIS Issues Guidance to Financial Institutions on Best Practices for Compliance with the Export Administration Regulations

 

October 9, 2024: The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published guidance for financial institutions (FIs) concerning best practice recommendations for complying with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

 

The guidance provides both background information on the EAR and recommendations for steps financial institutions can take to minimize the likelihood of EAR violations. The recommendations include a description of EAR-related due diligence best practices, the encouragement of ongoing transaction reviews for red flags, and a delineation of which types of real-time transaction screenings are and are not regarded as a best practice.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-issues-guidance-financial-institutions-best-practices-compliance-export

 

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Effectiveness of Licensing Procedures for the Export and Reexport of Agricultural Commodities to Cuba

 

October 16, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 8356: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is requesting public comments on the effectiveness of its licensing procedures as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for the export and reexport of agricultural commodities to Cuba. BIS will include a description of any comments it receives in its biennial report to Congress, as required by the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000, as amended (TSRA).

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/16/2024-23828/effectiveness-of-licensing-procedures-for-the-export-and-reexport-of-agricultural-commodities-to

 

 

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Commerce Announces Series of Rules to Modernize Space-Related Export Controls

 

October 17, 2024: The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released three rules—one Final Rule, one Interim Final Rule, and one Proposed Rule—to modernize BIS’s space-related export controls. These updated controls will further U.S. innovation and technology leadership while protecting U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

 

This action is the result of an extensive review—directed by the National Space Council, which is led by Vice President Kamala Harristo enable a globally competitive U.S. space industrial base, while strengthening U.S. international space partnerships. These updates reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in space, protecting our national security, and strengthening our foreign alliances.

 

The series of regulatory changes modernizing space-related export controls consists of the following rules:

  1. 89 Fed. Reg. 84766: In a Final Rule, BIS is removing license requirements for exports of certain items involving remote sensing or space-based logistics, assembly, or servicing spacecraft destined for Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This rule deepens the United States’ commitment to some of its closest allies, furthering our collective security, reducing unnecessary export control restrictions, and ensuring secure trade.

 

  1. 89 Fed. Reg. 84770: In an Interim Final Rule, BIS is removing license requirements for exports of certain spacecraft components to over 40 allies and partners worldwide, reducing licensing requirements for the least sensitive components for most destinations, and broadening license exceptions to support additional National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) cooperative programs. These changes advance international cooperation and bolster America’s global leadership in space technology.

 

  1. 89 Fed. Reg. 84784: Additionally, in a Proposed Rule published in concert with the Department of State, BIS outlines initial proposals to transfer jurisdiction of certain space-related defense articles that no longer provide a critical military or intelligence advantage from the U.S. Munitions List (USML) maintained by the Department of State to the Commerce Control List. Examples include spacecraft capable of refueling other spacecraft and spacecraft capable of autonomous collision avoidance. This proposed transfer would enable the use of BIS license exceptions that facilitate exports of commercial space items to close allies and partners. BIS welcomes public comment from all interested parties on this Proposed Rule within 30 days of publication.

 

These actions mark a pivotal step in updating and modernizing the U.S. Government’s space-related export controls and enhancing international partnerships while continuing to deny critical technologies to our adversaries.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-announces-series-rules-modernize-space-related-export-controls and

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-23932.pdf?utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov and

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-23958.pdf?utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov and

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-23975.pdf?utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov

 

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U.S. Census Bureau

 

October 17, 2024:

 

Tips on How to Resolve AES Response Messages

When a shipment is filed to the AES, a system response message is generated and indicates whether the shipment has been accepted or rejected.  If the shipment is accepted, the AES filer receives an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) as confirmation.  Though the shipment is accepted, the filer may still receive a Verify Message, Compliance Alert, Informational Message or Warning Message along with their ITN.  However, if the shipment is rejected, a Fatal Error notification is received and must be corrected to receive a valid ITN.

To help you take the appropriate action for the different AES Response Messages, here are some tips on how to address the most frequent messages that were generated in AES for this month.

Response Code:  105


Narrative:     Mode of Transportation Unknown

Severity:       Fatal

Reason:        The Mode of Transportation Code reported is not valid in AES.

Resolution:  The Mode of Transportation Code reported must be one recognized in AES and listed in the ‘Appendix T - Mode of Transportation Codes’.

Verify the Mode of Transportation Code, correct the shipment and resubmit.

Response Code:  147

Narrative:     Routed Export Indicator Missing

Severity:       Fatal

Reason:        The Routed Export Indicator is missing.

Resolution:  A routed export transaction is a transaction in which the Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) authorizes a U.S. agent to facilitate the export of items from the United States and to prepare and file Electronic Export Information (EEI).  You must report the Routed Export Indicator as Yes or No.

Verify whether or not this is a routed export transaction, correct the shipment and resubmit.

It is important that AES filers correct Fatal Errors as soon as they are received in order to comply with the Foreign Trade Regulations.  These errors must be corrected prior to export for shipments filed predeparture and as soon as possible for shipments filed postdeparture but not later than five calendar days after departure.

 

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October 21, 2024:

Port of Unlading Codes Updated in the Automated Export System (AES) 

October 21, 2024

Please note the following Port of Unlading Code Name has been UPDATED in the AES effective immediately.

Port Name           Port Code          Country

Whannock, BC     12488                 Canada

The following Port of Unlading Codes have been ADDED to the AES effective immediately.

Port Name           Port Code          Country

Tolu 30111 Columbia
Krishnapatnam 53356 India
Nghi Son 55203 Vietnam
Phu My 55209 Vietnam
Nghe Tinh 55210 Vietnam
Morowali 56029 Indonesia

 

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Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR): Clarification of Filing Requirements Regarding In-Transit Shipments and Other FTR Provisions

 

October 31, 2024: 89. Fed. Reg. 86762: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) proposed to amend its regulations to clarify the requirements governing in-transit shipments from foreign countries through the United States that are subsequently exported to a foreign destination. This rulemaking proposed to clarify who is the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) and revise the entry number description when goods are entered into the United States for consumption or warehousing, and then stored in a warehouse or storage facility or admitted into a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) before being exported. This rule also proposed to clarify that when a customs broker is the USPPI and they are requested to provide information from the customs entry for the filing of the Electronic Export Information (EEI), that they obtain consent from their client, as required in the customs regulations. Additionally, this proposed rule revises several sections, including definitions, mandatory filing requirements, responsibilities of parties to the export transaction, confidentiality, penalties, and voluntary self-disclosures to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency throughout the FTR.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/31/2024-24482/foreign-trade-regulations-ftr-clarification-of-filing-requirements-regarding-in-transit-shipments

 

LATEST SANCTIONS FINES & PENALTIES

 

This section of our newsletter provides information on the latest sanctions, fines and penalties for export violations or matters of non-compliance with the ITAR or EAR issued by the US government enforcement agencies. It is provided as a service to exporters and associates of FD Associates to remind them of the importance of extreme due diligence in all international trade and export compliance matters, particularly those involving exports subject to the ITAR or the EAR. Don't let this happen to you or your company! Call us with questions or concerns at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net.

 

Fines and Penalties

 

Violations of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations by Precision Castparts Corp.

 

October 7, 2024: Precision Castparts Corp. (“Precision”) entered into a three-year Consent Agreement to settle allegations that it violated the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in connection with twenty-four export violations involving unauthorized exports of Technical Data to Foreign-Person Employees (FPEs). All the violations were Voluntarily Disclosed to the Department of State by Precision in 2019 Precision agreed to pay a fine of three million ($3,000,000) of which one million ($100,00,000) will be used by Precision for remedial compliance measures.

 

Violations:

 

Precision disclosed the following violations to the Department:

 

Unauthorized Exports of Technical Data to Foreign-Person Employees

 

On October 17, 2019, Precision submitted a full voluntary disclosure describing unauthorized exports of technical data to certain foreign person employees at Precision’s wholly owned subsidiary, Mold Masters, identified as USML Category XIX(g), pertaining to tools (specifically, wax pattern and core dies) and wax patterns consumed in the subsequent production of casting blades used in gas turbine engines of 5th generation fighter aircraft to 46 FPEs, lawfully permitted to work in the United States, from Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Bhutan, Peru, and Burundi. Precision’s subsequent review has confirmed that eight (8) of the wax patterns relate to the hot section components for the 5th generation fighter aircraft.

 

Precision disclosed that, although these employees had lawful U.S. employment authorization, the prior ownership of Mold Masters’ did not validate their U.S.-person status when hiring employees for roles requiring authorization for the export of technical data or secure ITAR employee licenses. Violations persisted when FPEs present at the time of Precision’s acquisition of Mold Masters in 2018 continued to work under the same conditions through 2019. Mold Masters’ prior record keeping procedures failed to capture information such as specific dates, work assignments, or information on specific technical data.

 

Remedial Measures:

 

Precision is required to ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to ITAR compliance throughout its ITAR-regulated operating divisions, subsidiaries, and business units. Precision must establish policies and procedures for all of Precision’s employees with responsibility for AECA and ITAR compliance to address lines of authority, staffing levels, performance evaluations, and career paths.

 

Precision, in coordination with the Designated Official (as defined below), shall conduct an internal review of AECA and ITAR compliance resources and establish the necessary actions to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to AECA and IT AR compliance.

 

Precision shall appoint, in accordance with the provisions of the Consent Agreement and in consultation with and the approval of the Director, Defense Trade Controls Compliance - DTCC, a qualified individual to serve as a Designated Official for the entire term that the Consent Agreement is in force. The term "Designated Official" in this Consent Agreement refers to a Special Compliance Officer (SCO) 1 or Internal Special Compliance Officer (ISCO)2 during the term of their appointment.

 

Precision shall strengthen corporate compliance procedures focused principally on Precision’s business operations such that: (a) all Precision employees engaged in AECA and ITAR-regulated activities are

familiar with the AECA and the ITAR, and their own and Precision's responsibilities thereunder; (b) all persons responsible for supervising those employees, including senior managers of those units, are knowledgeable about the underlying policies and principles of the AECA and the ITAR; and (c) there are records indicating the names of employees, trainers, and level and area of training received.

 

Precision shall enhance its AECA and ITAR compliance program with specific attention to the areas described in paragraphs 9(k)(I)(i) through 9(k)(1)(vii) of the agreement. Precision shall provide to DTCC written confirmation that the company has completed this action.

 

Precision agreed to implement a comprehensive, automated export compliance system throughout its operating divisions, subsidiaries, and business units engaged in AECA and ITAR-regulated activities to strengthen its internal controls for ensuring compliance with the AECA and the ITAR. This system shall track the decision process from the initiation to conclusion of a request for export, reexport, or retransfer

authorization. The automated export compliance system shall improve Precision’s ability to oversee and monitor export, reexport, and retransfer activity. This system shall also cover the initial identification of all technical data and technical assistance in any form proposed to be disclosed to any foreign persons. Precision shall ensure the use of a means of alerting users to the AECA and ITAR requirements on electronic transmissions of ITAR-controlled technical data. In order to prevent unintentional or accidental transmissions to unauthorized recipients, Precision shall also provide training lo all employees to ensure that any type of electronic transmissions of ITAR-controlled technical data are sent in accordance with Precision’s export compliance policies and procedures.

 

Classification Review:

 

Precision shall, under the supervision of the Designated Official, review, verify, and complete the export control jurisdiction of all hardware and/or software that Precision’s AECA and ITAR-regulated operating divisions, subsidiaries and business units, and any defense services or technical data, directly related to such hardware and not related to any hardware.

 

Also, separately, prior to export, re-export and/or retransfer, Precision shall review, verify, and complete the export control jurisdiction of each hardware item (and any defense services or technical data, including software, directly related to such hardware item and not related to any hardware) and items procured from

suppliers for which such jurisdiction was not previously and accurately determined and/or verified in accordance with this paragraph.

 

Audits:

 

One audit shall be performed during the Consent Agreement. Precision shall have the audit conducted by an outside consultant with expertise in AECA and ITAR matters, approved by the Director, DTCC. The audit shall be conducted under the supervision of the Designated Official. The audit shall provide a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of Precision’s implementation of all measures set forth in this Consent Agreement with focus on those actions undertaken to address the compliance issues identified in the Proposed Charging Letter, the policies, procedures, and training established by Precision. The Designated Official or the Director, DTCC, may identify other areas (e.g., transactional review of agreements, Precision's information technology systems) for the audit.

 

Debarment:

 

Precision has cooperated with the Department's review, has expressed regret for these activities, and has taken steps to improve its compliance programs. It has also undertaken to pay a cash penalty and agrees to implement the significant additional remedial compliance actions specified in the Consent Agreement. For these reasons, the Department has determined not to impose an administrative debarment of Precision.

 

Onsite Reviews by the Department:

 

For the purpose of assessing compliance with the provisions of the AECA, the ITAR and future authorizations, Precision agreed to arrange and facilitate, with minimum advance notice, onsite reviews by the Department while this Consent Agreement remains in effect.

 

Copies of the Charging Letter, Agreement and Order can be found at the following links:

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=52a07c224701d21827972464336d4375 and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=a5a07c224701d21827972464336d436e and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=4aa07c224701d21827972464336d4372

 

Editor’s note: The compliance measures described here are representative of the direction the Department of State is taking with larger companies and their compliance programs. However small companies should review to align their programs to focus on the same compliance points noted.

 

*******

 

October 9, 2024: Zhanna Soldatenkova and Ruslan Almetov, both Russian nationals, were indicted along with Arthur Petrov, a dual Russian and German national, for export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with their alleged participation in a scheme to procure U.S.-sourced microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of a Russia-based supplier of critical electronics components for manufacturers supplying weaponry and other equipment to the Russian military.

 

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/two-russian-nationals-charged-their-participation-illicit-procurement-network-exported

 

*******

 

October 17, 2024: Lin Chen pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally exporting U.S. technology to a prohibited end user in China, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The plea was accepted by the Hon. William Alsup, Senior U.S. District Judge.

 

In pleading guilty, Chen, 65, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), admitted to acting on behalf of Jiangsu Hantang International Trade Group Corp., Ltd. (JHI), a company headquartered in Nanjing, PRC, to procure a wafer cutting machine on behalf of Chengdu GaStone Technology Co., Ltd. (GaStone), an entity located in Chengdu, PRC.  Chen admitted to knowing that GaStone was designated on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List on Aug. 1, 2014.  Federal regulations restrict the export of certain items to companies, research institutions, and other entities identified on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List. Under applicable Department of Commerce regulations, wafer cutting machines, which are used to cut thin semiconductors used in electronics (also known as silicon wafers), require a license for export to end-users such as GaStone.

 

Chen’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2025, before the Judge Alsup.  The maximum statutory penalty for an IEEPA violation is up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence.

 

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/chinese-national-pleads-guilty-illegally-exporting-semiconductor-manufacturing-machine

 

*******

 

October 17, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced an $860,000 settlement with Vietnam Beverage Company Limited (VBCL). VBCL, a Vietnam-based alcoholic beverage company, has agreed to settle its subsidiaries' potential civil liability for 43 apparent violations of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations. Between April 2016 and October 2018, VBCL's subsidiaries caused U.S. financial institutions to process approximately $1,141,547 in payments for the sale of alcoholic beverages to North Korea. This settlement amount reflects OFAC's determination that conduct at issue was not voluntarily disclosed and constituted a non-egregious case.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241017_33 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933501/download?inline

 

*******

 

October 25, 2024: Yuksel Senbol, 36, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, violating the Export Control Reform Act, and violating the Arms Export Control Act. As part of her sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $275,430.90, the proceeds of Senbol’s fraud and money laundering scheme. Senbol pleaded guilty on May 7.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/defense-contractor-sentenced-15-months-prison-fraud-money-laundering-and-unlawful-export

 

*******

 

October 25, 2024: A federal jury convicted Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Sentencing Brian Assi is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/foreign-national-convicted-conspiring-export-us-made-drill-rigs-iran-violation-us-sanctions

 

*******

 

October 28, 2024: The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the 7-year prison sentence of a former UCLA electrical engineering adjunct professor relating to his exporting of military-grade semiconductor chips without a license to China in collaboration with a Chinese enterprise that develops weapons.

 

Federal regulations found in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) require that a license be obtained for the export of certain items, which are assigned an Export Control Classification Number (“ECCN”). The list of ECCNs provides the “reasons for control” associated with each number.

 

In July 2019, a jury found Shih guilty of 18 counts of violating various offenses arising out of the export of the MMICs, including a violation of the IEEPA based on the fact that the semiconductor chips were assigned ECCNs that listed national security as a reason for control.

 

Senior District Court Judge John A. Kronstadt of the Central District of California ordered entry of a judgment of acquittal on the violation of the IEEPA violation, finding that the government had not proven that a license was required to export the MMICs, and declined to apply a sentencing enhancement providing for a higher base level if national security controls were evaded.

 

The Ninth Circuit reversed and reinstated the conviction on the overturned count. Kronstadt, on remand, applied the enhancement and sentenced Shih to two 7-year terms of imprisonment, to be run concurrently.

 

http://www.metnews.com/

 

*******

 

October 30, 2024: The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is adding 40 foreign entities, as well as 4 addresses, to the Entity List in connection with their support for the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine and tightening restrictions on 49 foreign entities that were already on the Entity List to address their procurement of high-priority U.S.-branded microelectronics and other items on behalf of Russia. These entities are located in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as India, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Türkiye, Estonia, Finland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom (UK). BIS is also imposing additional restrictions on the export of 9 chemical precursors used to produce riot control agents (RCAs) and chemical weapons used on the battlefield against Ukraine in violation of treaty commitments. These actions underscore the extensive controls the United States has placed on entities enabling Russian aggression against Ukraine since the further invasion in February 2022.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-targets-illicit-procurement-networks-supplying-russias-military-and

 

Sanctions

 

Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

October 16, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 834428: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding eight persons to the Unverified List (UVL). Of the eight persons being added, three are under the destination of China, People's Republic of (China); two are under the destination of Germany; one is under the destination of Pakistan; and two are under the destination of Türkiye. BIS is also amending the EAR by removing two persons from the UVL. Of the two persons being removed, one is under the destination of Saudi Arabia, and the other is under the destination of China.

 

Additions to the UVL:

 

  • Hengye Technology Co., Ltd of China;
  • Skytop Electronics Ltd. of China;
  • YXS Technology Co., Ltd. of China;
  • Arabian Aviation Trade Group of Germany;
  • Tiptrans Limited of Germany;
  • Marshal Traders of Pakistan;
  • Pegasus Technic Services of Turkey;
  • Vast Polymers of Turkey; and
  • Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi of Turkey.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/16/2024-23638/revisions-to-the-unverified-list

 

*******

October 21, 2024: the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 26 entities to the Entity List for activities contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy under the destinations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) (6), Egypt (1), Pakistan (16), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (3). These additions are related to alleged violations of export controls, involvement in weapons programs of concern, and evasion of U.S. sanctions and export controls on Russia and Iran.

 

Nine of the entities under the destination of Pakistan were added for acting as front companies and procurement agents for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization, a Pakistan-based company added to the Entity List in 2014. The remaining 7 Pakistani entities were added for contributions to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.

 

Three entities under the destination of the UAE and one under the destination of Egypt were added for acquiring and attempting to acquire U.S.-origin parts to evade U.S. sanctions and export controls imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

 

Six entities under the destination of the PRC were added for acquiring U.S.-origin items in support of the PRC’s military modernization, dilatory and evasive conduct during end-use checks, and procurement of U.S.-origin items for Iran’s weapons of mass destruction and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-adds-26-entities-entity-list-actions-contrary-us-national-security-interests

 

*******

 

 

October 30, 2024: The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is adding 40 foreign entities, as well as 4 addresses, to the Entity List in connection with their support for the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine and tightening restrictions on 49 foreign entities that were already on the Entity List to address their procurement of high-priority U.S.-branded microelectronics and other items on behalf of Russia. These entities are located in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as India, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Türkiye, Estonia, Finland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom (UK). BIS is also imposing additional restrictions on the export of 9 chemical precursors used to produce riot control agents (RCAs) and chemical weapons used on the battlefield against Ukraine in violation of treaty commitments. These actions underscore the extensive controls the United States has placed on entities enabling Russian aggression against Ukraine since the further invasion in February 2022.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-targets-illicit-procurement-networks-supplying-russias-military-and

 

*******

 

Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 

October 1, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated seven individuals, and two entities associated with the Russia-based cybercriminal group Evil Corp, in a tri-lateral action with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). On December 5, 2019, OFAC designated Evil Corp, its leader and founder Maksim Viktorovich Yakubets and over a dozen Evil Corp members, facilitators, and affiliated companies pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended by E.O. 13757 (“E.O. 13694, as amended”). The United Kingdom and Australia concurrently designated select Evil Corp-affiliated individuals designated by OFAC. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed an indictment charging one Evil Corp member in connection with his use of BitPaymer ransomware targeting victims in the United States. This designation also coincides with the second day of the U.S.-hosted Counter Ransomware Initiative summit which involves over 50 countries working together to counter the threat of ransomware.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Benderskit, Eduard Vitalyevich of Russia;
  • Pogodin, Vadim Gennadievich of Russia;
  • Ramazanov, Beyat Enverovich of Russia;
  • Ryzhenkov, Aleksandr Viktorovich of Russia;
  • Ryzehenkov, Sergey Viktorovich of Russia;
  • Shchetinin, Aleksey, Yevgenevich of Russia; and
  • Yakubets, Viktor Grigoryevich of Russia.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Solar-Invest LLC of Russia; and
  • Vympel-Assistance LLC of Russia.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241001 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2623

 

*******

 

October 1, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)  designated Hilltop Youth, a violent extremist group that has repeatedly attacked Palestinians and destroyed Palestinian homes and property in the West Bank, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14115. Through these violent activities, Hilltop Youth is actively destabilizing the West Bank and harming the peace and security of Palestinians and Israelis alike. Hilltop Youth has devastated Palestinian communities and carried out killings, mass arson, and other so-called “price tag” attacks to exact revenge and intimidate Palestinian civilians, and has repeatedly clashed with the Israeli military as it counters their activities.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Suissa, Avichai of Israel; and
  • Yardeni, Eitan of Russia.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Hilltop Youth.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241001 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2622

 

*******

 

October 2, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated one individual and three companies that have facilitated weapons procurement and smuggling operations for Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis. This action targets key procurement operatives and suppliers located in Iran and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that have enabled the Houthis to acquire dual-use materials and components needed to manufacture, maintain, and deploy an arsenal of advanced missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against U.S. and allied interests.

 

The following individual has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Al-kulani, Hasan Ahmad Hasan Muhammad of Iran.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Gemini Marine Limited of the Marshall Islands;
  • Shenzhen Boyu Imports and Exports Co. of China; and
  • Shenzhen Jinghon Electronics Limited of China.

 

The following vessels have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Frunze (E5U4323) Crude Oil Tanker Cook Islands flag; Registration Identification IMO 9263643; MMSI 518998343 (vessel); and
  • Izumo (TRBQ9) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9249324; MMSI 626466000 (vessel).

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2627 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241002

 

*******

 

October 7, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three individuals and one sham charity that are prominent international financial supporters of Hamas, as well as one Hamas-controlled financial institution in Gaza. OFAC also designated a longstanding Hamas supporter and nine of his businesses. These actors play critical roles in external fundraising for Hamas, often under the guise of charitable work, that finance the group’s terrorist activities. This action, which is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, highlights the abuse of the non-profit organization (NPO) sector by terrorist financiers through the use of sham charities to generate revenue.

 

The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also issued Counter Terrorism General License 30, "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Certain Entities Blocked on October 7, 2024," and Counter Terrorism General License 31, "Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Debt or Equity of, or Derivative Contracts Involving, Certain Entities Blocked on October 7, 2024."

 

General License 30: Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Certain Entities Blocked on October 7, 2024

 

All transactions prohibited by the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 594 (GTSR), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving one or more of the following blocked persons are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, November 21, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person is made into a blocked account in accordance with the GTSR:

 

(1) Al Ahmar Trading Group;

(2) Al Salam Trading and Agencies General Establishment;

(3) Sabaturk Dis Ticaret Anomin Sirketi;

(4) Vivid Enerji Yatirimlari Anonim Sirketi;

(5) Investrade Portfoy Yonetimi Anomim Sirketi; or

(6) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

General License 31: Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Debt or Equity of, or Derivative Contracts Involving, Certain Entities Blocked on October 7, 2024

 

 (a) All transactions prohibited by the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 594 (GTSR), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the divestment or transfer, or the facilitation of the divestment or transfer, of debt or equity of Investrade Portfoy Yonetimi Anomim Sirketi (Investrade Portfoy), and any entity in which Investrade Portfoy owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest ( “Covered Debt or Equity”), to a non-U.S. person are authorized through 12:01 am eastern standard time November 21, 2024:

 

(b) All transactions prohibited by the GTSR that are ordinarily incident and necessary to facilitating, clearing, and settling trades of Covered Debt or Equity that were placed prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern daylight time, October 7, 2024, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time November 21, 2024.

 

(c) All transactions prohibited by the GTSR that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of derivative contracts entered into prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern daylight time, October 7, 2024, that (i) include a blocked person described in paragraph (a) of this general license as a counterparty or (ii) are linked to Covered Debt or Equity are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, November 21, 2024, provided that any payments to a blocked person are made into a blocked account in accordance with the GTSR.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Al Ahmar, Hamid Abdullah Hussein of Yemen;
  • Al-zeer, Majed of Jordan;
  • Doughman, Abel Saad al-Din Hassan of Austria; and
  • Hanoun, Muhammad Mahoud Ahmad Awad of Jordan.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Al Ahmar Oils and Supply Distribution of Yemen;
  • Al Ahmar Trading Group of Yemen;
  • Al Salam Trading and Agencies General Establishment of Yemen;
  • Al-Intaj Bank of Gaza;
  • Associazione Benefica Di Soldarieta of Italy;
  • Investrade Portfoy Yonetimi Anonim Sirketi of Turkey;
  • Saba , Trade & Investment S.R.O of Czech Republic;
  • Sabafon International Sal Offshore of Lebanon;
  • Sabaturk Dis Ticaret Anonim Sirketi of Turkey;
  • Sama International Media of Yemen; and
  • Vivid Enerji Yatirimlari Anonim Sirketi of Turkey.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241007 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2632 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933471/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933476/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933481/download?inline

 

*******

October 8, 2024:  The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa (Algoney), pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, for leading efforts to supply weapons to continue the war in Sudan. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused immense devastation, leaving tens of thousands dead, more than 11 million displaced, and millions facing emergency levels of hunger.  Algoney is the procurement director of the RSF and a brother of Mohammed Hamdan Daglo (Hemedti), the leader of the RSF. Algoney has extended this war by leading RSF efforts to procure weapons and military materiel. By arming the RSF, his actions have directly contributed to the RSF’s ongoing siege of El Fasher in North Darfur, a city of nearly two million vulnerable civilians, and the RSF’s operations elsewhere in Sudan.

 

The following individual has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Musa, Algoney Hamdan Daglo of Sudan.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2635 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241008

 

*******

 

October 10, 2024: OFAC issued a new Russia-related Frequently Asked Question (FAQ): 1197.

 

FAQ 1197:

 

Q: I’m a U.S. person with securities held at the National Settlement Depository (NSD), which were transferred pursuant to Russian Decree 840 to another Russian registrar.  Am I required to block these securities? 

 

A: Yes.  On June 12, 2024, OFAC designated the National Settlement Depository (NSD), along with the Moscow Exchange (MOEX) and the National Clearing Center (NCC) pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy. As noted in the accompanying press release, Russia has reoriented the architecture of its financial system to facilitate investment into its defense industry and acquisition of goods needed to further its aggression against Ukraine.

Alongside this designation, OFAC issued, and subsequently extended, two general licenses to allow for wind-down of certain transactions involving NSD, MOEX, and NCC, and the divestment of securities held at NSD, among other authorized activities. These general licenses (General License 99A and General License 100A) are in place through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 12, 2024. Following the expiration of GLs 99A and 100A, any securities in the possession or control of U.S. persons that are held at NSD should be treated as blocked, and dividends or other income received via NSD should be treated as blocked.

OFAC is aware that the Russian Federation has attempted to take action to evade or avoid OFAC sanctions on NSD via Presidential Decree 840 by requiring the transfer of certain securities to local Russian registrars. OFAC cautions that such transfers may not be authorized under the general licenses and may be considered null and void pursuant to OFAC’s regulations (see 31 CFR § 587.202). OFAC understands that these transactions may involve other blocked persons, including certain local Russian registrars. OFAC is also investigating the remaining non-blocked local Russian registrars for future designation under E.O. 14024.  The general licenses do not authorize transactions involving any blocked person other than those identified in the authorizations, and any transfer made in violation of OFAC sanctions is null and void. As such, U.S. persons should continue to treat these securities as blocked.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1197 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241010

 

*******

 

October 11, 2024: The United States expanded sanctions on Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors in response to Iran’s October 1 attack on Israel, its second direct attack on Israel this year. This action intensifies financial pressure on Iran, limiting the regime’s ability to earn critical energy revenues to undermine stability in the region and attack U.S. partners and allies. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is identifying the petroleum and petrochemical sectors of the Iranian economy pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which allows Treasury to target a broader range of activities relating to Iran’s trade in petroleum and petrochemical products. E.O. 13902 provides authority to identify and impose sanctions on key sectors of Iran’s economy to deny the Iranian government financial resources that may be used to fund and support its nuclear program, missile development, terrorism and terrorist proxy networks, and malign regional influence. Pursuant to this determination, the Treasury may impose sanctions on any person determined to operate in the petroleum and petrochemical sectors of the Iranian economy.

 

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a Determination pursuant to Section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order 13902, "Petroleum and Petrochemical Sectors of the Iranian Economy".

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Alya Marine Sendirian Berhad of Malaysia;
  • Cathay Harvest Marine Ltd of China;
  • Celia Armas Ltd of China;
  • Davina Shipping Inc of the Marshall Islands;
  • Delnaz Ship Management SDN BHD of Malaysia;
  • Derecttor Company Limited of China;
  • Diamante Tankers Incorporated of Panama;
  • Elza Shipping SA of Liberia;
  • Engen Management NV of Suriname;
  • Gabbaro Ship Services Pvt Ltd of Mumbai;
  • Glazing Future Management NV of Suriname;
  • Harry Victor Ship Management and Operation L.L.C. of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Jazira Das International Refinded Oil Products Trading L.L.C. of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Max Maritime Solutions FZE of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Rita Shipping Inc of the Marshall Islands; and
  • Strong Roots Provider NV of Suriname.

 

The following vessels have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Anhona (V3GK3) Oil Products Tanker Belize flag; MMSI 312171000 (vessel);
  • Aventus I (3E2078) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352898820 (vessel);
  • Bendingo (8P2397) Crude Oil Tanker Barbados flag; MMSI 314925000 (vessel);
  • Berg 1 (3DCZ1) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; (vessel);
  • Carina (8P2232) Crude Oil Tanker Barbados flag; MMSI 314872000 (vessel);
  • Carnatic (8P2398) Crude Oil Tanker Barbados flag; MMSI 314926000 (vessel);
  • Carol (V4BC4) LPG Tanker St. Kitts and Nevis flag; MMSI 341575000 (vessel);
  • Cross Ocean (3E4640) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352002860 (vessel);
  • Crystal Rose (3E4037) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352001298 (vessel);
  • Davina T8A4843) Crude Oil Tanker Palau flag; MMSI 511101471 (vessel);
  • Dimitra II (T7BI5) Crude Oil Tanker San Marino flag;   MMSI 268249801 (vessel);
  • Elza (D5SE4) Crude Oil Tanker Liberia flag; MMSI 636018950 (vessel);
  • Goodwin (E5U5022) Crude Oil Tanker Cook Islands flag;  MMSI 518999041 (vessel);
  • Hornet, Crude Oil Tanker Eswatini flag;  MMSI 6987100 (vessel);
  • Luna Prime (3E2167) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352001994 (vessel);
  • Octans (S9A15) Crude Oil Tanker Sao Tome and Principe flag; (vessel);
  • Salvia (T7BJ6) Crude Oil Tanker San Marino flag; MMSI 268240702 (vessel);
  • Satina (3E2250) Products Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352002316 (vessel);
  • Shanaye Queen (9WNN6) Crude Oil Tanker Malaysia flag; MMSI 533132105 (vessel);
  • Spirit of Casper (3E6116) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352003872 (vessel);
  • Tyche I (3E5017) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352002704 (vessel);
  • Voras (TJM8VO) Crude Oil Tanker Cameroon flag; MMSI 613916701 (vessel); and
  • Wen Yao (E5U5189) Crude Oil Tanker Cook Islands flag; MMSI 518999208 (vessel).

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2644 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933491/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241011

 

*******

 

October 15, 2024: In a joint action with Canada, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, or “Samidoun,” a sham charity that serves as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization. The PFLP, which was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State in October 1997 and October 2001, respectively, uses Samidoun to maintain fundraising operations in both Europe and North America. Also designated is Khaled Barakat, a member of the PFLP’s leadership. Together, Samidoun and Barakat play critical roles in external fundraising for the PFLP. This action is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended.

 

The following individual has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Barakat, Khaled of Canada.

 

The following entity has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network of Canada.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2646 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241015

 

*******

October 16, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three individuals, and four associated companies involved in a Lebanon-based sanctions evasion network that generates millions of dollars in revenue for Hizballah. Hizballah’s finance team is responsible for the establishment and operation of Hizballah commercial projects throughout Lebanon, some of which are financed and facilitated by Iran. OFAC also designated three individuals involved in the illegal production and trafficking of Captagon that has benefitted Bashar al-Assad’s regime and its allies, including Hizballah. The illegal trade in Captagon, a dangerous, highly addictive amphetamine, has become a billion-dollar illicit enterprise operated by senior members of the Syrian regime.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Atwi, Silvana of Lebanon;
  • Falhout, Raji of Syria;
  • Ghaffar, Haidar Houssam Al Din Abdul of Lebanon;
  • Hamadi, Houssam Hasan of Lebanon;
  • Hamideh, Abdellatif of Syria; and
  • Hamieh, Khaldoun of Syria.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Global Tradeline Sarl of Lebanon;
  • GM Farm of Lebanon;
  • Liban Oui Sarl of Lebanon; and
  • United Sons of Lebanon.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241016 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2648

 

*******

 

October 17, 2024:  The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted three entities and one individual for their involvement in the development and production of Russia’s Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Garpiya has been deployed by Russia in its brutal war against Ukraine, destroying critical infrastructure and causing mass casualties. Designed and developed by People’s Republic of China (PRC)-based experts, the Garpiya is produced at PRC-based factories in collaboration with Russian defense firms before transferring the drones to Russia for use against Ukraine.

 

These private companies and individuals were involved in the development and production of military equipment for a U.S.-sanctioned Russian defense firm for use by the Russian military in Ukraine.  While the United States previously imposed sanctions on PRC entities providing critical inputs to Russia’s military-industrial base, these are the first U.S. sanctions imposed on PRC entities directly developing and producing complete weapons systems in partnership with Russian firms.

 

The following individual have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Yamshchikov, Artem Mikhailovich of Russia.

 

The following entites have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Limited Liability Company Trading House Vector of Russia;
  • Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co Ltd of China; and
  • Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co., Ltd. of China.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2651 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241017

 

*******

 

October 17, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eighteen companies, individuals, and vessels for their ties to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF)-backed Houthi financial official Sa’id al-Jamal (al-Jamal) and his network. Included in this action are the captains of vessels transporting illicit oil as well as the companies that managed and operated these ships. The revenue from al-Jamal’s network continues to enable Houthi attacks in the region, including missile and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks on Israel and commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Barkhordar, Ali of Iran;
  • Durrani, Whaid Ullah of Pakistan;
  • Keot, Dipankar Mohan of India;
  • Skiriban, Yevhen of Ukraine; and
  • Warikoo Rattanlal, Rahul Rattanlal of India.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Changtai Shipping Limited of the Marshall Islands;
  • Eco Max Fze of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Eco Max Trading Fze of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Indo Gukf Ship Management LLC of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Motionavigations Limited of the Marshall Islands.

 

The following vessels have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Gratia (T8A4616) Chemical/Oil Tanker Palau flag; MMSI 511101304 (vessel);
  • Juvenis (T8A4619) Chemical/Oil Tanker Palau flag; MMSI 511101307 (vessel);
  • Kapok (3E6616) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352003068 (vessel);
  • Kukki (8PVO7) Chemical/Oil Tanker Barbados flag; MMSI 314823000 (vessel);
  • Liana (T8A3765) Oil Products Tanker Palau flag; MMSI 511100596 (vessel);
  • Marbel (E5U4474) Chemical/Oil Tanker Cook Islands flag; MMSI 518998494 (vessel);
  • Onyx (E5U4643) Products Tanker Cook Islands flag; MMSI 518998663 (vessel); and
  • Trophy (E5U4515) Chemical/Oil Tanker Cook Islands flag;  MMSI 518998535 (vessel).

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2652 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241017

 

*******

October 21, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued an updated Maritime Oil Industry Advisory for both government and private sector actors involved in the global maritime industry. Updates to the advisory include recommendations concerning specific best practices and reflects the Price Cap Coalition’s ongoing commitment to promote responsible practices in the industry, disrupt sanctioned trade, and enhance compliance with the price cap.

 

The Price Cap Coalition, which includes G7 countries as well as the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, is updating its advisory for both government and private sector actors involved in the global maritime industry. The advisory provides recommendations concerning specific best practices and reflects the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to promoting responsible practices in the industry, disrupting sanctioned trade, and enhancing compliance with the price cap.

 

The Coalition originally published its advisory on October 12, 2023. This update provides stakeholders with new recommendations on meeting international obligations, enhancing due diligence around tanker sales, avoiding interactions with sanctioned counterparties, and raising internal awareness.

 

The Coalition remains focused on reducing the revenues Russia uses to fuel its brutal war against Ukraine while maintaining energy market stability.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2659 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241021

 

*******

 

October 24, 2024: the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Mirghani Idris Suleiman (Idris) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, for leading the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) efforts to acquire weapons for use in its ongoing war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Idris has been at the center of weapons deals that have fueled the brutality and scale of the war, serving as Director General of Defense Industries System (DIS), the SAF’s primary weapons production and procurement arm. OFAC designated DIS on June 1, 2023, for being responsible for, or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Sudan,

 

The following individual have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

Suleiman, Mirghani Idris of Sudan.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241024 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2672

 

*******

 

October 30, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned 275 individuals and entities involved in supplying Russia with advanced technology and equipment that it desperately needs to support its war machine. This action targets both individual actors and sprawling sanctions evasion networks across 17 jurisdictions, including India, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Switzerland, Thailand, and Türkiye. In addition to disrupting global evasion networks, this action also targets domestic Russian importers and producers of key inputs and other materiel for Russia’s military-industrial base.

 

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 8K, "Authorizing Transactions Related to Energy," Russia-related General License 25G, "Authorizing Transactions Related to Telecommunications and Certain Internet-Based Communications," Russia-related General License 110, "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Certain Entities Blocked on October 30, 2024," Russia-related General License 111, "Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Debt or Equity of, or Derivative Contracts Involving, Certain Entities Blocked on October 30, 2024," and Russia-related General License 112, "Authorizing Civil Aviation Safety and Wind Down Transactions Involving Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited."

 

Additionally, OFAC has issued one new Russia-related Frequently Asked Question (FAQ 1198).

 

GENERAL LICENSE NO. 8K: Authorizing Transactions Related to Energy

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 involving one or more of the following entities that are related to energy are authorized, through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 30, 2025:

 

(1) State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank;

(2) Public Joint Stock Company Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie;

(3) Sovcombank Open Joint Stock Company;

(4) Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia;

(5) VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company;

(6) Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank;

(7) Public Joint Stock Company Rosbank;

(8) Bank Zenit Public Joint Stock Company;

(9) Bank Saint-Petersburg Public Joint Stock Company;

(10) National Clearing Center (NCC);

(11) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest; or

(12) the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

 

(b) For the purposes of this general license, the term “related to energy” means the extraction, production, refinement, liquefaction, gasification, regasification, conversion, enrichment, fabrication, transport, or purchase of petroleum, including crude oil, lease condensates, unfinished oils, natural gas liquids, petroleum products, natural gas, or other     products capable of producing energy, such as coal, wood, or agricultural products used to manufacture biofuels, or uranium in any form, as well as the development, production, generation, transmission, or exchange of power, through any means, including nuclear, thermal, and renewable energy sources.

 

GENERAL LICENSE NO. 25G: Authorizing Transactions Related to Telecommunications and Certain Internet-Based Communications

 

(a) All transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the receipt or transmission of telecommunications involving the Russian Federation that are prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), are authorized.

 

(b) The exportation or reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, to the Russian Federation of services incident to the exchange of communications over the internet, such as instant messaging, chat and email, social networking, sharing of photos and movies, web browsing, blogging, social media platforms, collaboration platforms, video conferencing, e-gaming, e-learning platforms, automated translation, web maps, user authentication services, web hosting, and domain name registration services, that is prohibited by the RuHSR, is authorized.

 

(c) The exportation or reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, to the Russian Federation of software, hardware, or technology incident to the exchange of communications over the internet is authorized, provided that:

 

(1) If the software, hardware, or technology is subject to the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730 through 774 (EAR), the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply to the Russian Federation of such software, hardware, or technology is licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce pursuant to the EAR; and

 

(2) If the software, hardware, or technology is not subject to the EAR, the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply to the Russian Federation of such software, hardware, or technology would be eligible for a license exception or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce if it were subject to the EAR.

 

GENERAL LICENSE NO. 110: Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Certain Entities Blocked on October 30, 2024

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving one or more of the following blocked entities are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, December 14, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person is made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR):

 

(1) XH Smart Tech China Co Ltd;

(2) Lokesh Machines Limited;

(3) Galaxy Bearings Ltd;

(4) Orbit Fintrade LLP;

(5) Wuhan Huazhong Numerical Control Co Ltd;

(6) Beijing Dynamic Power Co Limited;

(7) Sharpline Automation Private Limited; or

(8) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

GENERAL LICENSE NO. 111: Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Debt or Equity of, or Derivative Contracts Involving, Certain Entities Blocked on October 30, 2024

  1. a) All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the divestment or transfer, or the facilitation of the divestment or transfer, of debt or equity issued or guaranteed by the following blocked entities (“Covered Debt or Equity”) to a non-U.S. person are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, December 14, 2024:

 

(1) XH Smart Tech China Co Ltd;

(2) Lokesh Machines Limited;

(3) Galaxy Bearings Ltd;

(4) Beijing Dynamic Power Co Limited;

(5) Wuhan Huazhong Numerical Control Co Ltd; or

(6) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly,  individually or in aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

(b) All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to facilitating, clearing, and settling trades of Covered Debt or Equity that were placed prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern daylight time, October 30, 2024 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, December 14, 2024.

 

(c) All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of derivative contracts entered into prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern daylight time, October 30, 2024 that (i) include a blocked person described in paragraph (a) of this general license as a counterparty or (ii) are linked to Covered Debt or Equity are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, December 14, 2024, provided that any payments to a blocked person are made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR).

 

GENERAL LICENSE NO. 112: Authorizing Civil Aviation Safety and Wind Down Transactions Involving Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the provision, exportation, or reexportation of goods, technology, or services to ensure the safety of civil aviation involving Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited (Shaurya), or any entity in which Shaurya owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest (collectively, the “Blocked Persons”), are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, December 14, 2024, provided that the goods, technology, or services that are provided, exported, or reexported are for use on aircraft operated solely for civil aviation purposes.

 

(b) All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving the Blocked Persons, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, December 14, 2024, provided that any payment to the Blocked Persons must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR).

 

FAQ 1198:

 

Q:  In light of the designation of Shreya Life Sciences Private Limited (Shreya), are U.S. persons authorized to engage in transactions related to pharmaceutical and other humanitarian-related goods involving Shreya and its subsidiaries?

 

A: Yes. As a general matter, humanitarian trade is not the target of U.S. sanctions.

OFAC has issued Russia-related General License (GL) 6D, which authorizes, among other things, certain transactions related to the production, manufacturing, sale, transport, or provision of medicine and medical devices. U.S. persons may continue to engage in authorized transactions involving Shreya under GL 6D. Additionally, non-U.S. persons generally would not face sanctions risk for engaging in transactions authorized for U.S. persons under general licenses issued pursuant to the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions program. For further information, please review the OFAC Food Security Fact Sheet: Russia Sanctions and Agricultural Trade

 

Please see link below for full list of sanctioned entities and individuals.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241030 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2700 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933531/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933536/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933541/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933546/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933551/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1198

 

*******

October 31, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five Mexican nationals, and two Mexico-based entities linked to La Linea, a violent Mexico-based drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States. This action was coordinated closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Government of Mexico, including La Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF), Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit.

 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued an OFAC Compliance Communiqué: Sanctions Compliance Guidance for the Maritime Shipping Industry to aid maritime sector stakeholders in identifying certain new or common fact patterns that may be indicative of sanctions evasion, addressing common counterparty due diligence issues, and implementing best practices to promote sanctions compliance.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Aguayo, Adrian of Mexico;
  • Carrasco Levya, Josefa Yadira of Mexico;
  • Nieto Fierro, Heber of Mexico;
  • Oretega Gallegos, Jorge Adrian of Mexico; and
  • Salas Aguayo, Jesus of Mexico.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Y H. El Remate, Sociedad Anonima De Capital Variable; and
  • Soluciones Tecnologicas y Paqueteria Tres, Sociedad Anonima De Capital Variable.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20241031 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2704 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933556/download?inline

OCTOBER 2024 EXPORT CONTROLS AND COMPLIANCE UPDATES Read More »

SEPTEMBER 2024 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATIONS UPDATES

This newsletter is a listing of the latest changes in export control regulations through September 30, 2024.  The newsletter is provided as a complimentary service to assist exporters with their ITAR and EAR export compliance responsibilities. It provides a summary of recent changes to export control regulations or other regulatory matters of interest that may impact your company’s international trade and export compliance functions. Call us at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net with questions or comments.

 See also our “Latest Sanctions Fines & Penalties” section below for an update on companies and persons denied export privileges by the United States Government.

 In this newsletter, we have added a specific DDTC FAQs section, we think this will be of interest to our readers.

 

 REGULATORY UPDATES

President Biden Continued the National Emergency with Respect to Ethiopia

 September 6, 2024: On September 17, 2021, by Executive Order 14046, President Biden declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in and in relation to northern Ethiopia.

The situation in and in relation to northern Ethiopia, which has been marked by activities that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Ethiopia and the greater Horn of Africa region, continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14046 of September 17, 2021, must continue in effect beyond September 17, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14046 with respect to Ethiopia.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/09/06/press-release-notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-ethiopia/ and

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/page/3/

*******

President Biden Continued the National Emergency with Respect to Foreign Interference in or Undermining Public Confidence in United States Elections

 September 9, 2024: On September 12, 2018, by Executive Order 13848, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the threat of foreign interference in or undermining public confidence in United States elections.

Although there has been no evidence of a foreign power altering the outcomes or vote tabulation in any United States election, foreign powers have historically sought to exploit America’s free and open political system.  In recent years, the proliferation of digital devices and internet-based communications has created significant vulnerabilities and magnified the scope and intensity of the threat of foreign interference.  The ability of persons located, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States to interfere in or undermine public confidence in United States elections, including through the unauthorized accessing of election and campaign infrastructure or the covert distribution of propaganda and disinformation, continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared on September 12, 2018, must continue in effect beyond September 12, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13848 with respect to the threat of foreign interference in or undermining public confidence in United States elections.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/09/09/press-release-notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-foreign-interference-in-or-undermining-public-confidence-in-united-states-elections-2/ and

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/page/3/

*******

 President Biden Continued the National Emergency with Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks

 September 9, 2024:   Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  Consistent with this provision, President Biden has sent to the Federal Register the enclosed notice, stating that the emergency declared in Proclamation 7463 with respect to the terrorist attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001, is to continue in effect for an additional year.

The terrorist threat that led to the declaration on September 14, 2001, of a national emergency continues.  For this reason, President Biden has determined that it is necessary to continue in effect after September 14, 2024, the national emergency with respect to the terrorist threat.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/09/09/message-to-the-congress-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-certain-terrorist-attacks/ and

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/page/3/

*******

President Biden Continued the National Emergency with Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism

 September 18, 2024: On September 23, 2001, by Executive Order 13224, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the grave acts of terrorism and threats of terrorism committed by foreign terrorists, including the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in New York and Pennsylvania and against the Pentagon, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks against United States nationals or the United States.

On September 9, 2019, the President signed Executive Order 13886 to strengthen and consolidate sanctions to combat the continuing threat posed by international terrorism and to take additional steps to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13224, as amended.

The actions of persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, as amended, and the measures adopted to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond September 23, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency with respect to persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism declared in Executive Order 13224, as amended.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/09/18/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-persons-who-commit-threaten-to-commit-or-support-terrorism-3/ and

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/

*******

 Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

 Update to US Person Abroad Guidance

September 4, 2024: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has released an update to the “Guidance for USPAB Authorization Requests” document. The update (v. 2.0) includes several clarifications and a new section, “Support for Space Launch Campaigns”. The updates are summarized below:

  • Provides clarification on defense service recipients including vendors, subcontractors, actual or potential customers, or other foreign entities with whom the USPAB may work directly;
  • Provides clarification on the scope of an approval in new “Scope of an Authorization” section to include requirements to identify the specific defense articles, programs, and platforms in the application. For developmental programs the authorization may be granted to furnish defense services related to defense articles in a development/prototype phase without identifying a specific defense article, program or platform. However, once the defense article moves beyond the development phase, you must submit a replacement request that identifies the defense article by its specific designation as well as the intended end-use systems and platforms;
  • Provides clarification on the identification of end-use systems/platforms. If the defense article for which defense services will be furnished is a system, component, or part, the application must identify the end-use systems and/or platforms for which the defense article will be used on, in, or with. All intended end-use systems and/or platforms must be identified;
  • Requests that all documents be submitted in text-searchable PDF format to make it easier on the reviewers to search for specific information in the filing;
  • Provides additional guidance in new subsection A on drafting the opening sentence of “Section II – Scope of Request” to identify the defense articles for which the applicant will be providing defense services, as well as any end-use systems and platforms which will incorporate the defense article with which the applicant will work. Whenever possible, identify defense articles by their specific designations (e.g., AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar);
  • Provides additional guidance in identifying the USML defense service subcategories in Parts 3 and 4 by adding Table 1 to the guidance that lists all of the technical data USML Categories;
  • Specifies that contact information should be provided if appointing a third party POC;
  • Adds new requirements for the completion of block 8 on the DS-6004 to provide a brief description of the request which identifies the defense services, defense articles, and end-use systems/platforms involved in the request;
  • Adds a new section – “Part 5 – Support for Space Launch Campaigns”. If the U.S. persons are employed with a foreign entity that will be involved in space launch campaign activities, additional information is required. The request must identify the following: 1) The specific satellites/payloads to be launched; 2) The launch facility and location; 3) The launch vehicle and launch service provider; and 4) The foreign parties involved in the space launch campaign;
  • Modifies the “Statement of Understanding” to identify that the applicant understands that their authorization will be limited to the defense articles and end-use systems/platforms specifically identified in their application; and
  • The updates also make various administrative changes to sample letters.

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=f9ccfe96dbb4130044f9ff621f961929 and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events

*******

International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Revisions to Definition and Controls Related to Defense Services; Extension of Comment Period

 September 25, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 78278: The Department of State is extending the comment period for a proposed rule published July 29, 2024. The original comment period required submission of comments on or before September 27, 2024. In response to requests from the public, the Department extends the comment period through October 15, 2024.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/25/2024-22041/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-revisions-to-definition-and-controls-related-to-defense

*******

 Amendment to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Update to Republic of Cyprus (ROC) Country Policy

 September 27, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 79140: The Department has published a Federal Register notice amending § 126.1(r) of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which continues the suspension of defense trade restrictions for the Republic of Cyprus and its status as a proscribed destination from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events

*******

DDTC Name And Address Changes Posted To Website

September 3rd through 27th, 2024: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following name and/or address changes on its website at    

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=bd72ca0adbf8d30044f9ff621f961981:

  • Name change of CPI International, Inc. to Beverly Microwave Division and Microwave Power Products, Inc. due to acquisition by TransDigm Inc.;
  • Name change of Cadence Engines Systems Acquistion, LLC to Kinetic Engines Systems Acquistion, LLC due to corporate restructuring;
  • Name change of Kongsberg Maritime Spain SLU to Kongsberg Discovery Spain SLU due to corporate restructuring;
  • Address change for Paradigm Parachute & Defense Inc., 4040 Ashland Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32534 to Paradigm Parachute & Defense Inc. at 7303 Plantation Road, Pensacola, Florida 32504;
  • Name change of Meta Spectrum Operations LLC to Metrea Spectrum Operations LLC due to corporate rebranding;
  • Name change of Adimec Electronic Imaging, Inc. to Teledyne Adimec Electronic Imaging, Inc. due to corporate rebranding;
  • Address change for Metrea Executive Aviation LLC, 5525 W. Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607 to Metrea Executive Aviation LLC, 4751 Jim Walter Blvd., Hangar 7B, Tampa, FL 33607; and
  • Address change from Metrea Mission Data Limited, Malvern Science Park, Geraldine Rd, Malvern, Worcestershire, UK WR14 3SZ, to Metrea Mission Data Limited, Third Floor, the Aircraft Factory, 100 Cambridge Grove, London, W6 0LE.

 *******

 DDTC Final Commodity Jurisdiction Determinations Posted to Website

 June 13, 2023 through September 12, 2024: On September 17, 2024 the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following Final CJ Determinations for CJ’s adjudicated between, June 13, 2023 through September 12, 2024, on its website at:

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=6ea6afdcdbc36300529d368d7c96194b

Readers may find these determinations helpful when performing self-classification work.

Model Name Manufacturer Final Determination Final Determination Date
RAST System AC Motor, Part Number C15-42, NSN 610-50-1273-5927 Electromech Technologies USML Category VIII(h)(5) 6/13/2023
Spectral AI Nexus and ARTemis MIND Technology, Inc EAR99 6/13/2023
BL-1 Loader, Version 2, Part Number GN-80-00-00-000 US Advanced Systems LLC USML Category IV(c) 6/13/2023
Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APBOS), Model MK7 MOD2, NSN 1375-01-508-4975 Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company USML Category IV(b)(2) 6/13/2023
Integrated Panel Assemblies, Model 25515, Part Numbers 25515-004 and 25515-007 Transdigm, Inc USML Category XII(e)(1) 6/13/2023
Generic Radiofrequency (RF) Filter Manufacturing and Assembly Process Smiths Interconnect Americas Inc Seek CCATS 6/13/2023
XDE Cobalt, Model Number: V1.0, Part Number: XDE-CBT-OWT-LOQ Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC CCL ECCN 5A002.a.1 6/13/2023
VISOR Ci ,/Model Number VISOR 36xx series, Part Number 100933xx Chemring Sensors and Electronic Systems, Inc/CHG Group, Inc USML Category IV(c) 7/11/2023
Gyromagnetic Nonlinear Transmission Line, Part Numbers: NLTL-1525-FCV3 and NLTL-1525-FCV3AL Metamagnetics, Inc USML Category XI(a)(7) 7/11/2023
Helios Ravn Inc USML Category XI(a)(7) 7/19/2023
Heli-Basket, HB2000 Helibasket LLC EAR99 7/19/2023
SWE-400 QUAD Trakka USA LLC CCL ECCN 6A003.b.4.b 7/19/2023
Advanced Systems Susceptibility and Risk Analysis Toolkit (ASSURANT) Software Version 4.0.2, and ASSURANT Commercial Software Knowledge Based Systems, Inc EAR99 7/19/2023
Face Seal Assembly, Model A, Part Number 913-0067-052 Enpro Industries, Inc CCL ECCN 9A619.x 7/24/2023
Mark 7 Genesys Automated Loading System, 101-1500-xx (various) Lyman Products Corporation CCL ECCN 0B505.a 7/24/2023
Booby Trap Simulator, Model Numbers M117, M118, and M119 WMDTECH, LLC CCL ECCN 0A614.a 7/24/2023
X4 - Fire Control System Maztech Industries, LLC USML Category XII(c)(2)(iii) 7/24/2023
LED 360-degree Situational Awareness Kit with Infrared, Model 07630, NSN 6220-01-629-4494 Truck-Lite Co, LLC CCL ECCN 0A606.y.12 7/24/2023
Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatross Turbojet Aircraft Aero Vodochody USML Category VIII(a)(3) 7/24/2023
Convoy Escort Vehicle Turret Wire Strain Relief Components Dillon Aero, Inc CCL ECCN 0A501.x:  1) Power Up-Converter Cable, Part Number DATV1219
2) Dual Battery Cage Charge Wire, Part Number DAVM0136
--------------------------
CCL ECCN 0A606.x:  3) Charge Swivel Disconnect Tab, Part Number DAVM0775
4) Disconnect Lanyard, Part Number DAVM0776
5) Swivel Disconnect Bracket Assembly, Part Number DAVM0777
6) Backshell Half, Charge – MMC, Part Number DGV1051
7) Charge Breakaway Pivot – MMC, Part Number DGV1052
--------------------------
EAR99:  8) Charge Breakaway Bushing – MMC, Part Number DGV1053
7/26/2023
Vapor Pinion Instruction Set and Boeing Pinion Instruction Set ITW Heartland Seek CCATS 7/26/2023
Cold Forming Machines (Formax 2, Models FX3 and FXP2; Formax 3, Models FX3 and FXP3; Formax 4, Models FX4 and FXP3; Formax 5, Models FX3 and FXP3; Formax 6, Models XXV; Formax 7, Model FXP7, and Formax 8, Model FXP8); Miscellaneous Cold Forming Tools; Steel Projectiles for Firearms National Machinery LLC Seek CCATS:  Formax Machines, replacement parts, components, and tooling, for the Formax Machines

USML Category III(d)(6):  Steel projectiles, regardless of caliber

Technical Support – Response Pending

7/26/2023
Low-Cost Blue-Chip Slapper (detonator), Part Number 334740 Excelitas Technologies Corp CCL ECCN 1A007.b.4 7/26/2023
AGM NVG-40, Models: NL1, NL2, NW1, and NW2, Part Numbers: 14NV4122483021, 14NV4122483011, 14NV4122484021, and 14NV4122484011

AGM NVG-50, Models: NL1, NL2, NW1, and NW2, Part Numbers: 14NV5122483021, 14NV5122483011, 14NV5122484011, and 14NV5122484021

AGM Global Vision LLC CCL ECCN 6A992.b 7/26/2023
Ammo Bearer Pack Kit, Model 98754-MC MMI Outdoor, Inc EAR99 7/26/2023
Tyton VS2X Series, Part Numbers 19-0251-
01 and 19-0251-11
EIZO Rugged Solutions Seek CCATS 7/26/2023
Axiom Thruster, Part Number 10007604 Axiom Space, Inc CCL ECCN 9A515.h 8/2/2023
Air-Scooping Electric Thruster Viridian Space Corporation Seek CCATS 8/2/2023
Bumper Assembly, Arresting Hook, Part Number 16L364-3 Sonfarrel Aerospace, LLC USML Category VIII(h)(5) 8/2/2023
X4-Magazine Magpul Industries Corp CCL ECCN 0A501.d 8/2/2023
Large Area Silicon Photodiode Detector Assembly with 904 nm NIR (Near-Infrared) Transmitting Optical Filter, Model Number: PIN 12492-2, Part Number: 90 504 000 OSI Optoelectronics, Inc CCL ECCN 0A614.x 8/2/2023
Bearing, Liquid Oxygen Turbopump; Technology Development and Manufacture, Part Number: 710-005 Napoleon Engineering Services CCL ECCN 9A604.x 8/2/2023
Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), Part Numbers 1717200-1000-1 and 1717401-2000, and its specially designed parts, components, accessories, and attachments The Boeing Company USML Category XXI(a) 8/2/2023
M548A1 Tracked Amphibious Cargo Carrier, Model M548A1, Serial Number CHX426HAB FMC Corporation CCL ECCN 0A606.a 8/19/2023
Hot Zone, Model GS1 Ochocoarms, dba HotZone Tactical CCL ECCN 0A504.f 8/19/2023
Frequency Converter 150kW, 50/400 Hz Part Number 015.09.0130 for the Patriot Missile System and Cable Set Tiburon Associates, Inc EAR99 8/19/2023
Rake System, its Design, Associated Assemblies, Test Data and Services Aerodyn Engineering, LLC USML Category VIII(i):  Direction in the integration of the System onto a jet trainer

CCL ECCN 9E619.a:  Rake System Design, Vibratory Testing Data, Flow Calibration Data, and Static Calibration Data

CCL ECCN 9B619.b:  Rake System Assembly, the Vibratory Test Rake System Assembly, and the Flow Calibration Rake

8/4/2023
Unified Data Library (UDL), Version Number 1.13.0 Sauternes Bluestaq CCL ECCN 5D002.c.1 8/23/2023
G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), Model and Part Number: CT-F2P Gen4.1 Sparrow Engineering, Inc CCL ECCN 0A503 8/28/2023
SX-124 Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Cards, Models SX-124-0000, SX-124-0103, and SX-124-0103v Spectranetix, Inc USML Category XI(c)(2) 8/28/2023
SX-124-5103 - Positioning, Navigation, Timing (PNT) Card with M-Code GPS receiver Spectranetix, Inc USML Category XII(d)(2)(ii) 8/28/2023
Sea Tel, Model 4212 Wideband Antenna, Part Number 140223-1 Sea Tel Inc, dba Cobham SATCOM USML Category XI(a)(5)(v) 8/28/2023
Ka-band SATCOM Terminal, Medium Form Factor, Part Number C810-00383-00, with Receive Array APAR-2EAF1 and Transmit Array APAT-1EAT1 CesiumAstro, Inc Seek CCATS 9/8/2023
Advanced Simulation Combat Operations Trainer Version 7 (ASCOT 7) PLEXSYS Interface Products Inc USML Category XI(d):  Link 11, Link 16, Link VMF, and JREAP-C modules

USML Category IX(b)(4)(ii):  IADS module

EAR99:  ASCOT 7 Core, Floating Client, ASTERIX interface, Smart Air Tactics, CIGI, Automatic Entity Generation, Group Editor, HLAe, Enhanced Weapons, Jamming, and ATO/ACO/OPTASKLINK

9/8/2023
AeroGuard Counter-UAS System, Model AeroGuard A6-B Sanmina Corporation Seek CCATS 9/8/2023
.22 Long Rifle Tracer Ammunition, Model Number .22LR Tracer, Part Number .22LRMK1 Piney Mountain Ammunition Company USML Category III(a)(6) 9/18/2023
Multi-Role Tactical Laser (MRTL), Model Number MRTL-A002 Acme Solutions LLC USML Category XVIII(a) 9/18/2023
UAS Kit THORAD, LLC Seek CCATS 9/18/2023
Lynq PRO, Models   VL-10000, VL-10100, VL-10200, VL-10300, VL-80000, VL-80006, VL-80012, VL-81012, and VL-82012 OTTO Seek CCATS 9/18/2023
Puma 550 AeroVironment, Inc CCL ECCN 9A012.a.2 9/18/2023
Double Layer Capacitors, Part Numbers: SCC‐2.7V‐3000F max, SCC‐2.7V-850F max-Low ESR, SCM‐9.0V max-7.5F max, and SCP‐2.1V‐8.5F max KYOCERA AVX Components Corporation EAR99 9/18/2023
NWUAV Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell for Unmanned Systems, Model NWFC-1500 Northwest ULD, Inc CCL ECCN 9A610.x 9/18/2023
Cylinder, Indent, Firing Pin, Drawing Number 13051594 Rev B Cox Manufacturing Company, Inc EAR99 9/22/2023
Infrared Chemiluminescent Light Sticks, Model and Version Number: 6" Infrared Light Stick - 8 Hour Duration, Part Number: SKU: 9-17040PF Cyalume Technologies, Inc EAR99 9/22/2023
M710E TACAN Antenna, All-Band, Model Number 710E - NC, Part Number 711001-100 dB Systems Inc CCL ECCN 3A611.a 9/22/2023
Hypervelocity Accelerator System, Version V.1 Longshot Space Technologies Corp Seek CCATS 9/22/2023
1) HD80-MV-36X-MGI, Part Number 90-4718;
2) HD80-MV-36X-LP-MGI, Part Number 90-4717;
3) HD80RT-MV-36X-LP-MGI, Part Number 90-4713;
4) HD80RT-MV-36X-MGI, Part Number 90-4712;
5) HD80-MV-600-MGI, Part Number 90-4353;
6) HD80-MV-600-LP-MGI, Part Number 90-3317; and
7) HD80RT-MV-600-LP-MGI, Part Number 90-4368
Trillium Engineering, LLC CCL ECCN 6A003.b.4.a 9/22/2023
Mk48 Nutsack Type 1, Model Number TTS-MK48T1 Gen 1, and  MK48 Nutsack Type 2, Model Number TTS-MK48T2 Tribe Tactical Supply LLC USML Category I(h)(1) 9/29/2023
Speaker Modular Mission Payloads (MMP), Model MMP-SPEAKER, and Strobe and Noise Distraction MMP, Model MMP-SAND Reconrobots Inc Seek CCATS 9/29/2023
Computing, Networking, and Cyber Fundamentals Training Lockstone Technologies LLC Not a defense service 9/29/2023
Realtime Enhanced Voice Authentication (REVA) Eduworks Corporation Seek CCATS 10/9/2023
Cold Key Loading Set, Part Number 3867AS145-1 Form Fit and Function LLC CCL ECCN 3A611.x 10/9/2023
RGCS (Resilient Gravitronic Communication System) UNSPACE, LLC Seek CCATS 10/9/2023
Laser Instrumented Diagnostic Suite BlueHalo, LLC USML Category XVIII(e) 10/10/2023
Dual Rotary Variable Differential Transducer, Part Number 25565 Curtiss-Wright Corp USML Category VIII(h)(1) 10/26/2023
Stowable Telescoping Aircraft Boarding Ladder (STABL) Part Number 326C1S5901-201, for T-7A Trainer Aircraft The Boeing Company USML Category VIII(f) 10/26/2023
Cyber Intel Classification Banner, Model CICBv2, Part Number CICB-400 Arksoft Inc DBA Cyber Intel Systems EAR99 10/30/2023
RF Sensor Assembly, FireBurst, Part Number 2630-202 Technology Service Corporation USML Category IV(h)(18) 11/2/2023
High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), Model M1165A1, Serial Number: 332621 AM General USML Category
VII(b)
11/2/2023
MP-781, 40 x 46 mm Training Round, Model and Part Number MP-781 NonLethal Technologies, Inc Seek CCATS 11/2/2023
Electronic Connector, Model Number MIL-C-5015, Part Number MS3452L24-10P Conesys, Inc CCL ECCN 3A611.y.1 11/2/2023
Starlink Internet Connectivity Services Space Exploration Technologies Corp CCL ECCN 5A992.c 11/7/2023
LiBM5JV-1 (5Ah cell) Part Number LiBM5JV-1 Vectra Co dba EaglePicher Technologies, LLC  CCL ECCN 3A991.j.2 11/7/2023
Equitus 6.0 Integration and Analysis Software Equitus Corporation CCL ECCN 5D002.c.1 11/7/2023
Unitary Braid Division Multiplexing ("UBDM") Rampart Communications, Inc Seek CCATS 11/15/2023
Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS), Model ROKNABLTS 001 Maritime Innovations Inc CCL ECCN 8A609.x 11/29/2023
ColdFIRE Photoluminescent Ceramic Powder, Model Number CF-V2, Part Number BST-CF-01 Battle Sight Technologies, LLC EAR99 12/6/2023
Carbon Plume Mapper Instrument California Institute of Technology - Jet Propulsion Laboratory CCL ECCN 9A515.g.3 12/6/2023
3-Inch, 8-Hour LightShape Infrared Light Circle, Part Number: 9-17050PF; 3-Inch, 3-Hour Cyalume LightShape Infrared Light Circle, Part Number: 9-50850PF; Infrared Chemiluminescent Light Pad, Part Number: 9-27621; and Cyalume S.O.S. Light, Part Number: SKU: 9-42741PF Cyalume Technologies Inc EAR99 12/6/2023
PowerBook T/R Module, Part Number 293999-1 L3 Harris Technologies, Inc USML Category XI(c)(1) 12/22/2023
Accelerometer, CVLG, 1000uA/g, integral 30 ft. twisted shielded pair cable, Model 631M21, Part Number 631M21 PCB Piezotronics, Inc EAR99 12/26/2023
Tube Assembly - Flanged, Model Number Revision 35, Part Number 294E246 - 35 Leech Holdings, LLC Seek CCATS 12/26/2023
High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) Model 1097R1, Serial Number 003684 and Model 1097A2, Serial Number 214996 AM General LLC CCL ECCN 0A606.a 12/26/2023
C800 Gamma Ray Imaging Spectrometer H3D, Inc CCL ECCN 1A004.c.2 12/26/2023
Open Mission Systems (OMS), Version 2.2 and Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI), Version 2.2 The Boeing Company USML Category VIII(i) 12/27/2023
Beast Core Beast Code Seek CCATS 12/27/2023
Microwave Solid State Amplifiers, Part Numbers TSA-210040 and TSA-210043 Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
DBA: Teledyne Microwave Solutions
USML Category VI(a)(7) 12/28/2023
Gunners' Display Unit, Part Number MG9900 Mandus Group LLC USML Category XII(e)(1) 12/28/2023
Non-Rechargeable Pistol-Mounted Light with White Light, IR Light, and IR Laser, TWM-30-IR Bayco Products USML Category XII(c)(2)(iv) 12/29/2023
Objective Cell Assembly, Model REV E, Part Number A3256364 FUJIFILM Optics Co., Ltd USML Category XII(e)(18) 12/29/2023
Remote Key Fill Device (RKFD), Model v2, Part Number FT-0106 Forward Thinking, Inc USML Category XIII(b)(5) 12/29/2023
National Instrument (NI) Satellite Link Emulator (SLE) Intellectual Property (IP) National Instruments Corporation Seek CCATS 12/29/2023
Tebis Software, Version V4.1R6SP2, and Installation, Configuration, Implementation, Technical Support, and Training Services for Tebis software Tebis America Inc Seek CCATS:  Software

Services: (1) Defense service when provided to a foreign person; assist in the design, production, or manufacture of a defense article; and directly related to the defense article; (2) Not a defense service when provided only to U.S. persons or not directly related to a defense article

1/4/2024
Cyber Attack Emulator Library, Model 8.0, Part Number SN100CYLA Keysight Technologies, Inc USML Category IX(b)(4)(iii) 1/17/2024
IK-1337 Keypad, PCB, design technology, and silicone casing, Model IK-1337 Rev 03, Part numbers IK-1337-PCB, IK-1337-PADBLUE,
and IK-1337-PADYELLOW
iKey, Ltd 1) USML Category XIII(b)(5):  keypad
2) USML Category XI(c)(2):  PCB
3) USML Category XI(d):  Design technology
4) EAR99:  keypad casing
1/30/2024
SUPERION Passive RF Detection System Stucan Solutions Corporation USML Category XI(a)(4)(i) 2/7/2024
MH-1 Night Vision Housing Low Light Innovations EAR99 2/7/2024
Solid State Microwave Amplifier, Part Number ALN/111-7015-172 Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc/CTT, Inc USML Category XI(c)(3) 2/7/2024
Mine Clearing Loader U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) USML Category IV(c) 2/7/2024
Voluntary Industry Performance Standards for Firearm Sound Suppressors Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP EAR99 2/7/2024
Pellets or granules of a Mixture of Boron and Potassium Nitrate, Model BKNO3 (Type IIA and Type IIB) Hunting Titan Inc USML Category V(c)(4)(ii)(A) 2/7/2024
COSA Design Principles and Open Architecture Recommendations (Document) Version 1.0, Document Number: COSA-MGT- 0063 U.S. Army DEVCOM AVMC TDD EAR99 2/7/2024
Microcircuit Chips, Model and Version Numbers: P1750A, P1750AE, P1753, P1754, and P1757ME HEICO Corporation
DBA: Pyramid Semiconductor Corporation
USML Category XI(c)(3):  Part Number P1757ME

CCL ECCN 3A001.a.2.c:  Part Numbers P1750A, P1750AE, P1753, and P1754

2/16/2024
Workbench Software, version 1.1, for Royce Geo's Coordinate, Understand, Resource, Visualize, Enhance (CURVE) operating environment Royce Geospatial Consultants, Inc CCL ECCN 5D002.c.1 2/16/2024
DRF3182, part number 910-92081-03 Mercury Systems, Inc CCL ECCN 5A002.a.4 2/18/2024
iPad Pilot Training Software for a military aircraft Reaction Simulation, LLC USML Category VIII(i) 2/18/2024
SPYDR Version 1 Global Military Expert Consulting and Instruction, LLC
DBA: Spotlight Labs
Seek CCATS 2/18/2024
Oven-controlled Oscillator, Model and Version Number: OSI5, Part Number: OSI5010-10.0M Pletronics Inc CCL ECCN 3A001.b.10 2/16/2024
Oven-controlled Oscillator, Model and Version Number: OSF4, Part Number: OSF4005-10.0M Pletronics Inc CCL ECCN 3A001.b.10 2/16/2024
HV550CE1454 and HVHR550CE1454 Capacitors Cornell Dubilier Marketing, Inc USML Category VII(g)(2) 2/16/2024
DeconStrike, Version 1, Part Number 74-0006 North American Rescue, LLC CCL ECCN 1A607.g 2/16/2024
Swing Arm Assembly, Part Number SA-12 Military Systems Group, Inc USML Category VII(g)(8) 3/13/2024
Signal translation and processing software for the Digital Signal Generation Subsystem (DGEN), Part Number SRC6150A-4, and Radio Frequency Generation (RFGEN) Subsystem SRC Inc USML Category XI(d) 3/23/2024
Flat Based Mounting Bracket, Part Number M09-190 Military Systems Group, Inc USML Category VII(g)(8) 3/23/2024
Virtual Sandtable vTAK software Virtual Sandtable LLC Seek CCATS 3/23/2024
VR-Tak Core, version 4.8 Applied Research Associates, Inc Seek CCATS 3/23/2024
Secure Key Cryptographic Library (SKCL), Model v1.0.27, Part Number v1.0.27 JET Technology Labs Inc CCL ECCN 5A002.a 3/27/2024
Blast Exposure Monitor (BEMO), BEMO Safariland, LLC Category XI(a)(7) 3/27/2024
PlasmaTorch Trustees of Purdue University Seek CCATS 3/27/2024
Four versions of a Communications Management Unit (CMU), and related software Mercury Systems Inc USML Category XI(a)(5)(i):  Complete base model CMU with operating system and software application for interfacing with defense articles

USML Category XI(d):  Software application for interfacing with a defense article (AN/ARC 210(V))

CCL ECCN 9A610.x:
1.  Base model CMU with operating system only
2.  K-version CMU with operating system only
3.  Complete base model CMU with operating system and software application for interfacing only with equipment subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

CCL ECCN 9D610.a:  Software application for interfacing with equipment subject to the EAR (TACAN)

3/27/2024
THERM-A-GAP 579 Pad, Model 69-1145940-579PN, Part Number 20547279-0 Parker-Hannifin Corporation, d/b/a Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Chomerics USML Category XI(c)(10) 4/1/2024
Port Adapter, Part Number 100405-1020-001, and Starboard Adapter, Part Number 100405-1030-001 Babcock Integrated Technology Limited USML Category XX(c) 4/1/2024
Short Wave Infrared (IR) Stick Cyalume Technologies, Inc EAR99 4/1/2024
Common Operational Picture Event Response System (COPERS) KBR, INC. DBA: KBR Wyle Services, LLC Seek CCATS 4/1/2024
PASE Low Band Virtual Aperture Array (VAA), Generation 4.0, Part Number P4LV; PASE Low Band Non-VAA, Generation 4.0, Part Number P4LN; and PASE Mid-Band Non-VAA, Generation 4.0, Part Number P4MN Maerospace Corporation Seek CCATS 4/1/2024
1. Converted AR15 semiautomatic weapon to full auto machine gun;
2. Modified AR15 Lower Receiver- Model Number AR15 A2, Part Number AR15 Lower Receiver (NSN 1005-01-184-4041)
Everwood Run LLC 1. USML Category I(b) and
2. USML Category I(g)
4/1/2024
Runway Surface Monitoring System (RSMS) Oreyeon EAR99 4/1/2024
Silicon Avalanche Photodiode - SAT Series, Model Number: SAT800 and SAT3000 Laser Components USA, Inc EAR99 4/1/2024
MBL-15e, Model MBL-15e, Part Number MBL-15e TLD-ACE Corporation USML Category IV(c) 4/1/2024
MERLIN-A Directional Radiation Detector, Model A2, Part Number 5-15-35687 Spectral Labs Incorporated USML Category XI(a)(4)(i) 4/5/2024
RMS-1022D, 1U Dual Node Rugged Server, Model and Version Number: RMS-1022D, Part Number: F109414-F NCS Technologies, Inc Seek CCATS 4/5/2024
Military Symbology Renderer Version 1.0 Williams Mullen PC ECCN 3D611.a 4/16/2024
ATAK Ballistics Plugin, Version 1.0, and WinTAK Ballistics Plugin, Version 1.0 nVision Technology, Inc. USML Category XII(f) 4/16/2024
Mercury Free Space Optical Communications Terminal, Part Number 1426581 Viasat, Inc. USML Category XI(a)(5)(iii) 4/16/2024
Hybrid Battery Supercapacitor (HBS), Model HBS Wecoso d/b/a West Coast Solutions USML Category XI(a)(7) 4/19/2024
HMC1086 2-6GHz 25W GaN HEMT Power Amplifier, Models HMC1086 (bare die) and HMC1086F (packaged die) Analog Devices, Inc. ECCN 3A001.b.2.a.4 4/19/2024
Troy, Model: BBAI-0001, Part Number: BBAI-0001-P-0001 BigBear.ai, LLC CCL ECCN 5A002.a 4/19/2024
Working Dog Field Decontamination Kit - basic, Model Basic TDA Research, Inc. CCL ECCN 1A607.g.2 4/24/2024
Mid-Body Housing for MAWL series lasers, Model BEM-MAWL-XBX, NSN 1005-01-696-2360 B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. CCL ECCN 7A611.x 5/6/2024
Training Screw for MAWL Laser, Model SPK-MAWL-TNG, NSN 5855-01-696-2396 B.E. Meyers & Co, Inc CCL ECCN 7A611.x 5/6/2024
Arming Plug for IZLID series lasers, R05-3PIN, NSN 5935-01-528-0139 B.E. Meyers & Co, Inc CCL ECCN 7A611.x 5/6/2024
Amphibious Excavator Humanitarian Demining System U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) USML Category IV(c) 5/6/2024
Advanced Simulation Combat Operations Trainer Version 7 (ASCOT 7) Feature Modules: Simulated Integrated Air Defense System (IADS); Simulated JREAP-C; Simulated Link 11; Simulated Link 16; and Simulated Link VMF PLEXSYS Interface Products, Inc. USML Category IX(b)(4)(ii) (Simulated IADS)

USML Category XI(d) (Simulated JREAP-C, Link 11, Link 16, and Link VMF)

5/6/2024
Thrifty Wideband Transceiver, Model Thrifty Wideband Quad Transceiver, Part Number 910-00529-001 Herrick Technology Laboratories, Inc. CCL ECCN 5A991.b.1 5/6/2024
Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing (JHMCS) System Module Assembly for the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH). Gentex Corporation USML Category VIII(h)(15) 5/6/2024
Skydio X10 and X10D Drones; Skydio X10 and X10D
Controllers; Skydio X10 Gimbals, Model V100-L, Model
VT100, Model VT300-L, and Model VT300-Z
Skydio Skydio X10 and X10D Drones; Skydio X10 and X10D Controllers; and Skydio X10 Gimbal, Model V100-L – EAR99

Skydio X10 Gimbals, Model VT100, Model VT300-L, and Model VT300-Z – CCL ECCN 6A003.b.4.b

5/6/2024
6 Conductor Bulk Cable, part number N13-46T+00011 New England Wire Technologies USML Category XII(e)(1) 5/6/2024
Red Phosphorus/White Phosphorus (RP/WP) Disassembly and Disposition System and Related Services G. D. O. INC., d/b/a Gradient Technology RP/WP Disassembly and Disposition System: Seek a CCATS

Services:
(1) USML Category III(e) when done for a system designed for USML Category III munitions
(2) Not a defense service if for a system designed for end-items not described on the USML

5/6/2024
37mm Tactical Single Launcher, Models 1415, 1416, 1417, and 1417‐9, Part Numbers 1182510, 1190342, 1184311,
and 1186248
Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) USML Category II(a)(4) 5/17/2024
IronFist 37/38mm Launcher System, Model Number IF-38-36 NonLethal Technologies, Inc. USML Category II(a)(4) 5/17/2024
Maritime Search-as-a-Service ThayerMahan Inc. USML Category XI(d) 5/17/2024
G222/C27A Spartan Aircraft, Serial Numbers 91-0104 through 91-0106 and 91-0172 through 91-0174 Alenia Aeronautica CCL ECCN 9A610.a 5/17/2024
Solenoid Coil, Model Number: 01-00, Part Number: WE-PN-000651-01-00 Woodruff Engineering Inc. Seek a CCATS 5/17/2024
Blue Steel Ballistics software, Version Number: 1.0 Blue Steel Ballistics, LLC Seek a CCATS 5/28/2024
Rocky Research Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger, Model B315Mx124 IP-SC-S HP SWEP North America, Inc. USML Category XVIII(f) 5/28/2024
Graviton Software Teledyne FLIR LLC EAR99 6/27/2024
Ammunition Manufacturing Equipment: 247-18A"F333",T23260-B PCH-BLK, p/n 362974; D3878-8 PUNCH, FORM & BLANK, p/n 302492; D3877-9 INSERT FEMALE POINTING, p/n 17141; 211-286B T19741-D CLIPPING PUN, p/n 92769STK; T-31180D, MANDREL HD TURN 5.56, p/n 84964; T5099-3 PUNCH, SWAGING, p/n 963621; E16117_4 PIERCE PUNCH, p/n 1100618 Dayton Progress Corporation Seek a CCATS 6/27/2024
Scaffolding Used as Production Equipment for Submarines Senesco Marine, LLC USML Category XX(c) 6/27/2024
X-CAL, Model X-CAL, Part Number X-CAL, NSN 6920-01-689-7644 Explotrain, LLC CCL ECCN 0A614.a 6/27/2024
Transmit (TX) and Receive (RX) Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs): TX ASIC Part Number 10091472-1, TX ASIC Part Number 10091472-2, and RX ASIC Part Number 009252 CHG Group, Inc. Seek a CCATS 7/24/2024
Azimuth
Bearing,
Model
AP5007466
7-ICD
SKF USA Inc. Seek a CCATS 7/24/2024
Dive Talk Go Dive Talk Gear, LLC CCL ECCN 8A002.q 7/24/2024
Stingray Humanitarian Demining System US Army DEVCOM HD R&D Program USML Category IV(c) 7/24/2024
WA1548, High Energy Storage Capacitor, Model and Part Number: WA1548 WA1548, High Energy Storage Capacitor, Model and Part Number: WA1548 USML Category II(j)(15) 7/26/2029
Pivoting Accessory Rail Scope / Optic Mount, ARS-000-A1, ARS-000-A2, ARS-000-A3, and ARS-000-FTA Austin Precision Products, Inc. (dba LaRue Tactical) EAR99 8/1/2024
TFD Supportability Workbench, Version V5.0.9 Andromeda Systems, Inc. EAR99 8/1/2024
System of Systems Technology Integration Tool Chain for Heterogeneous Electronic Systems (STITCHES) Apogee Research LLC USML Category XXI(a) 8/1/2024
Mobile Fuel and Energy Management (MFEM) Software Ricardo Defense Inc. Seek a CCATS 8/1/2024
Piezo-Resistive Pressure Sensors, Part No. 4260M0136 and 4260M0137 Kistler Instrument Corporation Seek a CCATS 8/1/2024
Vireo; Model Number DRA-16A1 CesiumAstro USML Category XV(e)(1)(ii) 8/20/2024
3D Coded Aperture Imager (Portable Gamma Camera) H3D, Inc. CCL ECCN 1A004.c.2 8/22/2024
AM9011 Tuner Chipset, Part Number: AM9011 Mercury Systems, Inc. EAR99 8/22/2024
Field, Line-of-sight Automated Radiance Exposure (FLARE) Systems, Model and Version Number: FLARE Lantern and FLARE Beacon Labsphere, Inc. Seek a CCATS 8/22/2024
Subphone 580, Model 580 Subsea Import LLC CCL ECCN 5A001.b.1.a 8/22/2024
Rancher Government Carbide and Rancher Federal Consulting Services Rancher Federal, Inc. DBA Name: Rancher Government Solutions CCL ECCN 5D002.c.1 8/22/2024
Elektron Magnesium Alloy Powder, Model Elektron MAP: Elektron® MAP+91, Elektron® MAP+31, Elektron® MAP+43, and Elektron® MAP+21 BA Holdings Inc. Seek a CCATS 8/22/2024
Fused Coupler, Part No. SSCSAP00A0-50 Neptec OS, Inc. Seek a CCATS 8/22/2024
BQ400 Unmanned Aerial Target Drone Mountain Horse, LLC USML Category VIII(a)(10) 8/22/2024
Gunnery Training
System (GTS),
Model Number
GTS-30-Mk44-
50, Part Number
70786; Model
Number GTS-30-
Mk44-762, Part
Number 70350;
Model Number
GTS-25-M242-
50, Part Number
70349; and
Model Number
GTS-25-M242-
762, Part
Number 70500
American
Apex
Corporation
USML
Category
IX(a)(6)
8/28/2024
rF1V Antigen and rF1V+cpG 1018 Plague Vaccine Dynavax Technologies Corporation EAR99/ECCN 1C991.a 8/28/2024
High Voltage Power Supply, model dB 2700 HEICO Corporation USML Category XII(e)(1) 8/28/2024
RF Forge Vadum, Inc. USML Category XI(a)(7) 8/28/2024
Onebrief Planning Software Onebrief, Inc. Seek a CCATS 8/28/2024
TNT-Trinitrotoluene SWORD Defense Systems, Inc. Seek a CCATS 8/28/2024
1. 14C1500 Payload Bay Assembly Forward
2. 14C2000 Payload Bay Assembly AFT
3. 14C3000 Fuselage and Empennage Assembly
4. 14C4000 Wing Assembly Aircraft LH
5. 14C6000 Tail Assembly Aircraft LH
6. 14F1000 Nosecone
7. 14F9050-101 Forward Airbag Door LH
8. 14F9060-101 AFT Airbag Door LH
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. USML Category VIII(f) 9/5/2024
HB10K, Remote Tactical Hook System, Model Number HB10K Helibasket LLC Seek a CCATS 9/12/2024
Long Line (Sling-Load Long Line), Model and Part Numbers: LLWL10-XXX; LLWL25-XXX; LLWL30-XXX Helibasket LLC EAR99 9/12/2024
Tank Wall Interface, Part Number: AF-62983-1 Eaton Corporation USML Category VIII(h)(1) 9/12/2024

*******

 DDTC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is an Empowered Official (EO)?

A: An Empowered Official (EO) is a term defined in 120.67 of the ITAR. It is a role given by the Corporate Administrator (CA) to a user authorized to sign a licensing application. An EO MUST have a digital certificate to access the licensing application. The system will prompt for the digital certificate password when the EO accesses the Licensing application from the Applications menu.

 

Q: Is it possible for a defense article to be described in multiple entries on the U.S. Munitions List (USML)?

A: Yes, the Order of Review process in ITAR §120.11 allows for more than one category on the USML to apply to a defense article, and as such, you should review all potentially relevant USML entries. Generally, in cases where an item is described in multiple entries, an enumerated entry takes precedence over an entry controlling the item by virtue of a specially designed catch-all. The exception to this rule is where a SME entry is involved. In all situations, a SME entry will take precedence over a non-SME entry. Thus, a classified guidance system for a missile should be listed under Category IV(h)(30), which is SME, and not IV(h)(1).

If through the Order of Review, one determines a particular item itself is not specifically enumerated in the USML, it may still be controlled by virtue of its parts and components, which are caught via a catch-all. For example, a part or component of an airborne radar system specially designed for the F-35 may not be enumerated or captured in USML Category XI but controlled under the specially designed catch-all of Category VIII(h)(1).

 

Q: How do I know if an Australian or United Kingdom party is an "Authorized User" under the ITAR § 126.7 exemption?

A: The list of Authorized Users of Australia and the United Kingdom is available in the Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS).  To access the list, you must enroll in DECCS, log-in, and navigate to the Authorized User list.

 

Q: Can a defense article that is produced or manufactured during the life of an agreement (TAA or MLA) using technical data or defense services received via the agreement be transferred to a foreign person who was a party to the agreement after the expiration of that agreement without further DDTC authorization

A: Yes, the transfer of defense articles that were manufactured during the life of a TAA or an MLA may be transferred among the same foreign signatories and sub-licensees and for the same end users and end uses that were previously authorized under the TAA or MLA.

 

Q: How will the Authorized User list be updated for name changes and mergers and acquisitions? Will there be a gap in Authorized User status to implement those changes?

A: Authorized Users of Australia and the United Kingdom will need to notify their respective government, who will then notify DDTC. There may be a gap in Authorized User status depending on the nature of the name change and the need to update the name on the Authorized User list. The Authorized User list on DECCS is the official list, so parties should ensure the name of the entity they are transferring to via the ITAR § 126.7 exemption is identified appropriately.

 

Q: Must I obtain a DSP-83 for the transfer of Significant Military Equipment or Classified defense articles when using the 126.7 (AUKUS) exemption?

A: No. 123.10(a) excepts the 126.7 exemption from the DSP-83 requirement. Authorized Users of Australia and the United Kingdom provide nontransfer and use certification through the Authorized User enrollment process.

*******

Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Japan

September 3, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Japan has requested to buy follow-on technical support of AEGIS Class Destroyers, which will include sustainment support and services; AEGIS computer software updates; system integration and testing; in-country and on-site engineering support; familiarization; sustainment; all necessary emergent support engineering and technical support services; operational support; system overhauls; system upgrades; on-the-job practical operations and maintenance; combat systems integration; development, testing, and installation of program patches and adaptation data and annual service agreements; technical inquiries by the purchaser; operation; integration; maintenance; field service engineering; problem investigation; technical assistance; solutions to the technical problems arising from post production and testing capabilities; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $150 million. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Moorestown, NJ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/japan-aegis-class-destroyer-follow-technical-support

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DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Netherlands

September 6, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy two hundred forty-six (246) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles; six (6) AIM-9X Block II sidewinder captive air training missiles (CATM); two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder special air training missiles; fourteen (14) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical guidance units; and two (2) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder CATM guidance units. Also included are missile containers; spares; personnel training and training equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documents; warranties; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $691 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-aim-9x-sidewinder-block-ii-missiles

*******

DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Singapore

September 9, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Singapore has requested to buy fifty-four (54) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and two (2) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AMRAAM control section spares, missile containers, and support equipment; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-89/E Adapter Group Computer Test Set; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; weapon system support and software, and classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; training support and equipment; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $133 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/singapore-aim-120c-8-advanced-medium-range-air-air-missiles

 *******

 DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Israel

 September 12, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Israel has requested to buy additional Heavy Duty Tank Trailers (HDTT) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at $40.1 million ($0 in MDE), included HDTTs; spare and repair parts; tool kits; driver tools; corrosion protection; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government support; technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistics and program support. This notification is for the items in the original case and the additional HDTTs. The estimated total cost is $164.6 million. Deliveries are estimated to begin in 2027. The principal contractor will be Leonardo DRS, located in Arlington, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/israel-heavy-duty-tank-trailers

*******

 DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Japan

 September 13, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to nine (9) KC-46A aircraft; up to eighteen (18) PW4062 turbofan engines; up to sixteen (16) AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers (RWRs); up to thirty-three (33) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies (GLTAs); and up to eighteen (18) LAIRCM system processor replacements. The following non-MDE items will also be included: missile warning sensors; Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellent Actuated Devices (CAD/PADs); control interface units; User Data Module (UDM) cards; electronic warfare database support; KIV-77 crypto modules; KY-100 crypto terminals; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL); AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders; communications equipment; Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINS); integration and test support and equipment; aircraft components, parts, and accessories; support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; training aids, devices, and spare parts; minor modifications and maintenance support; instruments and lab equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; facilities and construction support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; jet fuel; transportation and airlift support; warranties; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $4.1 billion. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be Boeing Corporation, located in Everett, WA; Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, located in East Hartford, CT; RTX Corporation, located in Goleta, CA; and Northrop Grumman Corporation, located in Rolling Meadows, IL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/japan-kc-46a-aerial-refueling-aircraft

*******

 DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Romania

 September 13, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Romania has requested to buy thirty-two (32) F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft; and thirty-three (33) Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (32 installed, 1 spare). The following non-MDE items will also be included: AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL); Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment, secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); multi-purpose missile equipment; ammunition and weapons components; aircraft and munitions support and support equipment; integration and test support and equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; training aids and devices, and spare parts; major and minor modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support; integrated computer system; electronic warfare data and Reprogramming Lab support; Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) software support; aircraft engine Component Improvement Program (CIP) support; classified and unclassified software and software development, delivery, and integration support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; classified and unclassified personnel training, and training gear and equipment; transportation, ferry, and refueling support; facilities and construction support; studies and surveys; Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $7.2 billion. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, located in Fort Worth, TX. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/romania-f-35-aircraft

*******

 DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States

 September 16, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy return, repair, and reshipment of classified and unclassified spare parts for aircraft and related equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $228 million.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-35

*******

 DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Bulgaria

 September 20, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Bulgaria has requested to buy two hundred eighteen (218) Javelin FGM-148F missiles (includes four (4) fly to buy missiles) and one hundred seven (107) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). Also included are Javelin LWCLU Basic Skills Trainers (BST); Javelin Outdoor Trainers (JOT); Battery Coolant Units (BCUs); System Integration and Check Out (SICO); lifecycle support; Javelin Restricted Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM); Javelin operator manuals; tools; Javelin gunner training; Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) training; Javelin maintenance training; technical assistance; other associated equipment and services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $114 million. The prime contractors will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin, located in Orlando, FL; and RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/bulgaria-fgm-148f-javelin-missiles

 *******

 DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Sweden

 September 20, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Sweden has requested to buy one hundred twenty (120) AN/USQ-190 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS). The following non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) items will also be included: communications equipment; support equipment; engineering and technical support and assistance; non-warranty repair and return; training; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $31.5 million. The principal contractor is Data Link Solutions, located in Cedar Rapids, IA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/sweden-multifunctional-information-distribution-system-joint-tactical

*******

 DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Egypt

 September 24, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Egypt has requested to buy seven hundred twenty (720) Stinger missiles for vehicle-based use on existing Avenger systems, including twenty (20) Product Verification Flight Test (PVFT) munitions. The following non-MDE items will also be included: spare and repair parts; testing equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $740 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/egypt-stinger-missiles

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 DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Iraq

September 24, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government Iraq has requested to buy additional services that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales case, valued at $39 million, included follow-on technical support (FOTS) for vessel maintenance and repair (VMR), which may include ship repair; maintenance; sustainment; support services; repair; upgrades; overhaul services; associated labor and support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services of off-shore vessels, patrol boats and defenders of U.S. origin; fuel for quarterly tri-lateral exercises; and other related elements of logistics and program support. This notification is for the continuation of this support and services. The estimated total cost is $65 million. The principal contractor will be Amentum, located in Chantilly, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/iraq-follow-technical-support-vessel-maintenance-and-repair

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DSCA Notified Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Australia

 September 27, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Australia has requested to buy up to one hundred (100) Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) with global positioning system (GPS) precise positioning system (PPS) provided by Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code; up to twenty-four (24) AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance sections (spares); and up to twenty-four (24) AGM-88G AARGM-ER control sections (spares). The following non-MDE items will also be included: missile containers; component parts and support equipment; repair; software (classified and unclassified); publications (classified and unclassified); training (classified and unclassified); transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $405 million. The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Systems, located in Falls Church, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-advanced-anti-radiation-guided-missiles-extended-range

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 Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 Department of Commerce Implemented Controls on Quantum Computing and Other Advanced Technologies Alongside International Partners

September 5, 2024: The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an interim final rule (IFR) implementing controls on critical and emerging technologies that have reached broad technical agreement among our international partners. This IFR includes controls related to quantum computing, semiconductor manufacturing, and other advanced technologies. The action strengthens our international relationships with like-minded countries and ensures that U.S. export controls keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies that pose serious threats to our national security when in the wrong hands.

BIS is implementing worldwide export controls on specific types of items, including:

  • Quantum Computing Items: quantum computers, related equipment, components, materials, software, and technology that can be used in the development and maintenance of quantum computers.
  • Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment: tools and machines that are essential for the production of advanced semiconductor devices.
  • Gate All-Around Field-Effect Transistor (GAAFET) Technology: technology that produces or develops high-performance computing chips that can be used in supercomputers.
  • Additive Manufacturing Items: Equipment, components and related technology and software designed to produce metal or metal alloy components.

The interim rule added new ECCNs to the CCL, revised existing ECCNs, and included a new license exception called “Implemented Export Controls (IEC)” that authorizes exports and reexports to and by countries that have implemented an export control regime equivalent to the U.S. system (15 CFR § 740.24).  BIS explains that the IEC exemption will be applicable to “900 series” items, which are ECCNs “for which the third digit is a 9 and the fourth digit is a number from 0 to 7 ( e.g., 3A901).”

Adds the following 18 ECCNs: 2B910, 2D910, 2E903, 2E910, 3A901, 3A904, 3B903, 3B904, 3C907, 3C908, 3C909, 3D901, 3D907, 3E901, 3E905, 4A906, 4D906, and 4E906.

Revises the following 9 ECCNs: 2E003, 3A001, 3B001, 3C001, 3D001, 3D002, 3E001, 4D001, and 4E001.

BIS also added “General Order No. 6 to implement three authorizations in paragraph (f) of supplement no. 1 to part 736 of the EAR,” which principally addressed certain quantum information science and technology (“QIST”) grandfathered development and production activity, deemed export / reexports prior to the rule’s promulgation, and recordkeeping requirements related thereto.

Certain license exceptions for “900 series” ECCNs have also become more restricted.  The update was made to 15 CFR § 740.2.

BIS has also added 15 CFR § 742.4(a) that will apply a worldwide licensing requirement “when an ECCN references § 742.4(a)(5) in a National Security license requirement paragraph in the license requirement table of the ECCN,” and establishes BIS presumption of review for certain Country Groups.  Country Group A:1 of supplement no. 1 to part 740 of the EAR will receive a presumption of approval for export and reexport.  Country Group D:1 or D:5 countries will have a presumption of denial.  A case-by-case review will apply to all other Country Groups.  A similar worldwide license requirement for Regional Stability reasons has also been implemented “when an ECCN references § 742.6(a)(10) in an RS license requirement in the license requirement table of the ECCN.”

Finally, 15 CFR Part 772.1 was also expanded to include the new definition.  “GDSII” or “Graphic Design System II.”  GDSII is a database file format for data exchange of integrated circuit artwork or integrated circuit layout artwork. This term is used in ECCNs in Category 3 of the CCL, e.g., ECCN 3D907.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/department-commerce-implements-controls-quantum-computing-and-other-advanced and

https://www.bis.gov/news-updates/search?close_filters=1&content_type=press_release&sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC

*******

 Commerce Proposed Reporting Requirements for Frontier AI Developers and Compute Providers

September 9, 2024: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking outlining a new mandatory reporting requirement for the world’s leading AI developers and cloud providers.

The proposed rule requires developers of the most powerful AI models and computing clusters to provide detailed reporting to the federal government. This includes reporting about developmental activities, cybersecurity measures, and outcomes from red-teaming efforts, which involve testing for dangerous capabilities like the ability to assist in cyberattacks or lower the barriers to entry for non-experts to develop chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons.

This proposed regulatory action follows a pilot survey conducted by BIS earlier this year. The information collected through the proposed reporting requirement will be vital for ensuring these technologies meet stringent standards for safety and reliability, can withstand cyberattacks, and have limited risk of misuse by foreign adversaries or non-state actors, all of which are imperative for maintaining national defense and furthering America’s technological leadership. With this proposed rule, the United States continues to foster innovation while safeguarding against potential abuses that could undermine global security and stability.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-proposes-reporting-requirements-frontier-ai-developers-and-compute-providers

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 Commerce Implemented Regulatory Changes to Voluntary Self-Disclosure Process and Penalty Guidelines

September 16, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 75477: The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule making changes to the provisions in the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) related to BIS’s policies and practices regarding voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) and to the Guidance on Charging and Penalty Determinations in Settlement of Administrative Enforcement Cases (BIS Penalty Guidelines).

This rule provides BIS with increased flexibility to determine fair and appropriate penalty amounts while also making it less burdensome for companies to submit certain VSDs. The rule revises the BIS Penalty Guidelines to change how the Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) calculates the base penalty in administrative cases and how OEE applies various factors to the base penalty to determine the final penalty.

As part of these efforts, BIS is also announcing the appointment of Raj Parekh as its first-ever Chief of Corporate Enforcement. He will serve as the primary interface between BIS’s special agents, the Department of Commerce’s Office of Chief Counsel for Industry and Security, and the Department of Justice to advance significant corporate investigations. This is the first time BIS has appointed a Chief of Corporate Enforcement, further reflecting BIS’s commitment to this effort.

Here are some highlights related to the update:

  • Deliberate decisions “not to disclose a significant apparent violation” will now be considered an aggravating factor for administrative penalties.  Revision to 15 CR § 764.5(a).  Minor or technical violations were subsequently explained to be violations without aggravating factors.  Additionally, the changes allow for bundling of minor and technical violations into quarterly report.  OEE’s goal is to resolve minor or technical violations within 60 days.
  • A dual track VSD process was developed to help bifurcate relatively minor and technical violations (15 CR § 764.5(c)) from more significant violations (15 CR § 764.5(d)).
  • Former 15 CR § 764.5(d) was moved to 15 CR § 764.5(e) and updated to reflect the new dual VSD reporting program.
  • Former 15 CR § 764.5(f) was moved to 15 CR § 764.5(g) and updated to permit requests from any person (not just the VAS submitter) for continuation of activity that would otherwise be prohibited by 15 CFR § 764.2(e).  Additionally, BIS added that a notification would only be required for the return of unlawfully exported commodities to the United States.  Changes to this section also included additional information on VSD formatting and request processes.
  • BIS removed a base monetary cap on penalties that did not fit with BIS’ mission of deterrence.
  • BIS removed the application of monetary expenditures made for compliance program enhancements from being applied to monetary penalties as a result of enforcement actions.
  • BIS has also included additional aggravating factor considerations such as violations that enabled human rights abuses, failure to disclose a significant violation, failure to disclose a violation resulting from the operation of the company’s compliance program, broadened considerations related to historical violations, “language that limited BIS’s review of prior history to five years preceding the date of the transaction giving rise to the apparent violation,” and prior criminal convictions or guilty pleas.
  • Whether a violation is considered egregious has been clarified to refer to a determination by the OEE Director only.
  • “The “Base Penalty Matrix” under paragraph (IV)(B)(2)(a) and paragraph (IV)(B)(2)(b) are edited as follows: paragraph (IV)(B)(2)(a)(i) provides that in non-egregious VSD cases, the base penalty amount is no longer capped at a maximum of $125,000, but is instead capped at one-half of the transaction value. Paragraph (IV)(B)(2)(a)(ii) provides that, in a non-egregious case not initiated by a VSD, the base penalty amount is no longer based on the applicable schedule amount or capped at $250,000, but is instead capped at the full transaction value. Finally, refences to specific adjustable penalty factor values has been removed.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-implements-regulatory-changes-voluntary-self-disclosure-process-and-penalty

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 ‘Export Enforcement Five’ Governments Reaffirm Commitment to Robust Export Control Enforcement to Counter Evasion

September 18, 2024: The governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (collectively, the “Export Enforcement Five” or “E5”) marked the completion of their second annual E5 conference in Washington, D.C. by reaffirming their commitment to robust enforcement of export controls on Russia.

The renewed pledge includes the group’s coordinated efforts to prevent the diversion of sensitive technologies and materials that support Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Specifically, the E5 committed to enhancing enforcement-related information sharing and capacity building, increasing outreach and guidance to industry to prevent diversion, and expanding joint investigative efforts to impose penalties that deter and redress violations of our coordinated export controls on Russia.

Since June 2023, BIS and its law enforcement counterparts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK have collaborated closely to partner with industry to harden supply chains of the items – especially common high priority list items – that Russia needs to sustain its unlawful invasion, identify entities that have violated our coordinated export controls, and share investigative information to take coordinated enforcement actions.

In September 2023, the E5 issued the first-of-its-kind Quint Seal Guidance on countering Russian evasion of export controls. Furthermore, the E5 coordinated activities that resulted in detentions, seizures, and investigations that prevented violators from illicitly acquiring items to support the Russian war machine, as well as formed the foundation for an enduring framework for enforcement of export controls more broadly.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/export-enforcement-five-governments-reaffirm-commitment-robust-export-control

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 Commerce Announced Proposed Rule to Secure Connected Vehicle Supply Chains from Foreign Adversary Threats

September 23, 2024: the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would prohibit the sale or import of connected vehicles integrating specific pieces of hardware and software, or those components sold separately, with a sufficient nexus to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or Russia.

The proposed rule focuses on hardware and software integrated into the Vehicle Connectivity System (VCS) and software integrated into the Automated Driving System (ADS). These are the critical systems that, through specific hardware and software, allow for external connectivity and autonomous driving capabilities in connected vehicles. Malicious access to these systems could allow adversaries to access and collect our most sensitive data and remotely manipulate cars on American roads. The proposed rule would apply to all wheeled on-road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses, but would exclude vehicles not used on public roads like agricultural or mining vehicles.

BIS and its Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS) have found that certain technologies originating from the PRC or Russia present an undue risk to both U.S. critical infrastructure and those who use connected vehicles. This action is a proactive measure designed to protect our national security and the safety of U.S. drivers.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-announces-proposed-rule-secure-connected-vehicle-supply-chains-foreign and

https://www.bis.gov/news-updates/search?close_filters=1&content_type=press_release&sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC

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G7 Announced Industry Guidance on Preventing Evasion of Export Controls and Sanctions Imposed on Russia

September 24, 2024:  The United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union (the G7) published, for the first time ever, joint guidance for industry on preventing evasion of the export controls and sanctions imposed on Russia.

The joint guidance outlines the following priority areas:

  • Items that pose a heightened risk of being diverted to Russia;
  • Red flag indicators of potential export control and/or sanctions evasion; and
  • Best practices for industry to use to address these red flags and conduct enhanced due diligence.

Representatives from the G7 Sub-Working Group on Export Control Enforcement met in Brussels, Belgium to announce the release of the guidance document and reaffirm their ongoing commitment to robust, multilateral export control and sanctions enforcement. By issuing this notice, the G7 Sub-Working Group aims to assist industry in identifying evolving Russian evasion practices and complying with multilateral export controls and sanctions. The goal of the guidance is to protect common high priority list items from misappropriation, prevent reputational harm, and mitigate liability risk, all while supporting the continued success of coordinated export controls and sanctions.

Since February 24, 2022, the G7, in coordination with the other members of the Global Export Control Coalition (GECC) (countries listed in supplement no. 3 to part 746 of the Export Administration Regulations), has implemented unprecedented sanctions and export controls that restrict Russia’s access to technologies and other materials required to sustain its military operations and illegal war in Ukraine. One year ago, in September 2023, the G7’s Enforcement Coordination Mechanism established the Sub-Working Group on Export Control Enforcement to provide a forum for exchanging information and operational results, discussing trends in research and analysis, and sharing best practices for enforcement, including through coordinated guidance to industry.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/g7-announces-industry-guidance-preventing-evasion-export-controls-and-sanctions and

https://www.bis.gov/news-updates/search?close_filters=1&content_type=press_release&sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC

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Export Administration Regulations: Crime Controls and Expansion/Update of U.S. Persons Controls; Extension of Comment Period

September 26, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 78836: On July 29, 2024, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule, “Export Administration Regulations: Crime Controls and Expansion/Update of U.S. Persons Controls” with comments originally due September 27, 2024. This notification extends the deadline for written comments to October 15, 2024. This extension is being made to allow for commenters to have additional time to review the proposed rule and to benefit from the significant amount of public outreach that BIS is conducting on the rule in preparing their comments. Extending the public comment period will not in any way undermine the rule or national security of the United States.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/26/2024-22145/export-administration-regulations-crime-controls-and-expansionupdate-of-us-persons-controls

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Proposed Amendments to End-Use and End-User Based Export Controls, Including U.S. Persons Activities Controls: Military and Intelligence End Uses and End Users; Extension of Comment Period

September 26, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 78835: On July 29, 2024, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published in the Federal Register the proposed rule, “Proposed Amendments to End-Use and End-User Based Export Controls, Including U.S. Persons Activities Controls: Military and Intelligence End Uses and End Users” with comments originally due September 27, 2024. This notification extends the deadline for written comments to October 15, 2024. This extension is being made to allow for commenters to have additional time to review the proposed rule and to be informed by the public outreach that BIS is conducting on the rule in preparing their comments. Extending the public comment period will not in any way undermine the rule or national security of the United States.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/26/2024-22146/proposed-amendments-to-end-use-and-end-user-based-export-controls-including-us-persons-activities

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Commerce Updates Validated End User (VEU) Program for Eligible Data Centers to Bolster U.S. National Security, Promote Export Control Compliance

September 30, 2024:  The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced the expansion of the Validated End User (VEU) program to include data centers.  This update will contribute to the development of a trusted ecosystem for the responsible use of advanced computing and artificial intelligence (AI). This new license exception is an element of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader strategy to ensure the United States leads the way in responsible AI innovation and development.

This update to the VEU program was designed to protect national security by ensuring high standards for physical and cybersecurity at data centers that house advanced AI systems. It will also reduce licensing burdens on industry by allowing data centers to fulfill the stringent requirements of the VEU program up front, enabling U.S. exporters to ship designated items to pre-approved entities under a general authorization, instead of under multiple individual export licenses.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-updates-validated-end-user-veu-program-eligible-data-centers-bolster-us

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U.S. Census Bureau

New Automated Export System (AES) Fatal Error Message

September 13, 2024: To ensure compliance with the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), specifically ensuring the Ultimate Consignee Country is not reported as US when the Ultimate Country of Destination is neither US or Puerto Rico, the Census Bureau is deploying a new Fatal Error Response Message in the AES. The response message will be active in the Certification testing environment on September 16, 2024 and will go into the Production environment on September 30, 2024.

Response Code: 25B

Narrative Text: ULT CONS COUNTRY CANNOT BE US

Severity: FATAL

Reason: The Ultimate Consignee Country cannot be reported as US when the Ultimate Country of Destination is neither US or PR.

Resolution: The Ultimate Consignee Country should be reported as the location where the person, party or designee is located abroad. The AES only allows US as the Ultimate Consignee Country when the Ultimate Country of Destination is the US or PR, which would only apply for shipments between the US and PR. Verify the Ultimate Consignee Country, correct and retransmit.

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 Tips on How to Resolve AES Response Messages

 September 18, 2024: When a shipment is filed to the AES, a system response message is generated and indicates whether the shipment has been accepted or rejected.  If the shipment is accepted, the AES filer receives an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) as confirmation.  Though the shipment is accepted, the filer may still receive a Verify Message, Compliance Alert, Informational Message or Warning Message along with their ITN.  However, if the shipment is rejected, a Fatal Error notification is received and must be corrected to receive a valid ITN.

To help you take the appropriate action for the different AES Response Messages, here are some tips on how to address the most frequent messages that were generated in AES for this month.

Response Code: 166

Narrative:     Transportation Reference Number Missing

Severity:       Fatal

Reason:        The Mode of Transportation is reported as Vessel and the Transportation Reference Number is missing.

Resolution:  A number referencing the transportation booking number must be reported on a vessel shipment.

Verify the Transportation Reference Number, correct the shipment and resubmit.
Response Code:  8QR

Narrative:     Quantity Relationship Out of Range

Severity:       Verify

Reason:        For the reported Schedule B/HTS Number, both Quantity (1) and Quantity (2) are required and reported.  However, the relationship between Quantity (1) and Quantity (2) is outside of the expected range.

Resolution:  For the particular Schedule B/HTS Number reported, there is a relationship between the first quantity and second quantity based on historical statistical averages for that commodity.  Ratios outside this pre-determined parameter might indicate either a keying error or misclassification of the product.

Verify the Quantity 1, Quantity 2 and Schedule B/HTS Number, correct the shipment and resubmit (if necessary).  If the line item is verified correct as reported, no action is necessary.

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LATEST SANCTIONS FINES & PENALTIES

This section of our newsletter provides information on the latest sanctions, fines and penalties for export violations or matters of non-compliance with the ITAR or EAR issued by the US government enforcement agencies. It is provided as a service to exporters and associates of FD Associates to remind them of the importance of extreme due diligence in all international trade and export compliance matters, particularly those involving exports subject to the ITAR or the EAR. Don't let this happen to you or your company! Call us with questions or concerns at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net.
 

Fines and Penalties

 

September 2, 2024:  The Justice Department announced the seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft owned and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros and persons affiliated with him in Venezuela. The aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic and transferred to the Southern District of Florida at the request of the United States based on violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. The Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft was illegally exported from the United Sates and used for the benefit of Maduro and his representatives.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/united-states-seizes-aircraft-used-nicolas-maduro-moros-violation-us-export-control-and

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September 16, 2024: The Justice Department announced criminal charges in five cases from four U.S. Attorney’s offices in connection with the multi-agency Disruptive Technology Strike Force (Strike Force).

The Strike Force is co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce to counter efforts by hostile nation states to illicitly acquire sensitive U.S. technology to advance their authoritarian regimes and facilitate human rights abuses. Launched in February 2023, the Strike Force’s work has led to the unsealing of charges against 34 defendants in 24 cases involving alleged export control violations, smuggling, theft of trade secrets, and other charges by actors connected to Russia, China, and Iran.

The cases announced took place over the course of multiple weeks, culminating in the arrest of a Russian national allegedly seeking to illegally export electronics for use in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to Russia. The other cases also cover spearfishing of U.S-based scientists by an employee of a state-owned Chinese defense company and the smuggling of laser welding machines used in nuclear munition production to Russia.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-five-cases-tied-disruptive-technology-strike-force

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 September 30, 2024:  The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) imposed a civil penalty of $151,875 against Quantum Corporation (Quantum), a data storage, management, and protection company based in San Jose, California, to resolve 45 alleged violations of the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Quantum voluntarily self-disclosed the conduct to BIS, cooperated with the investigation by BIS’s Office of Antiboycott Compliance (OAC), and implemented remedial measures after discovering the conduct at issue, all of which resulted in a significant reduction in penalty.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-imposes-penalty-quantum-corporation-resolve-alleged-violations-antiboycott and https://www.bis.gov/news-updates/search?close_filters=1&content_type=press_release&sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC

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September 30, 2024: The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced an administrative settlement of $439,992 (partially suspended) against First Call International Inc. (First Call), located in Fort Worth, Texas, for the submission of a backdated document to make it appear that a transaction complied with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and for exporting military parts without BIS authorization.

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-imposes-administrative-penalties-against-first-call-international-inc-submission

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Sanctions

Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 September 4, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 10 individuals and two entities as part of a coordinated U.S. government response to Moscow’s malign influence efforts targeting the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Russian state-sponsored actors have long used a variety of tools, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) deep fakes and disinformation, in an attempt to undermine confidence in the United States’ election processes and institutions. Beginning in early 2024, executives at RT—Russia’s state-funded news media outlet—began an even more nefarious effort to covertly recruit unwitting American influencers in support of their malign influence campaign. RT used a front company to disguise its own involvement or the involvement of the Russian government in content meant to influence U.S. audiences.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Russia-related General License 25E - "Authorizing Transactions Related to Telecommunications and Certain Internet-Based Communications."

Russia Related General License 25E:

(a) All transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the receipt or transmission of telecommunications involving the Russian Federation that are prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), are authorized.

(b) The exportation or reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, to the Russian Federation of services incident to the exchange of communications over the internet, such as instant messaging, chat and email, social networking, sharing of photos and movies, web browsing, blogging, social media platforms, collaboration platforms, video conferencing, e-gaming, e-learning platforms, automated translation, web maps, user authentication services, web hosting, and domain name registration services, that is prohibited by the RuHSR, is authorized.

(c) The exportation or reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, to the Russian Federation of software, hardware, or technology incident to the exchange of communications over the internet is authorized, provided that:

  • If the software, hardware, or technology is subject to the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730 through 774 (EAR), the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply to the Russian Federation of such software, hardware, or technology is licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce pursuant to the EAR; and
  • (ii) If the software, hardware, or technology is not subject to the EAR, the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply to the Russian Federation of such software, hardware, or technology would be eligible for a license exception or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce if it were subject to the EAR.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Afanasyeva, Elena Mikhaylovna of Russia;
  • Anisimov, Anton Sergeevich of Russia;
  • Brodskaia, Elizaveta Yuryevna of Russia;
  • Garaschenko, Aleksey Alekseyevich of Russia;
  • Kalashnikov, Konstantin Sergeyevich of Russia;
  • Kiyashako, Andrey Vladimirovich of Russia;
  • Nezhentsev, Aleksandr Vitalyevich of Russia;
  • Simonyan, Margarita Simonovna of Russia;
  • Tabak, Valdimir Grigoryevich of Russia; and
  • Yermoshkina, Anastasiya Igorevna of Russia.

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Autonomous Non-Profit Organization Dialog of Russia; and
  • Autonomous Non-Profit Organization Dialog Regions of Russia.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2559 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933141/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240904

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September 4, 2024: OFAC published an alert, "Russian Attempts to Evade Sanctions Using New Overseas Branches and Subsidiaries," to warn foreign jurisdictions and financial institutions about Russia’s attempts to evade sanctions by opening new overseas branches and subsidiaries of Russian financial institutions.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933146/download?inline

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September 5, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)  issued Russia-related General License 108, "Authorizing Limited Safety and Environmental Transactions Involving Certain Blocked Persons or Vessels."

General License 108:

All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to one of the following activities involving the blocked persons described in paragraph (b) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, November 6, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR):

(1) The safe docking and anchoring in port of any vessels in which any person listed in paragraph (b) of this general license has a property interest (the “blocked vessels”);

(2) The preservation of the health or safety of the crew of any of the blocked vessels; or

(3) Emergency repairs of any of the blocked vessels or environmental mitigation or protection activities relating to any of the blocked vessels.

(b) The authorization in paragraph (a) of this general license applies to the following blocked persons listed on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and any entity in which any of the following persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest:

(1) Gotik Shipping Co; or

(2) Plio Energy Cargo Shipping OPC Private Limited.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933151/download?inline

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September 10, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned nine Mexican nationals, and 26 Mexico-based entities linked to a fuel theft network that generates tens of millions of dollars benefiting the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), a violent Mexico-based drug trafficking organization responsible for a significant proportion of fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States. Mexico-based drug trafficking cartels such as CJNG have turned to fuel theft in recent years, resulting in billions of dollars in lost revenue to the Mexican government. This action was coordinated closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Government of Mexico, including La Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF), Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Alvarado, Castillo of Mexico;
  • Cazarin Molina, Cesar of Mexico;
  • Cazarin Molina, Ivan of Mexico;
  • Cazarin Ramos, Jahir of Mexico;
  • Estrada Medina, Santos Aldair of Mexico;
  • Herrera Medina, Brandon Ernesto of Mexico;
  • Medina Dias, Domingo of Mexico;
  • Rivera Garcia, Patricia of Mexico; and
  • Rodriguez Hernandez, Jose Saul of Mexico.

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List;

  • 3D Modern Printing Press of Mexico;
  • Aceites y Lubricantes Maye, S.A. DE C.V. of Mexico;
  • Aditivos Y Suministros Etanofuel, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Ahorrocombustibles De Veracruz, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Biocombustibles El Jicaro, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Carburantes Dos Oceanos, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Combustibles Evolutivos y Alternativos Dos Oceanos, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Combustibles y Lubricantes Maye, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Comercializadora Baguette KLIC, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Comercializadora Coffee KLIC, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Constructora JJESA S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Dos Oceanos Combustibles y Carburantes, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Dos Oceanos Paso Del Toro, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Econocombustibles de Veracruz, S.A. De C.V. of Mexico;
  • Etanoful, S.A. De C.V. of Mexico;
  • Etanoplus, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Magnocombustibles De Veracruz, S.A. DE C.V. of Mexico;
  • Maquinas Edja, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Maxi-Gasoil Servicios, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Mayegas, S.A. DE C.V., of Mexico;
  • Multiservicios En Combustible Maye De Veracruz, S.A. DE C.V. of Mexico;
  • Rapicombustibles De Veracrus, S.A. De C.V., of Mexico;
  • Suministros Combustibles Oceanos, S.A. DE C.V. of Mexico;
  • Super Tiendas KLIC, S.A. DE C.V. of Mexico;
  • Traver Permisionarios, S.A. DE C.V. of Mexico; and
  • Veracruzana De Servicios Hoteleros y Gastronomicos Los Angeles, S.A. DE C.V. of Mexico.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240910 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions

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September 11, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three individuals, five companies, and two vessels that are involved in smuggling oil and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to generate revenue for Hizballah. The network, comprised of Lebanese businessmen and companies and overseen by a senior leader of Hizballah’s finance team, has facilitated dozens of LPG shipments to the Government of Syria and channeled the profits to Hizballah. Illicit oil and LPG smuggling operations generate hundreds of millions of dollars for Hizballah and support the group’s terrorist activities.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Al-Sayid, Muhammad Ibrahim Habib of Lebanon;
  • Obeid, Boutros Georges of Lebanon; and
  • Zgheib, Ali Nayef of Lebanon.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • European Lebanese International Trade S.A.R.L. ELIT of Lebanon;
  • Heavy Industrial Fuels SAL HIF of Lebanon;
  • Heavy Oil Distribution Company Hodico S.A.L of Lebanon;
  • Heavy Oil Distribution Company Hodico SAL Offshore of Lebanon; and
  • H.G. Holding Sal of Lebanon.

The following vessels have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Alpha Gas (51M771) Tanzania flag; MMSI 677067100 (vessel) [SDGT]; and
  • Marina (51M643) Tanzania flag; MMSI 677054300 (vessel) [SDGT].

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240911 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions

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September 11, 2024: the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued an update to the March 2019 OFAC Advisory to the Maritime Petroleum Shipping Community to highlight risks associated with shipments to Syria. Amendments to this advisory include updates to certain deceptive shipping practices and risk mitigation measures, along with an updated annex of vessels currently identified as blocked property on OFAC’s SDN List, that have been involved in fuel shipments to Syria.

Additionally, OFAC put on public inspection Interim Final Rule to Extend Recordkeeping Requirements from Five to 10 Years, consistent with the extension of the statute of limitations for violations of certain sanctions administered by OFAC.

OFAC also put on public inspection a Comment Request for Reporting, Procedures and Penalties Regulations and Other Information Collections Maintained by OFAC for comments concerning OFAC's information requirements.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240911 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933191/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933201/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933196/download?inline

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September 12, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat (Ly), his conglomerate L.Y.P. Group Co., LTD (L.Y.P. Group), and O‑Smach Resort for their role in serious human rights abuse related to the treatment of trafficked workers subjected to forced labor in online scam centers. OFACalso designated Cambodia-based Garden City Hotel, Koh Kong Resort, and Phnom Penh Hotel for being owned or controlled by Ly.

The following individual has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Ly, Yong Phat of Cambodia.

The following entity has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Garden City Hotel of Cambodia;
  • Koh Kong Resort of Cambodia
  • Y.P Group Co., LTD of Cambodia;
  • O-SMACH Resort of Cambodia; and
  • Phnom Penh Hotel of Cambodia.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued Global Magnitsky General License 8 - "Authorizing Transactions Involving Certain Entities Owned by Ly Yong Phat or L.Y.P. Group Co., LTD." Additionally, OFAC has issued a related, new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ 1191).

General License 8:

All transactions prohibited by the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 583 (GMSR), involving any entity that is blocked solely due to a property interest of Ly Yong Phat (Ly) or L.Y.P. Group Co., LTD (L.Y.P. Group) or any entity in which Ly or L.Y.P. Group owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, are authorized, provided that such entity is not identified on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

FAQ 1191:

Q: On September 12, 2024, OFAC designated Ly Yong Phat (Ly), L.Y.P. Group Co., LTD (L.Y.P. Group), and the following entities owned by L.Y.P. Group under the Global Magnitsky sanctions authority: O-Smach Resort, Garden City Hotel, Koh Kong Resort, and Phnom Penh Hotel. Can I continue to engage in transactions or other dealings with other entities owned by Ly or L.Y.P. Group that are not listed on OFAC's Specially Designation Nationals and Blocked Person List (SDN List) without facing sanctions risk?

A: Yes. Although transactions or other dealings involving Ly and L.Y.P. Group are prohibited as a result of OFAC's designation, OFAC concurrently issued Global Magnitsky General License (GL) 8 authorizing U.S. persons to engage in all transactions with any entity owned 50% or more by Ly or the L.Y.P. Group that is not listed on SDN List.

Non-U.S. persons may engage in the transactions authorized by GL 8 without exposure to sanctions.

GL 8 does not authorize transactions with any entity listed on the SDN List, including the following entities that were designated on September 12, 2024: O-Smach Resort, Garden City Hotel, Koh Kong Resort, and Phnom Penh Hotel. OFAC will continue to closely monitor Ly's and L.Y.P. Group's activities and may designate or identify additional entities, as appropriate.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2576 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240912 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933216/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1191

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September 12, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 16 Maduro-aligned officials who obstructed a competitive and inclusive presidential election process in Venezuela and violated the civil and human rights of the people. The individuals sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, as amended, include leaders of the Maduro-aligned National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) who impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results, as well as the military, intelligence, and government officials responsible for intensifying repression through intimidation, indiscriminate detentions, and censorship. The officials were appointed by Nicolas Maduro, whom OFAC sanctioned in 2017.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Briceno Cisneros, Edward Miguel of Venezuela;
  • Brito Hernandez, Asdrubal Jose of Venezuela;
  • Bustamante Puerta, Dinorah Yoselin of Venezuela;
  • Duenez Reyes, Luis Ernesto of Venezuela;
  • Estrada Paredes, Elio Ramon of Venezuela;
  • Figueroa Arizaleta, Inocencio Antonio of Venezuela;
  • Gil Pacheco, Rosalba of Venezuela;
  • Gil Rodriguez, Malaquias of Venezuela;
  • Hernandez Larez, Domingo Antonio of Venezuela;
  • Hernandez Larez, Jonah Alexander of Venezuela;
  • Hildalgo Pandares, Juan Carlos of Venezuela;
  • Infante Aparicio, Pedro Jose of Venezuela;
  • Marquez Cordero, Fanny Beatriz of Venezuela;
  • Maneses Rodrigues, Antonio Jose of Venezuela;
  • Munos Palacios, Miguel Antonio of Venezuela; and
  • Rodriguez Rodriguez, Caryslia Beatriz of Venezuela.

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Beijin Research Institute of Automation for Machinery Industry Co. Ltd. of China.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2577 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240912

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September 13, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 109, "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Certain Entities Blocked on September 13, 2024" and Russia-related General License 25F, "Authorizing Transactions Related to Telecommunications and Certain Internet-Based Communications."

OFAC also published an updated, Russia-related Frequently Asked Question (FAQ 1040).

General License 109:

(a)  All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving one or more of the following blocked entities are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, November 13, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR):

(1) Federal State Unitary Enterprise International Information Agency Rossiya Segodnya;

(2) Autonomous Non Profit Organization TV Novosti; or

(3) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 General License 25F:

(a) All transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the receipt or transmission of telecommunications involving the Russian Federation that are prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), are authorized.

(b) The exportation or reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, to the Russian Federation of services incident to the exchange of communications over the internet, such as instant messaging, chat and email, social networking, sharing of photos and movies, web browsing, blogging, social media platforms, collaboration platforms, video conferencing, e-gaming, e-learning platforms, automated translation, web maps, user authentication services, web hosting, and domain name registration services, that is prohibited by the RuHSR, is authorized.

(c) The exportation or reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, to the Russian Federation of software, hardware, or technology incident to the exchange of communications over the internet is authorized, provided that:

(i) If the software, hardware, or technology is subject to the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730 through 774 (EAR), the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply to the Russian Federation of such software, hardware, or technology is licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce pursuant to the EAR; and

(ii) If the software, hardware, or technology is not subject to the EAR, the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply to the Russian Federation of such software, hardware, or technology would be eligible for a license exception or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce if it were subject to the EAR. (

 

FAQ 1040:

Q: Are transactions related to telecommunications and certain internet-based communications that involve persons designated pursuant to Executive Order 14024 authorized by Russia-related General License (GL) 25F?

A: GL 25F authorizes certain transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the receipt or transmission of telecommunications involving the Russian Federation that are prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR). In addition, GL 25F authorizes certain transactions from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, to the Russian Federation that are incident to the exchange of communications over the internet and that are prohibited by the RuHSR. With respect to software, hardware, and technology, GL 25F authorizes the exportation or reexportation, sale, or supply from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, to the Russian Federation of software, hardware, or technology incident to the exchange of communications over the internet that is authorized for export to Russia by the Department of Commerce if it is subject to the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR parts 730-774 (EAR), or that would be eligible for a license exception or otherwise authorized for export to Russia by the Department of Commerce if it were subject to the EAR. However, GL 25F explicitly excludes from the authorization any transactions that are prohibited by the RuHSR involving Joint Stock Company Channel One Russia, Television Station Russia-1, Joint Stock Company NTV Broadcasting Company, Limited Liability Company Algoritm, New Eastern Outlook, Oriental Review, Garantex Europe OU, Autonomous Non-Profit Organization Dialog, Autonomous Non-Profit Organization Dialog Regions, Federal State Unitary Enterprise International Information Agency Rossiya Segodnya, or Autonomous Non Profit Organization TV Novosti, which are designated pursuant to Executive Order 14024.

For further information on relevant authorizations, exemptions, and public guidance, please review OFAC’s Fact Sheet, "Preserving Agricultural Trade, Access to Communication, and Other Support to Those Impacted by Russia’s War Against Ukraine."

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240913 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933211/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933206/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1040

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September 16, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five individuals and one entity associated with the Intellexa Consortium for their role in developing, operating, and distributing commercial spyware technology that presents a significant threat to the national security of the United States. These designations complement concerted U.S. government actions against commercial spyware vendors, including previous sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the Intellexa Consortium; the Department of Commerce’s addition of commercial spyware vendors to the Entity List; and the Department of State’s visa ban policy targeting those who misuse or profit from the misuse of commercial spyware, subsequently exercised on thirteen individuals.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Artemiou, Artemis of Cyprus;
  • Bitzios, Felix of Greece;
  • Gambazzi, Andrea Nicola Costantino Hermes of Switzerland;
  • Harpaz, Merom of Romania; and
  • Karoli, Panagiota of Cyprus.

The following entity has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Aliada Group, Inc. of British Virgin Islands.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2581 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240916

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September 16, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned individuals who have undermined fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, in Georgia.  Specifically, the Department of the Treasury sanctioned two Georgian government officials associated with brutal crackdowns on peaceful protestors and political opponents, and two private Georgian citizens that are responsible for or complicit in or have directly or indirectly engaged in violently suppressing the exercise of the freedom of peaceful assembly of Georgians engaged in the democratic process and peaceful expression. All four individuals are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse around the world.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Lagazuri, Mileri of Georgia;
  • Makharadze, Zurab of Georgia; and
  • Morgoshia, Konstantine of Georgia.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2580 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240916

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September 18, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 12 individuals in connection with the Iranian regime’s ongoing, violent repression of the Iranian people, both within Iran’s borders and abroad. These designations target members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), officials of Iran’s Prisons Organization, and those responsible for lethal operations overseas. This action is in coordination with Canada and Australia, which have also unveiled new sanctions against those connected to human rights abuses in Iran.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Abdi, Ali of Iran;
  • Azadeh, Ahmad Reza of Iran;
  • Baghlani, Mahmud of Iran;
  • Bazvand, Mustafa of Iran;
  • Beheshti Rad, Saeed of Iran;
  • Farsani, Alireza Babaei of Iran;
  • Ghaffarhaddadi, Javad of Iran;
  • Khorramdel, Hamid of Iran;
  • Panjaki, Yahya Hosseini of Iran;
  • Roshan, Gholamerza of Iran;
  • Shahkoui, Ali Malek of Iran; and
  • Zareikajosangi, Hamid of Iran.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240918 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2587

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September 24, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five Colombian nationals and two Mexico-based businesses pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade.”  The Colombian individuals sanctioned are leaders within Colombia’s Clan del Golfo (CDG)—also known as Los Urabeños—which is one of the country’s largest drug trafficking organizations and a key contributor to human smuggling through the Darién Gap. The companies sanctioned are in Mexico and owned by designated Sinaloa Cartel fentanyl traffickers. One of the most notorious and pervasive drug trafficking organizations in the world, the Sinaloa Cartel is responsible for a significant portion of the illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Alcaraz Morales, Wilder de Jesus of Colombia;
  • Celis Durango, Alexander of Colombia;
  • Cordoba Quinto, Jose Emilson of Colombia;
  • Demoya Hernandez, Jose Miguel of Colombia; and
  • Sanchez Sanchez, Jose Gonzalo of Colombia.

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Farmacia y Mini Super Trinidad of Mexico; and
  • Nieves y Paletas Evi of Mexico.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing three new, Russia-related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FAQ 1193, FAQ 1194, and FAQ 1195.

 

FAQ 1193:

Q: I am a U.S. company with a subsidiary organized and located in Russia. Can I provide the employees or contractors of my Russian subsidiary who are located in Russia with the services prohibited by the Information Technology (IT) and Software Services Determination under the exclusion "(1) any service to an entity located in the Russian Federation that is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a U.S. person?

A: Yes, as long as the services provided are within the employees’ or contractors’ scope of employment for or on behalf of the U.S. subsidiary company located in Russia.

 

FAQ 1194:

 Q: I am a U.S. company with a subsidiary located in a third country (other than Russia). My third-country subsidiary has an employee or contractor located in Russia. Can I provide that employee or contractor located in Russia with the services prohibited by the Information Technology (IT) and Software Services Determination under the exclusion "(1) any service to an entity located in the Russian Federation that is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a U.S. person"?

A: No. The scope of the exclusion applies only to U.S.-owned or controlled entities located in Russia and their employees and contractors acting within the scope of their employment. See FAQ 1193. A U.S. person may not provide a service prohibited by the IT and Software Services Determination to a person located in Russia who is working as an employee or contractor on behalf of a third-country company. OFAC may issue specific licenses on a case-by-case basis.

 

FAQ 1195:

 Q:  A U.S. company located in the United States has an employee or contractor located in Russia working directly for the U.S. company. Can the U.S. company provide that employee or contractor located in Russia with the services prohibited by the Information Technology (IT) and Software Services Determination under the exclusion "(1) any service to an entity located in the Russian Federation that is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a U.S. person"?

A: No. The scope of the exclusion applies only to U.S.-owned or controlled entities located in Russia, and their employees and contractors acting within the scope of their employment. See FAQ 1193. A U.S. person may not provide a service prohibited by the IT and Software Services Determination to a person located in Russia who is working directly for a company located in the United States. OFAC may issue specific licenses on a case-by-case basis. To apply for a specific license.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240924 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2605 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1193 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1194 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1195

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September 25, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned a former member of Haiti’s parliament, Prophane Victor, for his role in forming, supporting, and arming gangs and their members that have committed serious human rights abuse in Haiti. OFAC also designated Luckson Elan, the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, for his involvement in serious human rights abuse related to gang activity in Haiti’s Artibonite department.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Elan, Luckson of Haiti; and
  • Victor, Prophane of Haiti.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240925 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions

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September 25, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned more than a dozen entities and vessels for their involvement in the shipment of Iranian crude oil and liquid petroleum gas to Syria and East Asia on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah. Among the vessels sanctioned are four ships associated with the fleet of illicit shipping Syrian magnate Abdul Jalil Mallah (Abdul Jalil) and his brother Luay al-Mallah. Since Abdul Jalil’s June 10, 2021 designation for his support to the network of IRGC-QF-backed Houthi financial official Sa’id al-Jamal, Luay al-Mallah has continued to use their shipping empire to support Iran’s malign activities and those of its proxies. Luay al-Mallah is also being designated in this action.

The following individual has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Al-Mallah, Luay of Syria.

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Dragon Road Ltd of the Marshall Islands;
  • Oryx Denizcilik Limited Sirketi of Turkey;
  • Star Ocean Shipmanage Ltd of the Marshall Islands; and
  • Tai Feng Hai Shipping Limited of China.

The following vessels have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Confidence P (3FGV5) Crude/Oil Products Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 357747000 (vessel);
  • Eternal 8 (3E3694) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352001640 (vessel);
  • Eternal Peace (3E3831) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352002158 (vessel);
  • Eternal Success (3E4722) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352002970 (vessel);
  • Feng Tai (3E4959) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 352002635 (vessel);
  • Nova  (S9U17) Crude/Oil Products Tanker Sao Tome and Principe flag; MMSI 668116245 (vessel);
  • Rival 3FZA2) Chemical/Products Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 3708590000 (vessel);
  • Serene I (3EFX8) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; MMSI 374483000 (vessel); and
  • Tiyara (EPUN7) Crude Oil Tanker; MMSI 422471300 (vessel).

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2613

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240925

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September 27, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated seven individuals as part of a coordinated U.S. government response to Iran’s operations that sought to influence or interfere in the 2024 and 2020 presidential elections. Iranian state-sponsored actors undertook a variety of malicious cyber activities, such as hack-and-leak operations and spear-phishing, in an attempt to undermine confidence in the United States’ election processes and institutions and to interfere with political campaigns. The designations undertaken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13848, complement law enforcement actions taken by the Department of Justice against a variety of Iranian election interference actors.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Abdolarahimi, Mohammad Hosein of Iran;
  • Askarizadeh, Rahmatollah of Iran;
  • Jalili, Masoud of Iran;
  • Mahdavia, Ali of Iran;
  • Rahimi Hajjiabadi, Sayyed Mehdi of Iran;
  • Sadeghi, Fatemah of Iran; and
  • Yazdi, Elaheh of Iran.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240927 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2621

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September 30, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 13K, "Authorizing Certain Administrative Transactions Prohibited by Directive 4 under Executive Order 14024."

General License 13K:

U.S. persons, or entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a U.S. person, are authorized to pay taxes, fees, or import duties, and purchase or receive permits, licenses, registrations, certifications, or tax refunds to the extent such transactions are prohibited by Directive 4 under Executive Order 14024, Prohibitions Related to Transactions Involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, provided such transactions are ordinarily incident and necessary to the day-to-day operations in the Russian Federation of such U.S. persons or entities, through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, January 8, 2025.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933451/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240930

SEPTEMBER 2024 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATIONS UPDATES Read More »

AUGUST 2024 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATIONS UPDATES

This newsletter is a listing of the latest changes in export control regulations through August 31, 2024.  The newsletter is provided as a complimentary service to assist exporters with their ITAR and EAR export compliance responsibilities. It provides a summary of recent changes to export control regulations or other regulatory matters of interest that  States Government may impact your company’s international trade and export compliance functions.

Call us at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net with questions or comments.

  

REGULATORY UPDATES

President

 

President Biden Continued the National Emergency With Respect to the Advancement by Countries of Concern in Sensitive Technologies and Products Critical for the Military, Intelligence, Surveillance, or Cyber-Enabled Capabilities of Such Countries

 

August 6, 2024:  On August 9, 2023, by Executive Order 14105, President Biden declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security of the United States constituted by the advancement by countries of concern in sensitive technologies and products critical for the military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber­enabled capabilities of such countries.  As described in Executive Order 14105, this threat to the national security of the United States has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, and certain United States investments risk exacerbating this threat.

 

Certain ongoing activities, such as the comprehensive, long-term strategies of countries of concern that direct, facilitate, or otherwise support advancements in sensitive technologies and products that are critical to such countries’ military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber-enabled capabilities, significantly enhance such countries’ ability to conduct activities that threaten the national security of the United States.  As part of this ongoing strategy of advancing the development of these sensitive technologies and products, countries of concern are exploiting or have the ability to exploit certain United States outbound investments, including certain intangible benefits that often accompany United States investments and that help companies succeed.  Such investments risk exacerbating this threat to United States national security.

 

For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14105 of August 9, 2023, must continue in effect beyond August 9, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14105 with respect to the threat posed by the advancement by countries of concern in sensitive technologies and products critical for the military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber­enabled capabilities of such countries.

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/08/06/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-advancement-by-countries-of-concern-in-sensitive-technologies-and-products-critical-for-the-military-intelligence-surveillanc/ and

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/

 

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Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

 

DDTC Website Updates

 

August 1, 2024: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) launched the next phase of its redesigned website on Wednesday, July 31st. This second phase of updates includes key Registration and Licensing pages and features a number of significant enhancements including improved navigation, searchability, and accessibility. Check out the new look!

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events&timeframe=all&t=Notice

 

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Final Rule: Amendments to the Definition of Activities That are not Exports, Reexports, Retransfers, or Temporary Imports – the "Sovereign Deployments Rule"

 

August 14, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 66310: On August 15, 2024, the Department of State published a final rule in the Federal Register  amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) section 120.54 to expand the definition of “activities that are not exports, reexports, retransfers, or temporary imports,” subject to certain conditions, to include:  1) the taking of a defense article subject to the reexport or retransfer requirements of the ITAR by the armed forces of a foreign government or United Nations military personnel on a deployment or training exercise outside a previously approved country; and 2) the reexport of retransfer of a foreign defense article previously imported into the United States that has since been exported from the United States pursuant to an ITAR license or other approval, that was not the subject of any enhancement or modification while in the United States.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/15/2024-18249/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-amendments-to-the-definition-of-activities-that-are-not and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events&cat=Report

 

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International Traffic in Arms Regulations: § 126.7 Exemption for Defense Trade and Cooperation Among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States

 

August 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 67270: The Department of State published an interim final rule in the Federal Register that took effect on September 1, 2024.  This rule amends the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to create an exemption for certain exports, reexports, retransfers, and temporary imports of defense articles and defense services, and certain brokering activities between or among authorized users within Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

The exemption is available for all defense articles and defense services, except for those contained on the excluded technology list in Supplement No. 2 to part 126 of the ITAR.  The rule also introduces a provision to allow for certain transfers of classified defense articles to certain dual nationals, codifies an expedited license review process for Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, and makes changes to other ITAR sections to support the exemption.

 

The basic elements of the exemption are:

 

1. The U.S. exporter must be an authorized user i.e. registered with the Department of State.

To prove eligibility in transactions where you will be receiving Australian or UK technical data or hardware, you will need to show your DOS registration to the foreign authorized party or use the DOS OPT IN process to allow for the DOS to validate your company as an authorized user.

2. The foreign party in Australia or the U.K. must be an authorized user, posted on the DDTC website in the DECCS portal.

3. All the foreign parties in the transaction are in Australia or the U.K. are authorized users posted in the DDTC website DECCS portal.

4. For Hardware transfers, all the freight forwarders will need to be authorized users. The U.S. freight forwarders will need to be registered with DDTC, the foreign freight forwarders will need to follow the same process as the authorized users/ contractors.

5. The defense article, technical data or defense service cannot be excluded. The excluded list is Found at Supplement No #2 to Part 126.

6. The use of the defense article, technical data, or defense services must be wholly with Australia or the U.K.

 

As of September 3, 2024 75 authorized users were listed in the DECCS portal.

 

See our FAQ section for 10 FAQs on the 126.7 exemption.

 

Starting August 20, 2024, interested parties may submit comments to the Department over the following 90 days by using one of the methods described in the rule.

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=720a340b97889a5067b1791ad053af20 and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events&cat=Event

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Department of State and Department of Treasury Designations in Support of Ukraine

 

August 23, 2024: Building on the sanctions already imposed on Russia in response to its continued war of aggression against Ukraine, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of State targeted nearly 400 individuals and entities both in Russia and outside its borders—including in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—whose products and services enable Russia to sustain its war effort and evade sanctions. The United States government will continue to support Ukraine as it defends its independence and hold Russia accountable for its aggression.

 

Please see link below for full list of sanctioned individuals.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2546 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240823

 

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Violations of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations by RTX Corporation

 

August 29, 2024: RTX Corporation (“RTX”) entered into a three year Consent Agreement to settle allegations that it violated the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in connection with 750 export violations involving unauthorized exports of defense articles  resulting from the failure to establish proper jurisdiction and classification; unauthorized exports of defense articles, including classified defense articles; unauthorized exports of defense articles (laptops) by employees via hand-carry to proscribed destinations listed in 22 C.F.R. 126.1; and  violations of terms, conditions, and provisos of DDTC authorizations by its subsidiaries, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon. All of the violations were Voluntarily Disclosed to the Department of State by RTX over a number of years pursuant to 113 Voluntary Disclosures, most related to the acquisition of Rockwell Collins, by UTC, a company Raytheon merged with in 2020. RTX agreed to pay a fine of two hundred million dollars ($200,00,000) of which one hundred million dollars ($100,00,000) will be used by RTX for remedial compliance measures.

 

550 of the 750 violations were a result of misclassification of defense articles as EAR regulated. The misclassification resulted in exports to China, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Mexico Iran, Lebanon, Russia, Australia, Belgium, The Netherlands, The Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the U.K. Several of the exports were deemed to have caused harm to the national security of the United States, as the exports involved the release of sensitive technical data to sanctioned destinations related to major US programs.

 

Violations:

 

RTX disclosed the following violations to the Department:

 

Unauthorized Exports, Reexports, Retransfers, and Temporary Imports Resulting from the Failure to Establish Proper Jurisdiction and Classification

 

Since 2020, RTX has submitted 27 voluntary disclosures to the Department demonstrating systemic failures to establish proper jurisdiction and classification of defense articles within certain operating divisions.

 

Unauthorized Exports to the PRC Resulting from Misclassification

 

RTX disclosed that it exported without authorization technical data to the PRC on numerous occasions between 2014 and 2023 predominantly because of a historical misinterpretation by Rockwell Collins of the ITAR’s “specially designed” definition and release criteria in 22 C.F.R. 120.41.

In two disclosures that RTX initially submitted to the Department in 2021 and 2022, it disclosed unauthorized exports that occurred at RTX’s facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the form of unauthorized releases of USML Category VIII(i) technical data related to the Boeing E-3 Sentry Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft and the Embraer KC-390 Millenium Medium Weight Transport Plane to Chinese foreign-person employees (FPE).

In a subsequent disclosure submitted to the Department in 2023, RTX disclosed that in January 2023 it exported without authorization USML Category VIII(i) technical data, misclassified in March 2018, related to an aluminum display housing component of the F-22 Raptor Fighter Aircraft to two Chinese FPEs at Collins’ facility in Shanghai, PRC.

In a separate 2023 disclosure, RTX described a jurisdiction and classification review that it undertook following the discovery of the systemic violations described in the previous paragraphs. The review revealed that between March 2015 and May 2023 Respondent exported without authorization USML Category XI(d) technical data to Chinese entities.

 

Unauthorized Procurement from the PRC Resulting from Misclassification

 

RTX disclosed that between 2015 and 2023, Rockwell Collins and, for a period following the acquisition, Collins, exported without authorization technical data controlled under USML Category XI(d) to entities in the PRC to procure approximately 45 distinct USML Category XI(c)(2) printed wiring boards (PWBs). Subsequently, Rockwell Collins (and Collins) delivered these PWBs to other prime contractors and directly to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers for ultimate end use in U.S. and foreign military platforms.

In at least one disclosure, RTX reported that, following issuance of purchase orders and production of the PWBs by its Chinese suppliers, it caused the retransfer without authorization of technical data in the form of first-article inspection reports to its Chinese FPEs in Shanghai.

 

Harm to National Security

 

In a 2023 disclosure, RTX disclosed that, predominantly as a result of misclassifications UTC Aerospace Systems made between 2013 and 2017, it exported without authorization USML Category VIII(i) technical data to entities in - 9 - multiple foreign countries, including the PRC, as between 2019 and 2021. Respondent also disclosed that, at the time of the exports, it had incorrectly classified the technical data, which related to the environmental control system of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, under the EAR.

 

Unauthorized Exports Related to Sensitive Military Platforms Resulting from Misclassification

 

RTX disclosed that between August 2017 and August 2022, Raytheon Company, and subsequently RAY, exported without authorization USML Category IV(c), IV(h), VI(f), XI(c), XI(d), and XII(e) defense articles to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom. The unauthorized exports comprised parts, components, and technical data related to sensitive U.S. and foreign government military platforms, including but not limited to the:

  • Tomahawk Cruise Missile;
  • RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM);
  • RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile;
  • Standard Missile-2; and the
  • PAVEWAY Laser Guided Bomb.

 

Unauthorized Reexports, Retransfers, and Temporary Imports Resulting from Misclassification

 

In seven disclosures, RTX reported that its failure to establish proper jurisdiction and classification of defense articles resulted in violations committed by its foreign affiliates in France and Germany.

 

Unauthorized Exports, Reexports, and Retransfers of Defense Articles, including Classified Defense Articles

Since 2019, RTX has submitted dozens of voluntary disclosures to the Department describing additional unauthorized exports of defense articles, including classified defense articles.

 

Unauthorized Exports of Classified Defense Articles

 

In four disclosures, RTX disclosed that it exported without authorization classified defense articles controlled under USML Categories IV(h), IV(i), and XI(c) to Australia, Germany, Norway, and the UAE related to the following programs:

  • National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System;
  • RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile;
  • Tomahawk Cruise Missile; and
  • AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER)

 

Harm to National Security

 

RTX disclosed that in October 2020, it exported without authorization USML Category IV(i) classified technical data to Norway.

 

Additional Unauthorized Exports of Classified Defense Articles

 

In a 2021 disclosure, RTX described its unauthorized temporary exports of classified components related to the ESSM to Australia and Germany. In July 2020, RTX prepared to temporarily export eight unclassified USML Category IV(h) transition sections for the ESSM Block 1 Guided Missile Assembly to Germany for repair under a DSP-73 authorization. Two of the eight transition sections included “erroneously installed” USML Category IV(h) S-Band Transceiver Modules (SBT), which are classified, designated SME, and were not authorized for temporary export under the DSP-73.

In the same disclosure, RTX disclosed the unauthorized export of one classified USML Category XI(c) “erroneously installed” hard drive to Australia. In September 2019, RTX prepared to export to Australia an oscilloscope intended for use with the MK698 Guided Missile Test Set in support of the ESSM program.

In a 2023 disclosure, RTX described the unauthorized export of classified USML Category IV(i) technical data to Australia. In November 2021, Respondent exported a CD-ROM intended to include software related to the AMRAAM to its Australian affiliate, Raytheon Australia (RA), under a DDTC authorization.

In each of these four disclosures, RTX identified the primary root cause of the violations as individual employees’ failures to verify whether the defense articles were classified or approved under the relevant DDTC authorizations prior to the unauthorized exports.

 

Other Unauthorized Exports, Reexports, and Retransfers of Defense Articles

 

In 54 disclosures submitted to the Department since 2019, RTX disclosed that it exported, reexported, and retransferred without authorization hundreds of defense articles, some of which qualified as SME, to or within 25 different countries, including the PRC.

 

Unauthorized Exports of Defense Articles by Employees via Hand-Carry to Proscribed Destinations

 

Since 2019, RTX has submitted three voluntary disclosures describing unauthorized exports of defense articles to proscribed destinations during employee travel.

 

Unauthorized Exports to Lebanon

 

In a 2021 disclosure, RTX described the unauthorized export of defense articles to Lebanon, a proscribed destination listed in 22 C.F.R. 126.1, during two personal trips one employee took in 2020 and 2021. The employee hand-carried his RTX-issued laptop, which contained ITAR-controlled technical data and was “capable of accessing the Raytheon U.S. network using a secure Virtual Private Network,” on both trips.

 

 

Harm to National Security

 

RTX discovered these violations during a standard monthly compliance review in July 2021 and, following an internal investigation, determined that the employee’s laptop contained USML Category IV(i) technical data related to the Standard Missile-3, Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), and ESSM Block 2.

 

Unauthorized Exports to Russia

 

In a 2022 disclosure, RTX described the unauthorized exports of defense articles to Russia, a proscribed destination listed in 22 C.F.R. 126.1, during one employee’s personal trip in May and June of 2021. The employee hand carried his RTX-issued laptop, which contained ITAR-controlled technical data, to St. Petersburg, Russia and attempted to use the laptop while in Russia.

 

Unauthorized Exports to Iran

 

In a 2019 disclosure, Respondent described the unauthorized export of defense articles to Iran, a proscribed destination listed in 22 C.F.R. 126.1, during one employee’s personal travel.

 

Violations of Terms, Conditions, and Provisos of DDTC Authorizations

 

Respondent has submitted 36 disclosures to the Department related to its violations of terms, conditions, and provisos of DDTC authorizations on numerous occasions dating back to 2019. These violations comprise:

  • Failure to furnish or properly complete DSP-83 Nontransfer and Use Certificates;
  • Failure to return in a timely manner to the United States defense articles previously exported under DSP-73 temporary export licenses;
  • Failure to file or the filing of inaccurate annual sales reports related to Department-issued manufacturing licensing agreements (MLA);
  • Failure to file in a timely manner reports related to payments reportable under 22 C.F.R. 130;
  • Failure to notify DDTC in a timely manner of actions related to Departmentissued authorizations (e.g., agreement termination, agreement execution, failure to conclude agreements, initial export of technical data pursuant to an agreement);
  • Foreign manufacture of defense articles valued in excess of that authorized by the relevant MLA; and
  • Misrepresentation or omission of facts in export or temporary import control documents (e.g., citation of incorrect Department-issued authorizations in electronic export information filings, submission of amendments to Department-issued MLAs containing inaccurate valuations of defense articles manufactured abroad)

 

In additional to the payment of $100 million dollars RTX is required to undertake the following actions:

 

Remedial Measures:

 

RTX shall ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to ITAR compliance throughout its ITAR-regulated operating divisions, subsidiaries, and business units. RTX shall establish policies and procedures for all of RTX’s employees with responsibility for AECA and ITAR compliance to address lines of authority, staffing levels, performance evaluations, and career paths.

 

RTX, in coordination with the Designated Official (as defined below), shall conduct an internal review of AECA and ITAR compliance resources and establish the necessary actions to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to AECA and IT AR compliance.

 

RTX shall appoint, in accordance with the provisions of this Consent Agreement and in consultation with and the approval of the Director, Defense Trade Controls Compliance - DTCC, a qualified individual to serve as a Designated Official for the entire term that the Consent Agreement is in force. The term "Designated Official" in this Consent Agreement refers to a Special Compliance Officer (SCO) 1 or Internal Special Compliance Officer (ISCO)2 during the term of their appointment.

 

RTX shall strengthen corporate compliance procedures focused principally on RTX’s business operations such that: (a) all RTX employees engaged in AECA and ITAR-regulated activities are

familiar with the AECA and the ITAR, and their own and RTX's responsibilities thereunder; (b) all persons responsible for supervising those employees, including senior managers of those units, are knowledgeable about the underlying policies and principles of the AECA and the ITAR; and (c) there are records indicating the names of employees, trainers, and level and area of training received.

 

RTX shall enhance its AECA and ITAR compliance program with specific attention to the areas described in paragraphs 9(k)(I)(i) through 9(k)(1)(vii) of the agreement. Respondent shall provide to DTCC written confirmation that the company has completed this action.

 

RTX agreed to implement a comprehensive, automated export compliance system throughout its operating divisions, subsidiaries, and business units engaged in AECA and ITAR-regulated activities to strengthen its internal controls for ensuring compliance with the AECA and the ITAR. This system shall track the decision process from the initiation to conclusion of a request for export, reexport, or retransfer

authorization. The automated export compliance system shall improve RTX's ability to oversee and monitor export, reexport, and retransfer activity. This system shall also cover the initial identification of all technical data and technical assistance in any form proposed to be disclosed to any foreign persons. RTX shall ensure the use of a means of alerting users to the AECA and ITAR requirements on electronic transmissions of ITAR-controlled technical data. In order to prevent unintentional or accidental transmissions to unauthorized recipients, RTX shall also provide training lo all employees to ensure that any type of electronic transmissions of ITAR-controlled technical data are sent in accordance with RTX’s export compliance policies and procedures.

 

Classification Review:

 

RTX shall, under the supervision of the Designated Official, review, verify, and complete the export control jurisdiction of all hardware and/or software that RTX’s AECA and ITAR-regulated operating divisions, subsidiaries and business units, and any defense services or technical data, directly related to such hardware and not related to any hardware.

 

Also, separately, prior to export, re-export and/or retransfer, RTX shall review, verify, and complete the export control jurisdiction of each hardware item (and any defense services or technical data, including software, directly related to such hardware item and not related to any hardware) and items procured from

suppliers for which such jurisdiction was not previously and accurately determined and/or verified in accordance with this paragraph.

 

Audits:

 

One audit shall be performed during the Consent Agreement. RTX shall have the audit conducted by an outside consultant with expertise in AECA and ITAR matters, approved by the Director, DTCC. The audit shall be conducted under the supervision of the Designated Official. The audit shall provide a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of RTX's implementation of all measures set forth in this Consent Agreement with focus on those actions undertaken to address the compliance issues identified in the Proposed Charging Letter, the policies, procedures, and training established by Boeing. The Designated Official or the Director, DTCC, may identify other areas (e.g., transactional review of agreements, Respondent's information technology systems) for the audit.

 

Debarment:

 

RTX has cooperated with the Department's review, has expressed regret for these activities, and has taken steps to improve its compliance programs. It has also undertaken to pay a cash penalty and agrees to implement the significant additional remedial compliance actions specified in the Consent Agreement. For these reasons, the Department determined not to impose an administrative debarment of Boeing.

 

Onsite Reviews by the Department:

For the purpose of assessing compliance with the provisions of the AECA, the ITAR and future authorizations, RTX agreed to arrange and facilitate, with minimum advance notice, onsite reviews by the Department while this Consent Agreement remains in effect.

 

Copies of the Charging Letter, Agreement and Order can be found at the following links:

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=016068ca9790565467b1791ad053affa and

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=3c6068ca9790565467b1791ad053aff2 and

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=096068ca9790565467b1791ad053aff7

 

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DDTC Name And Address Changes Posted To Website

 

August 12 through 30, 2024: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following name and/or address changes on its website at    

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=bd72ca0adbf8d30044f9ff621f961981:

  • Name change from Kongsberg Protech Systems USA Corporation to Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Inc. due to corporate restructuring;
  • Name change from Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. to Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Holding Inc due to corporate restructuring;
  • Name change from Communications & Power Industries LLC to CPI International, Inc., Beverly Microwave Division, and Microwave Products, Inc. due to divestment of subsidiaries;
  • Address change for Wärtsilä Netherlands B.V at t Hanzelaan 95, 8017 JE Zwolle, the Netherlands to Wärtsilä Netherlands B.V. at Innovatiestraat 4, 8051 TC Hattem, the Netherlands.
  • Name change from Communications & Power Industries LLC to CPI International, Beverly Microwave Division and Microwave Power Products, Inc. due to Acquisition.

 

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DDTC FAQS – ITAR 126.7 EXEMPTION

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) related to the Australia/UK Exemption (AUKUS)

 

  1. Q: Does the ITAR § 126.7 exemption obviate the need to obtain a Foreign Person Employee DSP-5 license for U.S. person employers?

 

A: The foreign person, in their capacity as a natural person, must become an Authorized User to avail themselves of the exemption.  A DDTC authorization (e.g., DSP-5 FPE license) would be required for the transfer of any technical data beyond the scope and limitations of the ITAR § 126.7 exemption.  This would include, for example, transfers of defense articles described on the ETL.

 

  1. Q: How do I use the ITAR § 126.7 exemption in the Automated Export System (AES)?

 

A: Exporters of defense articles must electronically file Electronic Export Information (EEI) using the AES citing code “126.7” in the appropriate field in the EEI for each shipment.  This new code appears in the existing AES drop-down menu.

 

  1. Q: The end-users on my license application are all Australian, U.K, or Canadian entities but some intermediate consignees are located in different countries. Is my application still eligible for the expedited procedures outlined in ITAR § 126.15?

 

A: No.  The expedited procedures described in ITAR § 126.15 are available only when the export application would authorize the export of defense articles or defense services to only Australia, the United Kingdom, or Canada.  Any application that would authorize exports to parties in any other country will be subject to routine DDTC adjudication processes.

 

  1. How often will the Authorized User list of Australian and United Kingdom parties be updated?

A: The Authorized User list in DECCS is the official, up-to-date record of Australian and United Kingdom Authorized Users. DDTC will update the Authorized User list as needed.

 

  1. Q: If a U.S. company has United Kingdom and/or Australia subsidiaries on its DDTC registration, will these subsidiaries be treated as the U.S. Company?

 

A: No.  Legal entities incorporated in Australia or the United Kingdom are foreign persons, considered to be entities of those countries, and must enroll as Authorized Users through their governments to participate in transfers or activities pursuant to the ITAR § 126.7 exemption.

 

  1. Q: How do I know if an Australian or United Kingdom party is an "Authorized User" under the ITAR § 126.7 exemption?

 

A: The list of Authorized Users of Australia and the United Kingdom is available in the Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS).  To access the list, you must enroll in DECCS, log-in, and navigate to the Authorized User list.

 

  1. Q: Will the Authorized User list be integrated into common automated screening tools used widely throughout industry?

 

A: DDTC does not develop or support such third-party screening software and cannot speak to its integration with the Authorized User list.

 

  1. Q: Where is the Excluded Technology List (ETL)?

 

A: The ETL that is applicable to ITAR § 126.7 is codified in Supplement No. 2 to Part 126 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

 

  1. Q: How should I note for DDTC in my license application the fact that the expedited licensing procedures provided for in ITAR § 126.15 apply?

 

A: DDTC will apply the expedited licensing procedures to export license applications that qualify for expedited treatment under ITAR § 126.15 automatically.  There is no need to request expedited treatment specifically.  However, applicants always are encouraged to submit any information that they believe would help facilitate an expeditious and streamlined review by the Department.

 

  1. Q: How does the § 126.7 exemption work?

 

A: The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) § 126.7 exemption simplifies the transfer of ITAR-controlled defense articles, including technical data, the performance of defense services, and engaging in brokering activities between and among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States within an approved Authorized User group of government, private sector, and research and academic entities.  When all requirements are met, parties may engage in such activities without the need for additional Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) authorization.  More information on who is an Authorized User is available in a corresponding FAQ.

 

Please see list of all FAQS related to AUKUS at the link below.

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_faq_detail&sys_id=1f3b2dad970416980083b3b0f053afc9

 

 

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Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

 

DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Norway

 

August 9, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government Norway has requested to buy sixteen (16) M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); fifteen (15) M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS); fifteen (15) M31A2 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) high explosive pods with IMPS; and one hundred (100) M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) pods. Also included are Low Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket (LCRRPR) pods; interactive electronic technical manuals; integration support services; spare parts; tool kits; test equipment; contractor logistics support; training; training equipment; technical assistance; technical publications; transportation; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $580 million.

 

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, located in Grand Prairie, TX. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/norway-m142-high-mobility-artillery-rocket-systems

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Israel

 

August 13, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government Israel has requested to buy up to fifty (50) new F-15IA multi-role fighter aircraft, as well as Mid-Life Update modification kits for its existing twenty-five (25) F-15I multi-role fighter aircraft; one hundred twenty (120) F110-GE-129 engines; ninety (90) Advanced Display Core Processors II; seventy-five (75) APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array radars; fifty (50) AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN navigation pods with containers; three-hundred twenty (320) LAU-128 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile launchers; twenty-five (25) M61A Vulcan cannons; and one hundred eighty (180) Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System devices with M-Code. Also included are Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellant Actuated Devices; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems; APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems; KIV-77 Mode 4/5 IFF cryptographic appliques; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; impulse cartridges, chaff, and flares; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft and munitions support and support equipment; secure communications equipment, precision navigation, and cryptographic devices; classified software development, delivery, and support; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; major and minor modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support; facilities and construction support; transportation and airlift support; classified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; warranties; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $18.82 billion. Deliveries are estimated to begin in 2029. The prime contractor will be The Boeing Corporation, located in St. Louis, MO. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/israel-f-15ia-and-f-15i-aircraft and

https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/archive-date/202408

 

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August 13, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Israel has requested to buy thirty (30) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and one (1) AMRAAM guidance section (spare). The following non-MDE items will also be included: AMRAAM control sections and containers; Common Munitions Built-In-Test/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891/E Adapter Group Computer Test Sets; spare parts, consumables, accessories, repair and return support, classified and unclassified publications, and technical documentation; classified software delivery and support; munitions support and support equipment; test support and support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; warranties; studies and surveys; contractor logistics support services; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $102.5 million. These items will be sourced from new production.

 

The prime contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/israel-advanced-medium-range-air-air-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Israel

 

August 13, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Israel has requested to buy thirty-two thousand seven hundred thirty-nine (32,739) 120mm tank cartridges, consisting of 120mm M1147 High Explosive Multi-Purpose with Tracer (HEMP-T) cartridges and/or 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Multi-Purpose Anti-Tank (MPAT) with Tracer cartridges. The following non-MDE is also included: various 120mm tank munitions; 120mm munitions canisters; transportation costs; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $774.1 million. Deliveries are estimated to begin in 2027. The principal contractors will be General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, located in St. Petersburg, FL, and Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, located in Falls Church, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/israel-120mm-tank-cartridges

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Israel

 

August 13, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Israel has requested to buy fifty thousand (50,000) M933A1 120mm High Explosive (HE) mortar cartridges with M783 fuzes that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at $0.41 million ($0.37 million in MDE), included four hundred (400) M933A1 120mm HE mortar cartridges with M783 fuzes. This notification is for a combined total of fifty thousand four hundred (50,400) M933A1 120mm HE mortar cartridges with M783 fuzes. Also included are publications; technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $61.1 million. Deliveries are estimated to begin in 2026. The principal contractor will be General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc., located in Quebec, Canada. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/israel-m933a1-120mm-high-explosive-mortar-cartridges

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Israel

 

August 13, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Israel has requested to buy additional modified M1148A1P2 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) Load Handling System (LHS) 8-ton cargo trucks that will be added to a previously-implemented Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at $62.4 million ($0 in Major Defense Equipment (MDE)), included modified M1148A1P2 FMTV LHS 8-ton cargo trucks and support. This notification is for the combined total of modified M1148A1P2 FMTV LHS 8-ton cargo trucks. Also included are armor b-kits; corrosion protection; special tools and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $583.1 million. Deliveries are estimated to begin in 2026. The principal contractor will be the Oshkosh Corporation, located in Oshkosh, WI. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/israel-m1148a1p2-family-medium-tactical-vehicles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Germany

 

August 15, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Germany has requested to buy up to six hundred (600) PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles (includes ten (10) fly-to-buy missiles). The following non-MDE items will also be included: tools and test equipment; range and test programs; support equipment; associated publications and technical documentation; training equipment; spare and repair parts; new equipment training; transportation; quality assurance team support; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, engineering, and logistics support services; systems integration and checkout; field office support; participation in the International Engineering Services Program and Field Surveillance Programs; launcher modification kits; MSE conversion kits; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $5.0 billion. The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin, located in Dallas, TX. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/germany-patriot-advanced-capability-3-missile-segment-enhancement

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Germany

 

August 15, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Denmark has requested to buy up to five thousand eight hundred thirty-two (5,832) M1156 Precision Guidance Kits (PGK). Also included are ancillary items; compatibility testing; firing tables; technical assistance; technical data; new equipment training; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $85 million. The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman, located in Minneapolis, MN. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/denmark-precision-guidance-kits

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Italy

 

August 15, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Italy has requested to buy six (6) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) MQ-9 Block 5 Aircraft; three (3) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) MQ-9 Mobile Ground Control Stations (MGCS); twelve (12) AN/DAS-4 Multi-spectral Target Systems; nine (9) LYNX AN/APY-8 Block 20A Synthetic Aperture Radars with Maritime Wide Area Surveillance (MWAS) capability; and one (1) Embedded Global Positioning & Inertial Navigation System (EGI). The following non-MDE items will also be included: Reaper/Predator engines; Ruggedized Aircraft Maintenance Test Stations (RAMTS); AN/ARC-210 Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/Very High Frequency (VHF) Radios (RT-2036); Ground Data Terminals (GDT) (line of sight link); AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; KIV-77 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Cryptographic Applique; Transponder IFF AN/APX-119; KY100M Narrowband/Wideband terminal communications security (COMSEC) device; UAS MQ-9 Fixed Ground Control System (FGCS); satellite communications (SATCOM) Earth Terminal Subsystems (SETSS); precision navigation; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft or engine support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; major modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support; facilities and construction support; transportation and airlift support; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; special insurance and warranties; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $738 million. The principal contractor will be General Atomics, located in San Diego, CA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/italy-mq-9-block-5-aircraft

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Canada

 

August 16, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Canada has requested to buy forty-eight (48) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles; one hundred twenty (120) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles; forty-eight (48) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Captive Air Training Missiles; forty-eight (48) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Special Air Training Missiles; four (4) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Guidance Units; twelve (12) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Guidance Units; and eight (8) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Guidance Units. The following non-MDE items will also be included: Active Optical Target Detectors; KGV-135A COMSEC chips; missile containers; training aids, spares; support equipment; training, missile software; and U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, logistical, and program support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $264.6 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement(s) will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/canada-aim-9x-sidewinder-block-ii-and-block-ii-tactical-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Republic of Korea

 

August 19, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested to buy up to thirty-six (36) AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters; up to seventy-six (76) T700-GE-701D Engines (72 installed, 4 spares); up to thirty-six (36) AN/ASQ-170 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/AN/AAR-11 Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors (M-TADS/PNVS); up to fourteen (14) AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars (FCR) with Mast Mounted Assembly (MMA); up to fourteen (14) AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars (FCR) with Radar Electronic Units (REU); up to fourteen (14) AN/APR-48B Modernized-Radar Frequency Interferometers (MRFI); up to four hundred fifty-six (456) AGM-114R2 (N) Hellfire Missiles; up to six (6) M36E8 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); up to one hundred fifty-two (152) AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM); up to forty (40) AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (36 installed, 4 spares). The following non-MDE items will also be included: AN/AVR-2B laser detecting sets; AN/APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders; IDM-401 improved data modems; Enhanced Image Intensifier (EI2) cameras; AN/ARN-149 (V)3 automatic direction finders; ASN-157 Doppler Radar Velocity Sensors; AN/APN-209 radar altimeters; AN/PYQ-10(C) Simple Key Loader; Airborne Global Positioning System (GPS)/Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (EGI); AN/APR-39C(V)1+ Radar Signal Detecting sets; ARC-220 High Frequency Communication Systems; KIV-77 Mark XIIA IFF Crypto Applique; Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) software update; M230E-1 30mm automatic gun; M139 AWS 20mm automatic gun; M261 rocket launchers; M299 missile launchers; 2.75-inch rockets; 30mm rounds; MG62 Cartridge Impulse BBU-35/N; A965 cartridges, 25.4mm rounds; M839 decoys; L410 flares; M206 aircraft countermeasures decoy flares; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PADs); U.S. Government engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated total cost is $3.5 billion. The principal contractors will be Boeing, located in Mesa, AZ; and Lockheed Martin, located in Orlando, FL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/republic-korea-ah-64e-apache-helicopters

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Australia

 

August 19, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Australia has requested to buy three hundred fifty (350) Javelin FGM-148F missiles (includes four (4) fly-to-buy missiles). Also included is U.S. Government technical assistance; technical data; repair and return services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $100 million. The prime contractors will be the Javelin Joint Venture between RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ, and Lockheed Martin, located in Orlando, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-fgm-148f-javelin-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Finland

 

August 19, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of Finland has requested to buy five thousand five hundred (5,500) M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) multi-option fuzes that will be added to a previously-implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, valued at $.97 million, included technical data/reports; U.S. Government technical assistance; incidental travel; transportation; PGK spare parts; equipment training; and related elements of logistics and program support. This notification includes the original aforementioned items and adds five thousand five hundred (5,500) M1156A1 PGK multi-option fuzes. The following non-MDE items will also be included: ancillary items; compatibility testing; firing tables; integration kits; antennas; key loaders; precision-guided munition simulator; technical assistance; technical data/reports; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $70 million. The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, located in Dulles, VA. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/finland-m1156a1-precision-guidance-kits

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Netherlands

 

August 19, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress that The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy training in support of its CH-47 and AH-64 helicopter fleet. Included is training ammunition; Army Supply Class I-VI and VIII-X items; information technology (IT) equipment; ground components; parts and accessories; Installation Management Command (IMCOM)-related service support; U.S. Government and contractor personnel assistance; miscellaneous service contract support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $305 million. A principal contractor is not associated with this proposed sale. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-ch-47-and-ah-64-helicopter-training

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To Tunisia

 

August 20, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress The Government of Tunisia has requested to buy additional non-MDE 65’ SAFE Archangel boats and additional non-MDE articles and services that will be added to a previously implemented case. The original FMS case, valued at $49.3 million, included non-MDE 65’ SAFE Archangel boats and non-MDE articles and services, consisting of commercial variant marine global positioning systems; navigation systems; communications equipment; training; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $110 million. The principal contractor is SAFE Boats International, located in Bremerton, Washington. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/tunisia-65-safe-archangel-boats

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Government of Denmark

 

August 20, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress The Government of Denmark has requested to buy three hundred thirty-nine (339) M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. Also included are Portable Electronic Fire Control Systems (PEFCS); Improved Platform Integration Kits (iPIK); Simple Key Loaders (SKLs); extractors; Surface Danger Zones (SDZs); training for new equipment; spare parts; U.S. Government technical assistance; technical data; repair and return services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $121 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, Arizona. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/denmark-excalibur-projectiles

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Government of Norway

 

August 22, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress The Government of Norway has requested to buy one hundred (100) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) and four (4) AMRAAM AIM-120C-8 guidance sections. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AMRAAM containers and support equipment; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; weapons software and support equipment, and classified software delivery and support; transportation support; classified publications and technical documentation; training equipment and support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $405 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/norway-advanced-medium-range-air-air-missiles-extended-range

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Government of Romania

 

August 22, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress The Government of Romania has requested to buy up to one hundred eighty-six (186) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and four (4) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), missile containers, propulsion sections, control sections, telemetry kits, and warhead spares; KGV-135A Cryptographic Devices; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBREs); ADU-891 Computer Test Set Adapter Groups; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; munitions support and support equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; warranties; studies and surveys; transportation support; contractor logistics support (CLS); U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $592 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/romania-aim-120-advanced-medium-range-air-air-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Government of Australia

 

August 23, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress The Government of Australia has requested to buy AH-64E Apache sustainment support services, including U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; technical data and publications; personnel training; and other related elements of logistics, and program support. The estimated total cost is $300 million. The principal contractors will be The Boeing Company, located in Mesa, AZ, and Lockheed Martin, located in Orlando, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-ah-64e-apache-sustainment-support-services

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress of Potential FMS Sale To the Government of India

 

August 23, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress The Government of India has requested to buy AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; technical and publications and data documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support; and other related elements of logistics and program services and support. The estimated total cost is $52.8 million. The principal contractor(s) will be Sparton Corporation, located in De Leon Springs, FL, or Undersea Sensor Systems Inc. (USSI), located in Columbia City, IN, or a combination of both. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-anti-submarine-warfare-sonobuoys

 

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Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

BIS Publishes New Export Control Compliance Resources for the Academic Community

 

August 14, 2024: The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Export Enforcement published new resources for the academic community: a compliance note on voluntary self-disclosure trends and a compendium of export compliance resources. These resources align with BIS’s ongoing commitment to support academic institutions in their efforts to comply with export controls.

 

The compliance note, Trends in Voluntary Self-Disclosures Related to Academia to Inform Improvements to Export Compliance Plans, details conduct commonly disclosed by academic institutions over the past ten years that constitutes export control violations. The document also highlights actions universities can take to address and prevent these violations, including enhanced training programs and improved internal controls.

 

The Compendium of Resources offers a comprehensive guide to export compliance tools, including informational and vetting resources, BIS-specific resources, and examples of recent enforcement actions. These tools should help academic institutions integrate export control requirements into everyday operations for professors, students, staff, and visitors, which in turn helps minimize the risk of violations.

 

Together, the compliance note and the compendium of resources build on the efforts of the Academic Outreach Initiative, first announced in June 2022. The Academic Outreach Initiative is intended to help academic institutions maintain an open, collaborative research environment in a way that also protects them from national security risk, and it includes strategically prioritized engagement, the assignment of outreach agents to prioritized institutions, background briefings, and trainings.

 

https://www.bis.gov/media/documents/academic-voluntary-self-disclosures-compliance-note-812 and

https://www.bis.gov/media/documents/compendium-resources-final-v40pdf and

https://www.bis.gov/sites/default/files/files/Academic%20Outreach%20Initiative%20Policy%20Memo%20--%20FINAL.pdf and

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-publishes-new-export-control-compliance-resources-academic-community

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Commerce Tightens Export Controls, Targets Illicit Procurement Networks For Supplying Russian War Machine

 

August 23, 2024:  The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) took aggressive action to further restrict the supply of both U.S.-origin and “U.S. branded” (i.e., labeled) items to Russia and Belarus for the Kremlin’s illegal war on Ukraine. The actions will further constrain Russia’s ability to arm its military by targeting illicit procurement networks designed to circumvent global export controls.

 

Key actions include:

  1. Further tightening controls on Russia by expanding the scope of the Russia/Belarus Military End User (MEU) and Procurement Foreign Direct Product (FDP) rule and imposing additional license requirements on operation software for computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools;
  2. Cutting off exports to foreign companies on the BIS Entity List; applying the expanded Russia/Belarus MEU and Procurement FDP rule to dozens of entities outside Russia;
  3. Restricting trade to additional foreign addresses and issuing guidance to exporters on identifying suspicious transactions related to foreign corporate service providers and listed foreign addresses, strengthening recently implemented restrictions on shell company addresses; and
  4. Providing guidance and recommendations on contractual language referencing export regulations (the Export Administration Regulations, or EAR), specifically, restrictions that target unlawful reexports to Russia and Belarus.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-tightens-export-controls-targets-illicit-procurement-networks-supplying

 

 

U.S. Census Bureau

 

Tips on How to Resolve AES Response Messages

 

August 20, 2024: When a shipment is filed to the AES, a system response message is generated and indicates whether the shipment has been accepted or rejected.  If the shipment is accepted, the AES filer receives an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) as confirmation.  Though the shipment is accepted, the filer may still receive a Verify Message, Compliance Alert, Informational Message or Warning Message along with their ITN.  However, if the shipment is rejected, a Fatal Error notification is received and must be corrected to receive a valid ITN.

To help you take the appropriate action for the different AES Response Messages, here are some tips on how to address the most frequent messages that were generated in AES for this month.

Response Code:  303

Narrative:     Sold En Route Indicator Must be Y or N

Severity:       Fatal

Reason:       The Party Type is identified as Ultimate Consignee and the Sold En Route Indicator is not reported as Yes or No.

Resolution: The Ultimate Consignee information must be reported on an EEI including a valid Sold En Route Indicator. If the Ultimate Consignee is known and reported, set the Sold En Route Indicator to No. If the cargo is to be Sold En Route and the ultimate consignee is not known at the time of export, then set the Sold En Route Indicator to Yes.

Verify the Ultimate Consignee and the Sold En Route Indicator, correct the shipment and resubmit.

Response Code:  538

Narrative:     Shipping Weight Must Be Greater Than Zero For MOT

Severity:       Fatal

Reason:       The Mode of Transportation Code reported was one that identifies a Vessel, Rail, Truck, or Air shipment and the Shipping Weight was not reported.

Resolution: When the Mode of Transportation is Vessel, Rail, Truck or Air, the Shipping Weight must be reported.

Verify the Mode of Transportation and Shipping Weight, correct the shipment and resubmit.


For a complete list of AES Response Codes, their reasons, and resolutions, see Appendix A – Commodity Filing Response Messages.

It is important that AES filers correct Fatal Errors as soon as they are received in order to comply with the Foreign Trade Regulations.  These errors must be corrected prior to export for shipments filed predeparture and as soon as possible for shipments filed postdeparture but not later than five calendar days after departure.

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Update to License Code C68 (NAC) (NO notification required)

August 22, 2024: On October 25, 2023, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an interim final rule “Export Controls on Semiconductor Manufacturing Items” (SME IFR) and “Implementation of Additional Export Controls: Certain Advanced Computing Items; Supercomputer and Semiconductor End Use; Updates and Corrections” (AC/S IFR). On April 4, 2024, BIS published a rule (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/04/2024-07004/implementation-of-additional-export-controls-certain-advanced-computing-items-supercomputer-and) to correct inadvertent errors in those rules and make additional clarifications for the rule. This rule revises the header of § 740.8 to reference License Exception ACA in addition to License Exception NAC. BIS has separated License Exception NAC into two separate license exceptions that will reside in the same section of the EAR § 740.8: Notified Advanced Computing (NAC) will authorize exports and reexports of specified items to Macau and destinations in Country Group D:5 and entities headquartered in, or with an ultimate parent headquartered in, Macau or a destination specified in Country Group D:5, wherever located, that require a notification to BIS, while Advanced Computing Authorized (ACA) will authorize exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of specified items to destinations in Country Group D:1 or D:4 (except Macau and destinations specified in Country Group D:5) that do not require a notification to BIS. License Exception ACA will also authorize transfers (in-country) to Macau and destinations in Country Group D:5, and entities headquartered in, or with an ultimate parent headquartered in, Macau or a destination specified in Country Group D:5, that do not require a notification to BIS.

Update to License Code C68 (NAC) (NO notification required)

An update has been made to AES to revise the name of License Code C68 to Advanced Computing Authorized (ACA) (NO notification required)

The full terms of License Exception ACA are described in § 740.8.

AES filers must adhere to the following new reporting when using C68 (ACA) (No notification required) to prevent the return of fatal errors from AES:

  • Report License Code: C68 Advanced Computing Authorized (ACA) (NO notification required), if no advanced notification was required.
  • Report License Number: Report “ACA” in the license number block.
  • Allowable ECCNs: 3A090, 4A090, 3A001, 4A003, 4A004, 4A005, 5A002, 5A004, 5A992, 5D002, or 5D992.
  • Allowable countries: Destinations specified in Country Groups D:1, D:4, and D:5.
  • “.z” must be entered as the first characters to appear in the Commodity Description block for 3A001.z, 4A003.z, 4A004.z, 4A005.z, 5A002.z, 5A004.z, 5A992.z, 5D002.z, or 5D992.z.
  • Allowable Export Information Codes: All except UG
  • Allowable Modes of Transportation: All except ‘70’ (Fixed Transport)

Please note that all license exceptions are also subject to the restrictions in § 740.2 and part 746 of the EAR, which would remove eligibility for embargoed and sanctioned countries, e.g., Belarus, Cuba, Russia, Iran, and Syria.

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Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 

Important Announcement for Users of OFAC’s Compliance Hotline

 

August 2, 2024: To improve efficiency in responding to requests for sanctions guidance from the public, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is updating its Compliance Hotline by streamlining and enhancing the query submission process.

Thanks to helpful feedback from Compliance Hotline users, OFAC is transitioning to a single, user-friendly online platform to receive questions from the public.  Users can now submit queries—and provide all necessary details—directly through OFAC’s new OFAC Compliance Hotline page.  This new platform is designed to improve OFAC’s tracking of queries and help OFAC assess when additional public guidance may be helpful.

OFAC will fully transition its Compliance Hotline to this web form platform by January 1, 2025, and will retire other existing forms of contacting the OFAC Compliance Hotline according to the following schedule:  OFAC will retire the Compliance Hotline email (OFAC_Feedback@treasury.gov) on August 16, 2024; and its Compliance Hotline telephone (1-800-540-6322 and 202-622-2490) on December 31, 2024.

Please submit questions about how to comply with OFAC-administered sanctions programs or where to find helpful guidance on OFAC’s website via the new online OFAC Compliance Hotline.

As a reminder, please continue to use OFAC’s License Application page for license applications and requests for formal interpretive guidance.  Other information about contacting OFAC, including where to submit voluntary self-disclosures or appeal designations, can be found on our Contact OFAC page.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240802_33 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/ofac-compliance-hotline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/contact-ofac

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Publication of Regulatory Amendments

 

August 20, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a final rule to update terminology and references across several sanctions programs’ regulations, and  added a general license to the Burma Sanctions Regulations to authorize the provision of agricultural commodities, medicine, medical devices, replacement parts and components for medical devices, or software updates for medical devices to individuals whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the Burma Sanctions Regulations.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240820

 

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OFAC Modernization Efforts

 

August 21, 2024: The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced several initiatives underway aimed at assisting the public with sanctions implementation. As part of these efforts, OFAC amended several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to ensure published guidance remains current. OFAC will continue reviewing FAQs through an ongoing process that is focused on providing up-to-date and useful information to the public.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240821 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/updated/2024-08-21

 

LATEST SANCTIONS FINES & PENALTIES

 

This section of our newsletter provides information on the latest sanctions, fines and penalties for export violations or matters of non-compliance with the ITAR or EAR issued by the US government enforcement agencies. It is provided as a service to exporters and associates of FD Associates to remind them of the importance of extreme due diligence in all international trade and export compliance matters, particularly those involving exports subject to the ITAR or the EAR. Don’t let this happen to you or your company! Call us with questions or concerns at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net.

 

Fines and Penalties

 

Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

August 9, 2024: Arthur Petrov Allegedly Participated in a Russia-Based Illicit Procurement Network That, Subsequent to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, Illegally Procured Large Quantities of Sensitive Microelectronics for a Russian Company.

 

Petrov, 33, a dual Russian-German citizen who has resided in Russia and Cyprus, is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act (“ECRA”), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; three counts of violating the ECRA, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods from the U.S., which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; three counts of smuggling goods from the U.S., which each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison

 

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/russian-german-national-extradited-illegally-exporting-russia-sensitive-us-sourced and

https://www.bis.gov/news-updates/search?close_filters=1&content_type=press_release&sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC

 

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August 15, 2024: As part of a settlement agreement to resolve alleged violations of U.S. export controls, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) imposed a $5.8 million civil penalty against TE Connectivity Corporation (TE), located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and TE Connectivity HK Limited, located in Kwai Chung, New Territories, Hong Kong, for shipments of low-level items to parties tied to the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) hypersonics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and military electronics programs.

 

The alleged violations involved shipments of $1.74 million in Items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to parties on the BIS Entity List and for restricted end uses in China.  Specifically, TE sent items such as wires, printed circuit-board connectors, and pressure and temperature scanners to parties previously placed on the BIS Entity List for supporting the PRC’s military modernization efforts in the fields of hypersonics, UAVs, and electronics. TE voluntarily disclosed the conduct to BIS, cooperated with the investigation by BIS’s Office of Export Enforcement, and took remedial measures after discovering the conduct at issue, which resulted in a significant reduction in the penalty.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-imposes-58-million-penalty-against-pennsylvania-company-shipments-low-level-items and

https://www.bis.gov/news-updates/search?close_filters=1&content_type=press_release&sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC

 

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August 15, 2024: The Justice Department unsealed an indictment charging U.S.-Iranian national Jeffrey Chance Nader, 68, with crimes related to the illicit export of U.S.-manufactured aircraft components, including components used on military aircraft, to Iran in violation of U.S. economic sanctions and other federal laws. Nader was arrested yesterday in California.

 

This prosecution was coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-man-indicted-unlawfully-exporting-aircraft-components-iran and

https://www.bis.gov/news-updates/search?close_filters=1&content_type=press_release&sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC

 

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August 15, 2024: A Bulgarian national made his initial appearance in a federal court in San Antonio Monday after being extradited from Greece.

 

According to court documents, Milan Dimitrov, 50, allegedly conspired with Ilias Sabirov, 52, of Russia, and Dimitar Dimitrov, 74, of Bulgaria, to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) in a scheme to procure sensitive radiation-hardened integrated circuits from the United States and illegally export those components to Russia through Bulgaria without the required licenses from the U.S. government.

 

Milan Dimitrov is charged with two counts of IEEPA violations, one count of money laundering, and one count of making false statements to the Department of Commerce in violation of ECRA. Each count in the indictment carries up to 20 years in federal prison.

 

Sabirov and Dimitar Dimitrov currently remain at large. The two were charged in the same indictment in December 2020 with two counts of IEEPA violations and one count of money laundering.

 

The indictment alleges that between at least May 2014 and May 2018 the defendants used the Bulgarian company Multi Technology Integration Group EEOD (MTIG) to receive export-controlled items from the United States and transship them to Russia without the required licenses.

 

According to the indictment, Sabirov is the head of two Russian companies—Cosmos Complect and OOO Sovtest Comp.—and controls MTIG. Both Dimitar Dimitrov and Milan Dimitrov worked for

Sabirov at Cosmos Complect and MTIG.

 

As alleged, in 2014, the defendants met with the supplier of the radiation-hardened circuits in Austin and were informed that radiation-hardened circuits could not be shipped to Russia because of U.S. trade restrictions. Sabirov then established MTIG in Bulgaria to purchase the controlled electronic circuits, which did not require a license for export to Bulgaria. The radiation-hardened properties of these circuits made them resistant to damage or malfunction in the harsh outer-space environment. The circuits were controlled for export to Russia for these very reasons. The parts were shipped to Bulgaria in 2015, and MTIG soon thereafter transshipped them to Sabirov’s companies in Russia. OOO Sovtest Comp. transferred over $1 million to MTIG for the parts.

 

In the same timeframe, MTIG—at Sabirov’s direction—ordered over $1.7 million in other electronic components produced by another U.S.-based electronics manufacturer. MTIG bought these parts to fulfill part of its contract with OOO Sovtest Comp. Again, the parts were shipped from the United States to Bulgaria, where they were merely repackaged and then shipped to Russia.

 

In late 2018, a Department of Commerce Export Control Officer interviewed Milan Dimitrov during a visit to MTIG to determine whether the radiation-hardened components were still in MTIG’s possession in Bulgaria. Milan Dimitrov, among other things, falsely denied sending the components to Russia.

 

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The Commerce Department’s Office of Export Enforcement and the FBI are investigating this case with assistance from Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).

 

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/bulgarian-national-extradited-scheme-illegally-export-us-origin-sensitive and

https://www.bis.gov/news-updates/search?close_filters=1&content_type=press_release&sort_by=created&sort_order=DESC

 

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August 16, 2024: 89. Fed. Reg.: On August 18, 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, Marco Antonio Peralta-Vega was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Peralta-Vega was convicted of smuggling various firearms and ammunition from the United States to Mexico. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced him to 36 months in prison with credit for time served, three years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and denied export privileges for a period of 10 years.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/16/2024-18399/order-denying-export-privileges-in-the-matter-of-marco-antonio-peralta-vega-1537-e-bristol-dr

 

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August 16, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 66674: On November 28, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Kenan L'Homme was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, L'Homme pleaded guilty to willfully and knowingly attempting to export from the United States the following eleven (11) items: one (1) Smith & Wesson model M&P pistol; one (1) CZ P-10F pistol; one (1) Taurus revolver; one (1) Glock model 26 pistol; one (1) Glock model 43 pistol; one (1) Glock model 30s pistol; one (1) Anderson AR-15 lower unit; one (1) Aero Precision AR-15 lower unit; and three (3) Glock model 23s pistols. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced him to 36 months in prison, a $200 special assessment, denied export privileges for a period of 6 years.

 

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/16/2024-18401/order-denying-export-privileges-in-the-matter-of-kenan-lhomme-67-chastain-circle-newman-ga-30263

 

*******

August 16, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 66676: On November 17, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California entered judgment against Yi-Chi Shih for violating (among other statutes) 50 U.S.C. 1705 (“IEEPA”) and 18 U.S.C. 1001. Specifically, Shih was convicted of knowingly and willfully exporting Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) from the United States to China without the required licenses. He was also found to have made false statements to federal agents. Yi-Chi Shih has been denied export privileges for 10 years.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/16/2024-18400/order-denying-export-privileges-in-the-matter-of-yi-chi-shih-currently-incarcerated-at-inmate-number

 

*******

August 16, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 66676: On October 31, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Rami Najm Ghanem was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 371, 18 U.S.C. 554 and section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C 2778) (“AECA”). Specifically, Ghanem was convicted of having knowingly and willfully engaged in the business of weapons brokering activities without the required licenses, and of having engaged in negotiating and arranging contracts, purchases, sales, and transfers of defense articles, foreign defense articles, defense services, and foreign defense services, including for machine guns. Mr. Ghanem has been denied export privileges for 10 years.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/16/2024-18397/order-denying-export-privileges-in-the-matter-of-rami-najm-ghanem-inmate-number-73420-112-mcfp

 

*******

August 20, 2024: George Semerene Quintero (Semerene), 60, of Venezuela, plead guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for his role in a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions imposed on Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), a Venezuelan state-owned oil company.

 

Semerene is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 5 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and denied export privileges for 10 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/venezuelan-national-pleads-guilty-sanctions-evasion-scheme

 

*******

 

August 26, 2024: The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) imposed a civil penalty of $44,750 against Streamlight, Inc. (Streamlight), a global manufacturer of portable lighting products located in Eagleville, Pennsylvania, to resolve three alleged violations of the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Streamlight voluntarily self-disclosed the conduct to BIS, cooperated with the investigation by BIS’s Office of Antiboycott Compliance (OAC), and implemented remedial measures after discovering the conduct at issue, all of which resulted in a significant reduction in penalty.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-imposes-penalty-pennsylvania-company-streamlight-inc-resolve-alleged-violations

Sanctions

 

Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

Implementation of Additional Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus Under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

 

August 27, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 68539: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) made changes to the Russian and Belarusian sanctions under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This final rule expanded the scope of the Russia/Belarus-Military End User (MEU) Foreign-Direct Product (FDP) rule, and renamed it accordingly, so that the rule will also apply to transactions involving entities on the Entity List that pose a significant risk of involvement in the supply or diversion of items subject to the EAR to procurement networks for Russia's and Belarus's defense industry or intelligence services. This final rule also added controls on the export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) to or within Russia or Belarus of “software” for the operation of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. In addition, this final rule makes corrections and clarifications to certain aspects of the EAR's Russia and Belarus sanctions.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/27/2024-19132/implementation-of-additional-sanctions-against-russia-and-belarus-under-the-export-administration

 

*******

 

Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 

August 2, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 99A - "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions and Certain Transactions Related to Debt or Equity of, or Derivative Contracts Involving, MOEX, NCC, or NSD;" and Russia-related General License 100A - "Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Debt or Equity or the Conversion of Currencies Involving MOEX, NCC, or NSD."

 

General License 99A:

 

(a)All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving one or more of the following blocked entities are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 12, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person is made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR):

 

(1) Moscow Exchange (MOEX);

(2) National Clearing Center (NCC);

(3) Non-Bank Credit Institution Joint Stock Company National Settlement Depository (NSD); and

(4) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly,  individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

(b) All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the divestment or transfer, or the facilitation of the divestment or transfer, of debt or equity issued or guaranteed by any of the blocked entities identified in paragraph (a) (“Covered Debt or Equity”) to a non-U.S. person are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 12, 2024.

 

(c) All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to facilitating, clearing, and settling trades of Covered Debt or Equity that were placed prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern daylight time, June 12, 2024 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 12, 2024.

 

(d) All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of derivative contracts entered into prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern daylight time June 12, 2024 that (i) include a blocked person described in paragraph (a) of this general license as a counterparty or (ii) are linked to Covered Debt or Equity are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 12, 2024, provided that any payments to a blocked person are made into a blocked account in accordance with the RuHSR.

 

General License 100A:

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the divestment of debt or equity to a non-U.S. person, who is not a person whose property or interests in property are blocked, or the conversion of currencies, involving one or more of the following blocked entities that is acting solely as a securities, trade, or settlement depository, central counterparty or clearing house, or public trading market, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 12, 2024:

 

(1) Moscow Exchange (MOEX);

(2) National Clearing Center (NCC);

(3) Non-Bank Credit Institution Joint Stock Company National Settlement Depository (NSD); and

(4) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240802 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933086/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933091/download?inline

 

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August 6, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Paraguayan tobacco company Tabacalera del Este S.A. (Tabesa) for providing financial support to Paraguay’s former president, Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara (Cartes), who OFAC sanctioned on January 26, 2023 for his involvement in corruption. Tabesa was designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

 

The following entity has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Tabacalera Del Este S.A. of Paraguay.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240806 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions

 

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August 9, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against 19 individuals, 14 entities, and one aircraft pursuant to Belarus-related Executive Order (E.O.) 14038. This action targets persons involved in supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine through military resource production and transshipment of goods to Russia, sanctions evasion on behalf of Belarusian defense entities, and revenue generation for Belarusian oligarchs in Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s inner circle. OFAC designated five of these targets—three individuals and two entities—pursuant to Russia-related E.O. 14024.

 

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also issued Russia-related General License 101, "Authorizing Civil Aviation Safety and Wind Down Transactions Involving Certain Entities Blocked on August 9, 2024.

 

General License 101:

 

  • All transactions prohibited by the Belarus Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 548 (BSR), and Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the provision, exportation, or reexportation of goods, technology, or services to ensure the safety of civil aviation involving one or more of the following blocked entities (collectively, the “Blocked Entities”) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, September 10, 2024, provided that the goods, technology, or services that are provided, exported, or reexported are for use on aircraft operated solely for civil aviation purposes:

 

(1) Aviakompaniya Belkanto LLC;

(2) Aviakompaniya Rada LLC;

(3) UE RubiStar; or

(4) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons owns, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

(b) All transactions prohibited by the BSR or E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving any of the Blocked Entities are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, September 10, 2024, provided that any payment to a Blocked Entity is made into a blocked account in accordance with the BSR and the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR).

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Arkadiev, Vladimir Mikhailovich of Russia;
  • Barabanov, Oleg Fedorovich of Belarus;
  • Chivel, Yuri Aleksandrovich of Belarus;
  • Chudakov, Vladimir Vladimirovich of Belarus;
  • Dimenshtein, Arkady Samuilovich of Belarus;
  • Gerasim, Oleg Romualdovich of Belarus;
  • Ishchenko, Dmitry Olegovich of Belarus;
  • Kastianok, Siarhei Uldadzimiravich of Belarus;
  • Krokhotin, Evgeniy Yurievich of Belarus;
  • Leschanka, Aliaksandr Mikalayevich of Belarus;
  • Mikholap, Evgeniy Ivanovich of Belarus;
  • Nareiko, Ivan Nikolaevich of Belarus;
  • Pavlenko, Vladislav Nikolaevich of Belarus;
  • Petrov, Oleg Vladimirovich of Belarus;
  • Savruk, Viktoriya Orestovna of Belarus;
  • Sidaruk, Siarhei Mikalaevich of Belarus;
  • Yavorki, Aleksey Nikolaevich of Belarus;
  • Zamulevich, Dmitriy Mikhailovich of Belarus; and
  • Zharski, Aliaksandr Uladzimiravich of Belarus.

 

The following entites have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • ALC DISKOMS of Belarus;
  • Aviakompaniya Belkanto LLC of Belarus;
  • Aviakompaniya Rada LLC of Belarus;
  • Joint Stock Company Plant Legmash of Belarus;
  • KB Unmanned Helicopters LLC of Belarus;
  • Limited Liability Company Tochanya Mekhanikaof Belarus;
  • LLC Alyurtekh of Belarus;
  • LLC Grosver Group of Belarus;
  • LLC Laboratory of Additive Technologies of Belarus;
  • LLC MOT of Belarus;
  • OOO Ruchservomotor of Belarus;
  • Ruzekspeditsiya LLC of Belarus;
  • UE Rubistar of Belarus; and
  • VLATE Logistik LLC of Belarus.

 

 

The following aircraft has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • EW-001PB;  Aircraft Model 767-32KER; Aircraft Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) 33968; Aircraft Tail Number EW-001PB (aircraft) [BELARUS-EO14038].

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240809 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions

 

*******

August 12, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 102, "Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving VPower Finance Security (Hong Kong) Limited."

 

General License 102:

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the transportation, delivery, or storage of currency; cash processing services; or maintenance of automated teller machines (ATMs) within Hong Kong involving VPower Finance Security (Hong Kong) Limited (“VPower”) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, November 12, 2024.

 

(b) All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the provision and staffing of customer service centers for mass transit railway stations within Hong Kong involving VPower are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, November 12, 2024.

 

 

General License 5P:

 

(a) On or after November 12, 2024, all transactions related to, the provision of financing for, and other dealings in the Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. 2020 8.5 Percent Bond that would be prohibited by subsection l(a)(iii) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13835 of May 21, 2018, as amended by E.O. 13857 of January 25, 2019, and incorporated into the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 591 (the VSR), are authorized.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240812 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933101/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933106/download?inline

 

*******

August 15, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned several companies, individuals, and vessels for their involvement in the shipment of Iranian commodities, including oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to Yemen and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on behalf of the network of Iran-based, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF)-backed Houthi financial official Sa’id al-Jamal.  OFAC is also updating the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) entry for the sanctioned vessel ARTURA (IMO: 9150365), which was responsible for shipping commodities for Sa’id al-Jamal, to reflect the changing of its name to OHAR.

The revenue from al-Jamal’s network helps finance the Houthis’ reckless targeting of shipping in the Red Sea and civilian infrastructure, which has led to grave consequences for both the region and the international community.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Khot, Arif Ibrahim of India.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Arafat shipping company of the Marshall Islands;
  • DP Shipping Limited of the Marshall Islands:
  • K F D General Trading L.L.C. of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Kai Heng Long Global Energy Limited of China;
  • KDS Shipping Limited of the Marshall Islands;
  • ONX Trading FZE of the United Arab Emirates; and
  • Transmarine Navigation M SDN. BHD. Of Malaysia.

 

The following vessels have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Divine Power (T8A4414) Chemical/Products Tanker Palau flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9171357; MMSI 511101150 (vessel);
  • Fengshun H9ZK) LPG Tanker Eswatini flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9007386; MMSI 374350000 (vessel);
  • Lady Liberty (3FTM2) LPG Tanker Sao Tome and Principe flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9005065; MMSI 668116262 (vessel);
  • LPG OM (T8A4415) LPG Tanker Palau flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9160475; MMSI 511101151 (vessel);
  • Parvati (3E3842) LPG Tanker Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8519966; MMSI 352002268 (vessel);
  • Raha Gas (T8A4761) LPG Tanker Palau flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8818219; MMSI 511101405 (vessel); and
  • Victoria (S9Z6) LPG Tanker Sao Tome and Principe flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9113379; MMSI 668116259 (vessel).

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240815 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions

*******

 

August 20, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the former President of Haiti, Michel Joseph Martelly (Martelly), pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 of December 15, 2021, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade.”

 

The following individual has been added to OFAC’s Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions List:

 

  • Martelly, Michel Joseph of Haiti.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240820

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2542

 

*******

 

August 23, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 103 - "Authorizing Transactions Related to Imports of Certain Diamond Jewelry Prohibited by Executive Order 14068;" Russia-related General License 104 - "Authorizing Transactions Related to Imports of Certain Diamonds Prohibited by Executive Order 14068;" Russia-related General License 105 - "Authorizing Limited Safety and Environmental Transactions and the Unloading of Cargo Involving Certain Blocked Persons or Vessels;" Russia-related General License 106 - "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Certain Entities Blocked on August 23, 2024;" and Russia-related General License 107 - "Authorizing Limited Safety and Environmental Transactions Involving Certain Blocked Persons or Vessels."

 

Additionally, OFAC issued one new, Russia-related Frequently Asked Question (FAQ 1189)

 

General License 103:

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by the determination of February 8, 2024 made pursuant to sections 1(a)(i)(A) and 1(a)(i)(D) of Executive Order 14068 (“Prohibitions Related to Imports of Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds of Russian Federation Origin and Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Exported from the Russian Federation”) that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the importation and entry into the United States, including importation for admission into a foreign trade zone located in the United States, of diamond jewelry that was physically located outside of the Russian Federation prior to March 1, 2024, and not exported or reexported from the Russian Federation on or after March 1, 2024, are authorized.

 

General License 104:

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by the determination of February 8, 2024 made pursuant to section 1(a)(i)(B) of Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 (“Prohibitions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Diamonds”) that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the importation and entry into the United States, including importation for admission into a foreign trade zone located in the United States, of the following categories of diamonds are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, September 1, 2025, provided that the diamonds were physically located outside of the Russian Federation before, and were not exported or re-exported from the Russian Federation since:

 

(1) March 1, 2024 for non-industrial diamonds with a weight of 1.0 carat or greater; or

(2) September 1, 2024 for non-industrial diamonds with a weight of 0.5 carats or greater.

 

 

General License 105:

 

(a)  All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to one of the following activities involving White Fox Ship Management FZCO or any entity in which White Fox Ship Management FZCO owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 23, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR):

 

(1) The safe docking and anchoring in port of any vessels in which any person listed in paragraph (2) of this general license has a property interest (the “blocked vessels”);

(3) The preservation of the health or safety of the crew of any of the blocked vessels; or

(4) Emergency repairs of any of the blocked vessels or environmental mitigation or protection activities relating to any of the blocked vessels.

 

(b) All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the delivery and offloading of cargo involving the blocked persons identified in paragraph (a) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 23, 2024, provided that the cargo was loaded prior to August 23, 2024.

 

General License 106:

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving one or more of the following blocked entities are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 9, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person is made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR):

 

(1) General Technology Group Dalian Machine Tool Import & Export Co Ltd;

(2) Public Joint Stock Company Yakutskaya Toplivno Energeticheskaya Kompaniya (YATEC);

(3) Joint Stock Company Holdingovaya Kompaniya SDS Ugol;

(4) Public Joint Stock Company Ugolnaya Kompaniya Yuzhnyi Kuzbass;

(5) Joint Stock Company Stroiservis;

(6) Guangzhou Chiphome Information Technology Limited;

(7) Chengdu Jingxin Technology Co Ltd;

(8) Shenzhen Huashuo Semiconductor Co Ltd;

(9) AirBridgeCargo Airlines Limited Liability Company;

(10) Speech Technology Center Limited;

(11) Idronaut S.R.L.;

(12) GRK Bystrinskoye;

(13) Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Evraz Nizhnetagilski Metallurgicheski Kombinat (NTMK);

(14) Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Evraz Vanadi Tula;

(15) Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Evraz Market;

(16) Limited Liability Company Volga Dnepr Airlines;

(17) Atran Limited Liability Company; or

(18) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

General License 107:

 

(a) All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to one of the following activities involving the blocked persons described in paragraph (b) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 23, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR):

 

(1) The safe docking and anchoring in port of any vessels in which any person listed in paragraph (2) of this general license has a property interest (the “blocked vessels”);

(3) The preservation of the health or safety of the crew of any of the blocked vessels; or

(4) Emergency repairs of any of the blocked vessels or environmental mitigation or protection activities relating to any of the blocked vessels.

 

(b) The authorization in paragraph (a) of this general license applies to the following blocked persons listed on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and any entity in which any of the following persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest:

 

(1) Ocean Speedstar Solutions OPC Private Limited; or

(2) Zara Shipholding Co.

 

FAQ 1189:

 

Q: What additional authorizations did Treasury issue on August 23, 2024 with respect to certain diamonds and diamond jewelry prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14068?

 

A: Treasury issued two general licenses (GLs), GL 103 and GL 104, authorizing certain transactions with respect to certain diamonds and diamond jewelry that would otherwise be prohibited by E.O. 14068 in “Prohibitions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Diamonds” (the “Diamonds Determination”) and “Prohibitions Related to the Imports of Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds of Russian Federation Origin and Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Exported from the Russian Federation” (the “Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Determination”).

 

General License 103 authorizes the importation into the United States of diamond jewelry if that jewelry was physically located outside of the Russian Federation before, and not exported or reexported from the Russian Federation since, March 01, 2024. This means that the importation ban issued pursuant to the Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Determination under E.O. 14068 no longer applies to diamond jewelry that was located outside of Russia and not exported or reexported from Russia since March 01, 2024.

 

General License 104 authorizes through September 01, 2025 the importation into the United States of non-industrial diamonds, substantially transformed into other products outside of the Russian Federation, with a weight of 1.0 carat or greater, if those diamonds were physically located outside of the Russian Federation before, and not exported or reexported from the Russian Federation since, March 01, 2024. GL 104 also authorizes the importation into the United States of non-industrial diamonds, substantially transformed into other products outside of the Russian Federation, with a weight of 0.5 carats or greater if those diamonds were physically located outside of the Russian Federation before, and not exported or reexported from the Russian Federation since, September 01, 2024. This means that, for non-industrial diamonds that meet these parameters, the importation ban issued pursuant to the Diamonds Determination under E.O. 14068 no longer applies.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933116/download?inline

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933121/download?inline

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933126/download?inline

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933131/download?inline

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933131/download?inline

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933136/download?inline

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1189 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240823

 

*******

August 27, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published one new, basic information Frequently Asked Question (FAQ 1190)

 

Q: Do U.S. sanctions target persons for engaging in political speech, religious practice, or other constitutionally protected activities?

 

A: OFAC does not sanction persons for their engagement in activities subject to U.S. constitutional protection, such as protected speech or religious practice or for their religious beliefs; nor do U.S. persons violate OFAC sanctions for engaging in such constitutionally protected activity. Furthermore, additional limitations and authorizations are in place to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not restrict the exchange of information or informational materials, or personal communication. The majority of OFAC sanctions programs are promulgated pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq., which limits the authority to “regulate or prohibit, directly or indirectly . . . any postal, telegraphic, telephonic, or other personal communication, which does not involve a transfer of anything of value . . . or, the importation from any country, or the exportation to any country, whether commercial or otherwise, . . . of any information or informational materials.” 50 U.S.C. § 1702(b)(1), (3).

 

No authorization is necessary for U.S. persons to engage in activities that are not prohibited by or are otherwise exempt from sanctions. If you are concerned that potential sanctions may interfere with constitutionally protected activities, please reach out to OFAC for further guidance as described here.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1190 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240827

 

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AUGUST 2024 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATIONS UPDATES Read More »

MARCH 2024 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATIONS UPDATES

 

This newsletter is a listing of the latest changes in export control regulations through March 31, 2024.  The newsletter is provided as a complimentary service to assist exporters with their ITAR and EAR export compliance responsibilities.  It provides a summary of recent changes to export control regulations or other regulatory matters of interest that may impact your company’s international trade and export compliance functions. Call us at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net with questions or comments.

 

See also our “Latest Sanctions Fines & Penalties” section below for an update on companies and

persons denied export privileges by the United States Government.

 

REGULATORY UPDATES

 

President

 

President Biden Terminated The National Emergency with Respect to Zimbabwe

 

March 4, 2024: President Biden found that the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13288 of March 6, 2003, with respect to the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes or institutions, as relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13391 of November 22, 2005, and as expanded by Executive Order 13469 of July 25, 2008, should no longer be in effect.  Although President Biden continues to be concerned with the situation in Zimbabwe, particularly with respect to acts of violence and other human rights abuses against political opponents and with respect to public corruption, including misuse of public authority, the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13288 is no longer needed.  Accordingly, President Biden terminated the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288, and revoke that order, Executive Order 13391, and Executive Order 13469.

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/04/executive-order-on-the-termination-of-emergency-with-respect-to-the-situation-in-zimbabwe/

 

Editors note: The declaration of termination of the national emergency may result in revisions to the ITAR and EAR for an arms embargo on Zimbabwe. Follow our monthly newsletter for updates.

 

President Biden Continued The National Emergency with Respect to Ukraine

 

 

March 4, 2024: On March 6, 2014, by Executive Order 13660, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in relation to Ukraine. The situation in and in relation to Ukraine undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine; threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; and contribute to the misappropriation of its assets, as well as the actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation, including its purported annexation of Crimea and its use of force in Ukraine, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States

Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13660.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/04/press-release-notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-ukraine/

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President Biden Continued The National Emergency with Respect to Venezuela

March 5, 2024: On March 8, 2015, the President issued Executive Order 13692, declaring a national emergency with respect to the situation in Venezuela, including the Government of Venezuela’s erosion of human rights guarantees, persecution of political opponents, curtailment of press freedoms, use of violence and human rights violations and abuses in response to antigovernment protests, and arbitrary arrest and detention of antigovernment protesters, as well as the exacerbating presence of significant government corruption.

The situation in and in relation to Venezuela, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13692.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/05/press-release-notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-venezuela/

*******

President Biden Continued The National Emergency with Respect to Iran

March 12, 2024: On March 15, 1995, by Executive Order 12957, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701‑1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran. The actions and policies of the Government of Iran — including its proliferation and development of missiles and other asymmetric and conventional weapons capabilities, its network and campaign of regional aggression, its support for terrorist groups, and the malign activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its surrogates — continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

The situation in and relation to Iran continue to pose threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Iran declared in Executive Order 12957.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/12/press-release-notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-iran/

*******

 

President Biden Continued The National Emergency with Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities

 

March 26, 2024: On April 1, 2015, by Executive Order 13694, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the increasing prevalence and severity of malicious cyber-enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States.  On December 28, 2016, the President issued Executive Order 13757 to take additional steps to address the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13694.

These significant malicious cyber-enabled activities continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  For this reason, the national emergency declared on April 1, 2015, must continue in effect beyond April 1, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13694.

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/26/press-release-notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-significant-malicious-cyber-enabled-activities/

 

*******

 

President Biden Continued The National Emergency with Respect to South Sudan

 

March 26, 2024: On April 3, 2014, by Executive Order 13664, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in and in relation to South Sudan, which has been marked by activities that threaten the peace, security, or stability of South Sudan and the surrounding region, including widespread violence and atrocities, human rights abuses, recruitment and use of child soldiers, attacks on peacekeepers, and obstruction of humanitarian operations.

 

The situation in and in relation to South Sudan continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on April 3, 2014, must continue in effect beyond April 3, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13664.

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/26/press-release-notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-south-sudan-2/

 

*******

 

The U.S. Department of State

 

Change in Policy on Exports of Defense Articles and Defense Services to Nicaragua

 

March 15, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 18796: In response to growing concerns regarding Nicaragua’s continuing dismantling of democratic institutions, attacks on civil society, and increased security cooperation with Russia, to include support of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Department of State amended the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to add Nicaragua to the 22 CFR § 126.1 list of countries for which it is the policy of the United States to deny licenses or other approvals for exports and imports of defense services and defense articles, except as otherwise provided.

 

The policy of denial toward Nicaragua applies to licenses or other approvals for exports and imports of defense articles or defense services, except that a license or other approval may be issued on a case-by-case basis for non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian assistance, to include natural disaster relief.

 

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic-inspection.federalregister.gov%2F2024-05695.pdf%3Futm_campaign%3Dpi%2Bsubscription%2Bmailing%2Blist%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dfederalregister.gov&data=05%7C02%7CJaniferDK%40state.gov%7Cc15f3fbaaf2b4daa7ca308dc4431627e%7C66cf50745afe48d1a691a12b2121f44b%7C0%7C0%7C638460226108622737%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9ywCUi2YHxcB8bIcY9%2FGiVDcuaY1qEt5kdJFwg7shho%3D&reserved=0

 

Editors note: The EAR also takes a corresponding action for items with a 600 series ECCN by adding Nicaragua to the list of D:5 countries.

 

*******

 

State/DDTC Publishes FAQ re Value of Paragraph (x) Items

 

March 18, 2024: The Department of State published a new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) on its website regarding the values of Paragraph (x) items:

 

Question:

 

“Will the value of the paragraph (x) items be used to decrement the authorization or count toward congressional notification threshold?”

 

Answer:

 

“No, however applicants must include the appropriate value of the paragraph (x) articles on the license applications. When adjudicating a license request, although the value of the paragraph (x) items is included in the total license value, DDTC will exclude the paragraph (x) value from threshold determinations such as congressional notifications. When the license is approved and the exporter files via Automated Export System (AES) for a shipment against the license, the exporter must include the declared value of the paragraph (x) items and that value will be decremented in AES against the total value of the license.”

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_faq_detail&sys_id=558b2d9cdb3d5b4044f9ff621f961931

 

Editor’s note: Paragraph (x) items are items subject to the EAR that have been licensed on an ITAR license.

*******

 

International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Removal of Certain Capacitors from Category XI(c)(5) of the U.S. Munitions List

 

March 25, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 20546: The Department of State published a final rule in the Federal Register that amends, effective April 24, 2024, U.S. Munitions List Category XI(c)(5), which describes certain high-energy storage capacitors.

 

The Department of State published an interim final rule on April 27, 2023, effective May 21, 2023, amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to remove from U.S. Munitions List (USML) Category XI certain high-energy storage capacitors and to clearly identify the high-energy storage capacitors that remain in USML Category XI. After reviewing the comments received in response to that interim final rule, the Department is now further amending USML Category XI to remove additional high-energy storage capacitors and to more clearly identify those that remain in USML Category XI.

 

The Department received four comments from the public, all of which recommended that the Department define the voltage criterion according to “voltage rating” or “rated voltage,” rather than “capable of operating.” The Department accepts these comments and will implement the term “rated voltage” to specify the voltage criterion in place of the phrase “capable of operating,” which does not have a broadly accepted definition. The Department notes that rated voltage is commonly provided in manufacturers' product literature worldwide, thereby giving persons other than the manufacturer valuable information in assessing the capabilities of the capacitors. Accordingly, the Department has decided to specify the voltage criterion in paragraph (c)(5)(i) of USML Category XI in terms of “rated voltage.”

 

USML Category XI(c)(5) includes the following changes:

 

Category XI—Military Electronics

 

(c)

(5) High-energy storage capacitors that:

(i) Have a rated voltage of greater than five hundred volts (500 V);

(ii) Have a repetition rate greater than or equal to six (6) discharges per minute;

(iii) Have a full energy life greater than or equal to 10,000 discharges at greater than 0.2 Amps per Joule peak current; and

(iv) Have any of the following:

(A) Volumetric energy density greater than or equal to 1.5 J/cc; or

(B) Mass energy density greater than or equal to 1.3 kJ/kg;

 

Note to paragraph (c)(5):

 

Volumetric energy density is Energy per unit Volume. Mass energy density is Energy per unit Mass, sometimes referred to as Gravimetric energy density or Specific energy. Energy (E = 1/2 CV2 , where C is Capacitance and V is the rated voltage) in these calculations must not be confused with useful energy or extractable energy. Rated voltage is the value, based on the capacitor's design, testing, and evaluation, that describes the maximum amount of continuous voltage, at an operating temperature less than or equal to 85 degrees Celsius (85 °C), that will not damage the capacitor. Rated voltage does not include short-term transient or surge operating conditions.

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events and

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/25/2024-06199/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-revision-to-us-munitions-list-category-xi-high-energy

 

*******

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Released New Joint Venture FAQs

 

March 25, 2024: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has released new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding when and how joint ventures (JV) must be added to Block 8 (Affiliate/Subsidiary Information) of an DDTC registrant’s Statement of Registration (DS-2032 form). DDTC views JVs as separate legal entities which are established by two or more parties and are governed by a Joint Venture Agreement.

 

Question:

 

How do I register a foreign-incorporated joint venture (JV) in Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS)?

 

Answer:

 

If a Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) registrant owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the foreign JV then the registrant must add the JV to Block 8 of its DS-2032 form as a subsidiary. If a DDTC registrant does not own more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the foreign JV, but otherwise manages the day-to-day operations of the foreign-incorporated JV, then such DDTC registrant must add the JV to Block 8 of its DS-2032 form as a controlled affiliate. Otherwise, without U.S. persons managing the day-to-day operations of the foreign-incorporated JV then such JV is not able to be DDTC registered. Alternatively, if the DDTC registrant is a foreign broker and they own more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the foreign JV then they must add the foreign JV to Block 8 of its DS-2032 form as a subsidiary and the JV would only be registered as a foreign broker. If the foreign broker manages the day-to-day operations of the foreign JV then they must add the foreign JV to Block 8 of its DS-2032 form as a controlled affiliate and the JV would only be registered as a foreign broker.

 

DDTC registrants participating in a JV engaged in ITAR-related activities with foreign-persons are reminded that foreign-person employees who will receive ITAR-controlled technical data must first obtain appropriate licenses or other approvals. Special protocols may be appropriate to address the day-to-day involvement of foreign-person personnel including officers and senior managers. Export compliance briefings should be prepared for foreign-person personnel to ensure they understand ITAR-related restrictions as well as protocols/procedures to request access to ITAR-controlled activities (including defense articles, including technical data, and defense services). Furthermore, it is prohibited to perform defense services or export or temporary import ITAR-controlled defense articles to subsidiaries/affiliates located in proscribed countries under ITAR Section 126.1 (for example, the People’s Republic of China, North Korea, Syria, etc.) without first obtaining a license or other approval from DDTC. DDTC registrants should counsel their employees not to discuss the substance of ITAR-controlled technical data with foreign-person employees without a license or other approval. Also, DDTC registrants should ensure all employees are appropriately briefed on their ITAR compliance responsibilities.

 

Question:

 

Which Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)-registered U.S. joint venture (JV) member holds responsibility for listing the JV on its Statement of Registration (DS-2032 form) in Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS)?

 

Answer:

 

The answer will depend on several factors. If a DDTC registrant owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the JV, then such DDTC registrant must add the JV to Block 8 of its DS-2032 form in DECCS Registration as a subsidiary, so long as the JV is separately incorporated as its own legal entity (i.e., not an unincorporated collection of property and/or assets). Alternatively, if an DDTC registrant does not own more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the JV, but otherwise manages the day-to-day operations of the JV, then such DDTC registrant must add the JV to Block 8 of its DS-2032 form in DECCS Registration as a controlled affiliate, so long as the JV is separately incorporated as its own legal entity (i.e., not an unincorporated collection of property and/or assets).

If a DDTC registrant does not own or have ability to manage the day-to-day operations of the JV, the JV must send a registration submission using a DS-2032 form in DECCS Registration to receive its own, separate registration.

 

To confirm management control by the DDTC registrant, the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance may consider (including but not limited to): ownership distribution of the JV, whether the JV has an independent board of directors, terms of the JV agreement, and/or staffing and resources of the JV.

 

Question:

 

My joint venture (JV) is incorporated in the United States, but management and control are split 50/50 between two foreign persons—can I have my JV register on its own?

 

Answer:

 

If an U.S.-incorporated JV is engaged in ITAR activities, but both of its managing members are foreign persons as defined in ITAR 120.63, then the JV must send a registration submission, signed by a U.S. person senior officer, in Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS) Registration to receive its own, separate registration and code. If an U.S.-incorporated JV does not have a U.S. person senior officer, then the JV will either not be able to register with DDTC or it must hire a U.S. person senior officer who has authority to manage the day-to-day operations of the JV. The U.S. person senior officer must sign and submit the DS-2032 form in DECCS Registration to receive a registration and code. Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance (DDTC) registrants participating in a JV engaged in ITAR-related activities with foreign-persons are reminded that foreign-person employees who will receive ITAR-controlled technical data must first obtain appropriate licenses or other approvals.

 

 

 

 

Question:

 

What type of legal entities can be added to Block 8 of a Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) registrant's DS-2032 form?

 

Answer:

 

Entities listed as subsidiaries or controlled affiliates in Block 8 of the DS-2032 form must be separate and distinct legal entities from the registrant in the DS-2032 form. Such legal entities will have their own articles of incorporation and/or formation separate and distinct from their parent company.

However, office and factory locations owned by a DDTC registrant, but not separately incorporated from such registrant must not be added to Block 8 of the DS-2032 form as subsidiaries or controlled affiliates. Similarly, a joint venture consisting of certain resources (e.g., joint money, property, effort, and knowledge) must not be added to the DS-2032 form if such joint venture is not separately incorporated as a distinct legal entity.

 

If a DDTC registrant operates under a trade name distinct from its legal name, it must not separately list its trade name in Block 8 of the DS-2032 form. Instead, Block 5 of the DS-2032 form affords the registrant the opportunity to distinguish their “doing business as name” from the legal name reflected in their articles of incorporation or formation.

 

Question:

 

My Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) U.S. registered company and another DDTC U.S. registered company each own 50% of an ITAR related legal entity. Which DDTC registrant must add the company to its DS-2032 form?

 

Answer:

 

Generally, the DDTC registrant that manages the day-to-day operations of the joint venture (JV), must add the JV to Block 8 of its DS-2032 form as a controlled affiliate. If both DDTC registered parties have equal management control of the JV, the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance may consider other factors which may be determinative of control (including but not limited to): responsibilities related to specific ITAR related activities enumerated in the JV agreement, specifically stipulated tie-breakers, arbitration agreements, etc. If the JV has a 50/50 ownership split and is independently managed, then the JV must send a registration submission using a DS-2032 form in Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS) Registration to receive its own, separate registration and code.

 

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_faq_detail&sys_id=0fb3961fdb4942908fe6e01a13961922 and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_faq_detail&sys_id=c7f1529bdb4942908fe6e01a139619e7 and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_faq_detail&sys_id=0c83561fdb4942908fe6e01a13961922 and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_faq_detail&sys_id=1c24525fdb4942908fe6e01a13961933 and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_faq_detail&sys_id=68e212dbdb4942908fe6e01a13961912 and

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events

*******

 

DDTC Name And Address Changes Posted To Website

 

March 11 through 26, 2024: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following name and/or address changes on its website at    

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=bd72ca0adbf8d30044f9ff621f961981:

 

  • Change in Address from Pilatus Training Solutions Australia Pty Ltd formerly at 249 Somerton Park Road, Sale, Victoria 3850, Australia to Pilatus Training Solutions Australia Pty Ltd at 81 Pearson Street, Sale, Victoria 3850, Australia;
  • Change in Address from D3O, LLC formerly at 2270 Kraft Drive, Suite 1260, Blacksburg, VA 24060 to D3O, LLC at 1750 Kraft Drive, Suite 1275, Blacksburg, VA 24060;
  • Change in Address from GEC Aviation Inc. formerly at 1919 Minnesota Court, Suite 100, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 0C9, Canada to GEC Aviation Inc. at 60 Queen Street, Suite 601, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5YZ, Canada; and
  • Change in Name from Ayesa Air Control GmbH to Alten GmbH due to merger.

 

*******

 

U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

 

DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To Canada

 

March 7, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Government of Canada has requested to buy telecommunications services providing Tactical Narrowband Satellite Communications (SATCOM) access to Canadian armed forces users over the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) service; communication technical assistance to provide operational support, lifecycle management support, and engineering technical assistance and services; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $138 million. The principal contractor will be General Dynamics, Reston, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/canada-mobile-user-objective-system-access

 

*******

 

DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to South Korea

 

March 7, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested to buy five (5) BQM-177A Subsonic Sea-Skimming Aerial Targets (SSAT) for KDX-III Batch-II AEGIS Class Destroyers. Also included are GQM-163 target drones; classified books and other publications (technical and non-technical); test support; technical documentation; personnel training; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $170.6 million. The principal contractor for the BQM-177A SSAT will be Kratos Defense, Sacramento, CA, and Fort Walton Beach, FL. The principal contractor for the GQM-163A target drones will be Northrop Grumman, Chandler, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/republic-korea-subsonic-sea-skimming-aerial-targets-kdx-iii-batch-ii

 

*******

 

DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to South Korea

 

March 8, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested to buy six (6) T-700 GE 401C or 401D engines. Also included are spare engine containers; spare and repair parts; ferry support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $350 million. The principal contractor will be the General Electric Company, located in Lynn, MA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/republic-korea-engines-and-sustainment-mh-60r-multi-mission

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to North Macedonia

 

March 8, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Government of North Macedonia has requested to buy an additional eighteen (18) M1278A1/A2 Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Heavy Gun Carriers (HGC); and seven (7) M1280A1/A2 Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) General Purpose (GP) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, valued at $78.54 million ($23.16 million in MDE), included a total of seventy-one (71) JLTVs, consisting of forty-eight (48) M1278A1/A2 JLTVs HGC; seventeen (17) M1280A1/A2 JLTVs GP; and six (6) M1281A1/A2 JLTVs Close Combat Weapons Carrier (CCWC). This notification is for a combined total of sixty-six (66) M1278A1/A2 JLTV HGC; twenty-four (24) M1280A1/A2 JLTV GP; and six (6) M1281A1/A2 JLTV CCWC. Also included are Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS); CROWS spare parts; CROWS Basic Issue Items (BII) – Boresight Kit Components; CROWS packaging and handling; CROWS installation and training; M2A1 machine guns with support equipment; MK19 Mod III with support equipment; M240B machine guns with support equipment; MK93 weapon mount; Driver’s Visor Enhancer (DVE); Maintenance Tool Set Toughbook Laptops; high frequency radios; communications equipment; Defense Advanced Global Positioning System Receivers (DAGR) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules (SAASM) and support equipment; JLTV kits; Vehicle Integration kits; LCD 4.0; spare and repair parts; Supplemental Common Tool Kit (SCTK); Special Tools and Test Equipment (STTE); Objective Gunner Protection Kit (OGPK); Javelin Integration Bracket Kit; turret rings and hatches; technical manuals and publications; New Equipment Training (NET); U.S. Government and contractor technical engineering, logistics, and personnel services; JLTV Field Service Representative support; JLTV integration support, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $111 million. The principal contractors will be Oshkosh Defense, Oshkosh, WI; AM General, Auburn Hills, MI; Leonardo DRS, West Plains, MO, and L3Harris, Melbourne, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/north-macedonia-joint-light-tactical-vehicles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to Poland

 

March 12, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Government of Poland has requested to buy two hundred thirty-two (232) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles and sixteen (16) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missile Guidance Units. Also included are missile containers; training aids; active optical target detectors; spares; support equipment; missile support; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $219.1 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/poland-aim-9x-block-ii-sidewinder-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to Poland

 

March 12, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Government of Poland has requested to buy up to seven hundred forty-five (745) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), up to sixteen (16) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, and fifty (50) LAU-129 Guided Missile Launchers. Also included are AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles, missile containers, and control section spares; Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment; ADU-891 Adapter Group Test Sets; munitions support and support equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; contract logistics support; classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training support; transportation support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.69 billion. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/poland-aim-120c-8-advanced-medium-range-air-air-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to Poland

 

March 12, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Government of Poland has requested to buy up to eight hundred twenty-one (821) AGM-158B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) All-Up-Rounds. Also included are AGM-158 JASSM classified test equipment; weapon system support; integration and test support and equipment; classified software delivery and support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.77 billion. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/poland-agm-158b-2-joint-air-surface-standoff-missile-extended-range

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to Italy

 

March 15, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Government of Italy has requested to buy twenty-eight (28) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles; four (4) AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Guidance Units; eight (8) AIM-9X Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); and two (2) AIM-9X CATM Guidance Units that will be added to previously implemented cases whose values were under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales cases, valued at $34.1 million ($24.1 million in MDE) and $17.6 million ($9.7 million in MDE), respectively, included a total of thirty-eight (38) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles; three (3) AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Guidance Units; sixteen (16) AIM-9X CATM; and two (2) AIM-9X CATM Guidance Units. This notification is for a combined total of sixty-six (66) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles; seven (7) AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Guidance Units; twenty-four (24) AIM-9X CATM; and four (4) AIM-9X CATM Guidance Units. Also included are active optical target detectors; containers; personnel training and training equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documents; warranties; U.S. Government engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $90.6 million. The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/italy-aim-9x-sidewinder-missiles

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to Bahrain

 

March 19, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Government of Bahrain has requested to buy fifty (50) M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks; four (4) M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles; eight (8) M1110 Joint Assault Bridges; eight (8) M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles; eight (8) Heavy Assault Scissor Bridge (HASB); one hundred (100) M240 Coaxial 7.62mm machine guns; three (3) AGT1500 Gas Turbine engines; six thousand (6,000) 120mm M1002 Target Practice Multipurpose Tracer (TPMP-T) projectiles; and five thousand seven hundred sixty (5,760) 120mm M1147 High Explosive Multipurpose Tracers. Also included are M2A1 .50 caliber machine guns; Common Remote Operated Weapons Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP); Forward Repair System; M250 smoke grenade launchers; service and training ammunition; M1300/M1302 Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter System (EHETS); M978A4 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) tanker and Load Handling System (LHS); M074A1 Palletized Load Systems and trailers and flat racks; support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; Special Tools and Test Equipment (STTE); communications equipment; Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM)-based Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; software delivery and support; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; publications and technical manuals; maintenance trainers; training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; Next Generation Automatic Test System (NGATS); and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.2 billion. The principal contractors will be General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, MI; BAE Systems, York, PA; Leonardo DRS, Arlington, VA; Honeywell Aerospace, Phoenix, AZ; RTX Corporation, McKinney, TX; and Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/bahrain-m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tanks

 

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale to Morocco

 

March 19, 2024: The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that The Government of Morocco has requested to buy six hundred twelve (612) Javelin FGM-148F missiles (includes twelve (12) fly-to-buy missiles) and two hundred (200) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs). Also included are missile simulation rounds; Javelin support equipment; hand and measuring tools; books and publications; power plus distribution equipment; component parts and support equipment; life cycle support and other technical assistance; gunner training; ammunition officer’s training; System Integration and Checkout (SICO); maintenance training; Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM); and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $260 million. The prime contractors will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin in Orlando, FL, and RTX Corporation in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

 

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-javelin-missiles

 

 

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U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

 

Clarification of Controls on Radiation Hardened Integrated Circuits and Expansion of License Exception GOV

 

March 13, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 18353: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to clarify controls on radiation hardened integrated circuits, including controls on computer and telecommunications equipment incorporating such radiation hardened integrated circuits. This rule also addresses certain scenarios that apply to certain integrated circuits acquired, tested, or otherwise used by or for the United States Government and affirms the availability of License Exception GOV for such items when pursuant to an official written request or directive from the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy. Lastly, this rule expands the availability of License Exception GOV for microelectronics items being exported, reexported, or transferred (in-country) in furtherance of a contract between the exporter, reexporter, or transferor and a department or agency of the U.S. Government when the contract provides for the export, reexport, transfer (in-country) of the item by the exporter, reexporter, or transferor in order to remove export control obstacles for official business of the U.S. Government, including the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/13/2024-05267/clarification-of-controls-on-radiation-hardened-integrated-circuits-and-expansion-of-license

 

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Commerce Updates Rules To Further Restrict Exports To Nicaragua Due To Foreign Policy Concerns

 

March 15, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 18780: U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published revisions to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to apply more restrictive treatment to exports and reexports to Nicaragua of items subject to the EAR.  This action is consistent with the State Department’s recent addition of Nicaragua to the list of proscribed countries under Section 126.1 of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. BIS’s amendments also address concerns regarding the Nicaraguan Government’s human rights abuses against citizens and civil society groups, as well as the government’s continuing military and security cooperation with Russia. Specifically, BIS is moving Nicaragua from Country Group B to Country Group D:5, a more restrictive country grouping, applying a stricter licensing policy for items controlled for national security reasons, and making the country subject to ‘military end use’ and ‘military end user’ restrictions.

 

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases and

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/component/docman/?task=doc_download&gid=3463

 

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BIS Imposes Stricter End-User Controls: Ensuring Consistency with OFAC Programs

 

March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 20107: The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released a final rule to impose additional restrictions under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) on persons identified under fourteen sanctions programs, on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List) maintained by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This action builds on long-standing end-user restrictions under the EAR.

 

While the EAR has for many years restricted the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) transactions involving certain persons and entities identified on the SDN List or pursuant to certain statutory authorities, this rule ensures that persons and entities blocked under fourteen OFAC sanctions programs will also automatically be subject to stringent export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) controls under the EAR. The fourteen OFAC sanctions programs consist of:

 

  • Seven Executive Orders related to Russia’s harmful foreign activities, including its aggression in Ukraine dating back to its 2014 annexation of Crimea as well as the recent further invasion in 2022 and the undermining of democratic processes or institutions in Belarus (EOs 13405, 13660, 13661, 13662, 13685, 14024, and 14038);
  • Two programs related to terrorism (Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations and Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations);
  • The Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations; and Four programs related to narcotics trafficking and other criminal networks (EOs 13581 and 1 14059, the Narcotics Trafficking Sanctions Regulations, and the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Sanctions Regulations)

 

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/component/docman/?task=doc_download&gid=3466 and

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases and

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/21/2024-06067/export-administration-regulations-end-user-controls-imposition-of-restrictions-on-certain-persons

 

 

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BIS Updated Website

 

March 20, 2024: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has moved websites. You can now find it at https://www.bis.gov/

 

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BIS ANNUAL Update – Assistant Secretary Speech Highlights

 

March 28, 2024: Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod gave BIS’s 2024 update on export controls and policy. He highlighted 4 key actions taken by BIS as follows:

 

  1. Updated guidance for freight forwarders (including antiboycott guidance) is on the BIS website.

 

  1. A new “Don't Let This Happen to You” (enforcement action summary document) packet is available on the BIS website. This captures many new actions since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

 

  1. A list of parties requiring engagement with a foreign boycott is now available on the BIS website. This list was created from data provided in response to a new field on the OAC antiboycott reporting form (the field was added to the form last year).
  2. U.S. companies identified as having certain risky counterparties by BIS (based on, it seems, AES data) are being sent "red flag letters." These letters now demonstrate how those counterparties are risky by providing "commercially available datasets" identifying those counterparties (over 600 foreign companies) as continuing to export to Russia. Contacted exporters are being encouraged not to export to these potentially diversionary parties. 20 companies have received these notices so far.

 

Additional Facts:

 

  • Russia and China prohibited diversion of US goods to these countries continue to be a primary focus for BIS.

 

  • In 2023, BIS received over 1,100 license application for exports to Russia, the majority for EAR99 medical products. The agency is now working on developing a License Exception to simplify the process for exporters.
  • BIS could soon consider controls on exports of EAR99 software to Russia to align with international counterparts.

 

  • Publication of a new Advanced Computing Semiconductor clarifications and conforming changes rule is imminent.

 

 

  • BIS is now sending letters to U.S. companies that identify their foreign customers that have been determined to be exporting high-priority items to Russia.

 

https://www.bis.gov/speeches/remarks-prepared-delivery-assistant-secretary-export-enforcement-matthew-s-axelrod-biss and

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/enforcement/1005-don-t-let-this-happen-to-you-1/file

 

See below for more expanded articles on some of the update.

 

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BIS Updates Freight Forwarder Guidance And Best Practices

 

March 28, 2024: the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a document containing updated guidance and best practices for freight forwarders and exporters who use freight forwarders to help them ensure compliance with U.S. export controls and regulatory requirements.

 

The freight forwarding community has a key role and obligation in securing the global supply chain and stemming the flow of illegal exports. Fulfilling this role helps to prevent activities contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, destabilizing military activities, and the enabling of human rights abuses. The guidance and best practices document contains discussions on: freight forwarder roles and responsibilities; responsibilities with respect to routed and non-routed exports; expectations of the exporter or U.S. principal party in interest (USPPI); considerations in selecting a freight forwarder; how the antiboycott regulations apply to freight forwarders; and red flags specific to freight forwarders and USPPIs.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-updates-freight-forwarder-guidance-and-best-practices and

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/all-articles/24-compliance-a-training/export-management-a-compliance/48-freight-forwarder-guidance

 

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BIS Issues New Resources To Facilitate Antiboycott Compliance

 

March 28, 2024: The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a new resource for companies, financial institutions, freight forwarders, and others to help them identify boycott-related requests they may receive during the regular course of business. The resource is a public list of entities who have been identified as having made a boycott-related request in reports received by BIS. The list is posted on the Office of Antiboycott Compliance (OAC) webpage with the objective of helping U.S. persons comply with the antiboycott regulations set forth in Part 760 of the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR Parts 730-774 (EAR).

 

Each entity on this list has been recently reported to BIS on a boycott request report form, as required by Section 760.5 of the EAR, as having made a boycott-related request in connection with a transaction in the interstate or foreign commerce of the United States. The list is not exhaustive and will be updated quarterly. If you believe that you have been listed in error or would like to discuss the listing, please contact the OAC.

 

U.S. persons are encouraged to diligently review transaction documents from all sources, but especially transaction documents with or involving these listed parties – given that they’ve been identified by others as a source of boycott requests – to identify possible boycott-related language and to determine whether U.S. persons have a reporting requirement to BIS pursuant to Part 760 of the EAR. The boycott request reporting form can be found here.

 

https://www.bis.gov/press-release/bis-issues-new-resource-facilitate-antiboycott-compliance and

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/policy-guidance/3301-strengthening-antiboycott-reporting-and-compliance/file and

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/component/docman/?task=doc_download&gid=3485 and

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/enforcement/oac?id=300

 

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U.S. Census Bureau

 

Tips on How to Resolve AES Response Messages

 

March 18, 2024: When a shipment is filed to the AES, a system response message is generated and indicates whether the shipment has been accepted or rejected.  If the shipment is accepted, the AES filer receives an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) as confirmation.  Though the shipment is accepted, the filer may still receive a Verify Message, Compliance Alert, Informational Message or Warning Message along with their ITN.  However, if the shipment is rejected, a Fatal Error notification is received and must be corrected to receive a valid ITN.

 

To help you take the appropriate action for the different AES Response Messages, here are some tips on how to address the most frequent messages that were generated in AES for this month.

 

Response Code: 118

Narrative: Carrier Code Missing

Severity: Fatal

Reason: The Carrier ID (SCAC/ IATA) is missing.

Resolution: The Carrier ID identifies the carrier that transports the goods out of the United States. The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is valid for vessel, rail, and truck shipments. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) code is valid for air shipments.

Verify the Carrier ID and Mode of Transport, correct the shipment and resubmit.

 

Response Code: 649

Narrative: Quantity 1 Cannot Exceed Shipping Weight

Severity: Fatal

Reason: The Unit of Measure 1 for the reported Schedule B/HTS requires kilograms and Quantity 1 exceeds the Shipping Weight.

Resolution: For the Schedule B/HTS reported, Quantity 1 must be reported in kilograms. Quantity 1 in kilograms cannot exceed the Shipping Weight.

Verify the Quantity 1 and Shipping Weight, correct the shipment and resubmit.

For a complete list of AES Response Codes, their reasons, and resolutions, see Appendix A – Commodity Filing Response Messages.

 

Appendix A – Commodity Filing Response Messages

 

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NOTICE: Expansion of Data Elements in the AES 203 Report

 

March 20, 2024: There are three different export reports provided in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system: the Automated Export System (AES) 201 Filer Report, the AES 202 USPPI Report and the AES 203 USPPI Routed Report.  At the request of the trade community, the U.S. Census Bureau along with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded the AES 203 Report to include ten additional data elements.  The Census Bureau authorizes that the additional data elements do not compromise the competitiveness between the USPPI and the FPPI, and the expanded report provides a greater visibility to users to measure compliance with routed export transactions.  The following data elements will be added to AES 203 Report effective March 22, 2024:

  • USPPI Contact Name
  • USPPI Contact Phone
  • Forwarder Company Name
  • Forwarder Contact Name
  • Forwarder Contact Phone
  • Unit of Measure (Quantity 1)
  • Unit of Measure (Quantity 2)
  • Late File Indicator
  • License Type Code
  • License Number

For more information or questions regarding AES Export Reports, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau's Data User and Trade Outreach Branch at 1-800-549-0595, Option 5 or through email at exportreports@census.gov.

 

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New BIS License Types C67 ((NAC) Notification Required)) and C68 (NAC) (No Notification Required) – for exports authorized under License Exception Notified Advanced Computing (NAC)

 

March 22, 2024: The Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an interim final rule with an effective date of October 17, 2023 for most provisions.  Among other actions, this interim final rule established a new License Exception Notified Advanced Computing (NAC) in § 740.8 of the Export Administrations Regulations (EAR), 15 C.F.R. parts 730 - 774. This license exception as specified under the paragraph (a) (Eligibility requirements) authorizes the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of any item classified in ECCNs 3A090, 4A090, 3A001.z, 4A003.z, 4A004.z, 4A005.z, 5A002.z, 5A004.z, 5A992.z, 5D002.z, or 5D992.z, except for items designed or marketed for use in a datacenter and meeting the parameters of 3A090.a.

New License Code C67 (NAC) (Notification required)

An update has been made to AES to create License Type Code C67 “Notified Advanced Computing Authorized” (NAC) (Notification required).

An update has been made to AES to create new License Code C67 “Notified Advanced Computing” (NAC), which authorizes certain exports and reexports of any item classified in ECCNs 3A090, 4A090, 3A001.z, 4A003.z, 4A004.z, 4A005.z, 5A002.z, 5A004.z, 5A992.z, 5D002.z, or 5D992.z, except for items designed or marketed for use in a datacenter and meeting the parameters of 3A090.a.  The notification requirements under NAC are limited to exports and reexports to Macau or any destination specified in Country Group D:5, or to an entity headquartered in, or with an ultimate parent headquartered in, Macau or a destination specified in Country Group D:5, wherever located.   Transactions under NAC must meet all of the applicable criteria identified under paragraph § 740.8(a) and must comply with the restrictions set forth in paragraph § 740.8(b).

The full terms of License Exception NAC are described in § 740.8.

AES filers must adhere to the following new reporting when using C67 (NAC) (Notification required) to prevent the return of fatal errors from AES:

  • Report License Code: C67 Notified Advanced Computing (NAC) (Notification required), if advanced notification was required.
  • Report License Number: Report the NAC confirmation number “(A######)” received from BIS in the license number block.
  • Allowable ECCNs: 3A090, 4A090, 3A001, 4A003, 4A004, 4A005, 5A002, 5A004, 5A992, 5D002, or 5D992.
  • Allowable countries: All destinations.
  • “.z” must be entered as the first characters to appear in the Commodity Description block for 3A001.z, 4A003.z, 4A004.z, 4A005.z, 5A002.z, 5A004.z, 5A992.z, 5D002.z, or 5D992.z.
  • Allowable Export Information Codes: All except UG
  • Allowable Modes of Transportation: All except ‘70’ (Fixed Transport)

New License Code C68 (NAC) (NO notification required)

An update has been made to AES to create License Type Code C68 “Notified Advanced Computing Authorized” (NAC) (NO notification required)

An update has been made to AES to create new License Code C68 “Notified Advanced Computing” (NAC) (NO notification required), which authorizes certain exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of any item classified in ECCNs 3A090, 4A090, 3A001z, 4A003.z, 4A004.z, 4A005.z, 5A002.z, 5A004.z, 5A992.z, 5D002.z, or 5D992.z to destinations specified in Country Group D:1 and D:4, and transfers (in-country) to Macau and destinations in Country Group D:5, for which no notification is required.  Transactions under NAC must meet all of the applicable criteria identified under paragraph § 740.8(a) and must comply with the restrictions set forth in paragraph § 740.8(b).

The full terms of License Exception NAC are described in § 740.8.

AES filers must adhere to the following new reporting when using C68 (NAC) (No notification required) to prevent the return of fatal errors from AES:

  • Report License Code: C68 Notified Advanced Computing (NAC) (No notification required), if no advanced notification was required.
  • Report License Number: Report “NAC” in the license number block.
  • Allowable ECCNs: 3A090, 4A090, 3A001, 4A003, 4A004, 4A005, 5A002, 5A004, 5A992, 5D002, or 5D992.
  • Allowable countries: Destinations specified in Country Groups D:1, D:4, and D:5.
  • “.z” must be entered as the first characters to appear in the Commodity Description block for 3A001.z, 4A003.z, 4A004.z, 4A005.z, 5A002.z, 5A004.z, 5A992.z, 5D002.z, or 5D992.z.
  • Allowable Export Information Codes: All except UG
  • Allowable Modes of Transportation: All except ‘70’ (Fixed Transport)

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/federal-register-notices-1/3369-88-fr-73458-acs-ifr-10-25-23/file

 

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The U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control

 

Publication of Tri-Seal Compliance Note

 

March 6, 2024: The U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, have issued a Tri-Seal Compliance Note: Obligations of foreign-based persons to comply with U.S. sanctions and export control laws.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240306_33 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932746/download?inline

 

LATEST SANCTIONS FINES & PENALTIES

 

This section of our newsletter provides information on the latest sanctions, fines and penalties for export violations or matters of non-compliance with the ITAR or EAR issued by the US government enforcement agencies. It is provided as a service to exporters and associates of FD Associates to remind them of the importance of extreme due diligence in all international trade and export compliance matters, particularly those involving exports subject to the ITAR or the EAR. Don't let this happen to you or your company! Call us with questions or concerns at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net.

 

Fines and Penalties

 

March 1, 2024: Maxim Marchenko, a Russian citizen who has resided in Hong Kong, pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering and smuggling goods from the United States. Marchenko was arrested in September 2023.

 

Marchenko and two co-conspirators operated an illicit procurement network in Russia, Hong Kong, and elsewhere overseas. This procurement network has fraudulently obtained from U.S. distributors large quantities of dual-use, military grade microelectronics, on behalf of Russia-based end users. To carry out this scheme, Marchenko and his co-conspirators used shell companies based in Hong Kong and other deceptive means to conceal from U.S. Government agencies and U.S. distributors that the OLED micro-displays were destined for Russia.

 

The technology that Marchenko and his co-conspirators fraudulently procured have significant military applications, such as in rifle scopes, night-vision googles, thermal optics and other weapon systems.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/russian-international-money-launderer-pleads-guilty-illicitly-procuring-large-quantities-us

 

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March 5, 2024: A federal criminal complaint was unsealed in the District of Arizona charging Abraham Chol Keech, 44, of Utah, and Peter Biar Ajak, 40, of Maryland, with conspiring to purchase and illegally export millions of dollars’ worth of fully automatic rifles, grenade launchers, Stinger missile systems, hand grenades, sniper rifles, ammunition, and other export-controlled items from the United States to South Sudan, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA).

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-defendants-arrested-conspiring-illegally-export-weapons-south-sudan

 

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March 7, 2024: A federal grand jury indicted Leon Ding, charging him with four counts of theft of trade secrets in connection with an alleged plan to steal from Google LLC (Google) proprietary information related to artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Ding, 38, a national of the People’s Republic of China and resident of Newark, California, transferred sensitive Google trade secrets and other confidential information from Google’s network to his personal account while secretly affiliating himself with PRC-based companies in the AI industry.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-national-residing-california-arrested-theft-artificial-intelligence-related-trade

 

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March 7, 2024: Korbein Schultz, a U.S. Army soldier and intelligence analyst, was arrested at Fort Campbell following an indictment by a federal grand jury charging him with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official.

 

During the course of the conspiracy, Schultz also sent Conspirator A three documents that violated the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). The three documents included an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for the HH-60W helicopter, an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for the F22-A fighter aircraft, and an Air Force Tactics Techniques and Procedures manual for intercontinental ballistic missiles.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-army-intelligence-analyst-arrested-and-charged-conspiracy-obtain-and-disclose-national and

https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1341561/dl?inline

 

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March 14, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a settlement with EFG International AG, a Switzerland-based global private banking group.  EFG has agreed to pay $3,740,442 to settle its potential civil liability for processing 873 securities transactions in apparent violation of the Cuban Asset Control Regulations, the Kingpin Act, and Executive Order 14024. The settlement amount reflects OFAC’s determination that EFG’s apparent violations were voluntarily self-disclosed and were non-egregious.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932766/download?inline

 

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March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19799: On May 12, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, Thomas Allen Glomski (“Glomski”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 371 and 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Glomski was convicted of conspiring to smuggle and smuggling ammunition from the United States to Mexico. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Glomski to time served, 36 months of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05818/in-the-matter-of-thomas-allen-glomski-8030-e-lakeside-parkway-apt-2207-tucson-az-85730-order-denying

 

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March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19801: On January 17, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Oziel Zuniga (“Zuniga”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Zuniga was convicted of smuggling a Romarm/Cugir, Model Draco, 7.62x39 mm caliber pistol from the United States to Mexico. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Zuniga to 51 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05808/in-the-matter-of-oziel-zuniga-inmate-number-00783-579-inmate-number-00783-579-fci-beaumont-low

 

*******

 

March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19805: On February 14, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, Alejandro Valles (“Valles”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Valles was convicted of smuggling a M203 40mm grenade launcher barrel from the United States to Mexico. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Valles to 15 months of imprisonment with credit for time served, three years of supervised release, and a special $100 assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05811/in-the-matter-of-alejandro-valles-507-19-n-eagle-eye-rd-aguila-az-85320-and-po-box-744-aguila-az

 

*******

 

March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19805: On June 26, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Igor Panchernikov (“Panchernikov”) was convicted of violating Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C 2778) (“AECA”). Specifically, Panchernikov was convicted of conspiring to knowingly and willfully export from the United States to Russia defense articles, including thermal imaging riflescopes and night vision goggles, that were covered by the United States Munitions List without first obtaining the required license or written approval from United States Department of State. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Panchernikov to 27 months in prison, one year of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05814/in-the-matter-of-igor-panchernikov-13870-ellis-park-trl-corona-ca-92880-3312-order-denying-export

 

*******

 

March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19800: On January 19, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Miami, Hendel Laurent (“Laurent”) was convicted of violating 50 U.S.C. 4819. Specifically, Laurent was convicted of knowingly and willfully attempting to export and attempting to cause the export of firearms and related commodities, specifically, non-automatic and semi-automatic firearms equal to .50 caliber (12.7 mm) or less, and detachable magazines with a capacity of greater than 16 rounds specially designed for those firearms, from the United States to Haiti, without first having obtained the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Laurent to 46 months of imprisonment, two years of supervised release and a $100 assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05812/in-the-matter-of-hendel-laurent-inmate-number-13937-510-fpc-pensacola-federal-correctional

 

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March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19802: On June 21, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Victor Avalos-Tavera (“Avalos-Tavera”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Avalos-Tavera was convicted of smuggling from the United States to Mexico several firearms. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Avalos-Tavera to 57 months of imprisonment and a $200 assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05815/in-the-matter-of-victor-avalos-tavera-aka-leonardo-torres-avalos-inmate-number-34749-013-fci-herlong

 

*******

 

March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19803: On September 24, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, Ron Rockwell Hansen (“Hansen”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 794. Specifically, Hansen was convicted of attempting espionage by knowingly and unlawfully attempting to communicate, deliver, and transmit directly and indirectly to the People's Republic of China, documents and information relating to the national defense of the United States including documents marked as SECRET//NOFORN that related to military readiness in a particular region, with intent and reason to believe that such documents and information would be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of any foreign nation. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Hansen to 10 years of imprisonment, 60 months of supervised release and a $100 assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05810/in-the-matter-of-ron-rockwell-hansen-inmate-number-49078-086-fci-safford-federal-correctional

 

*******

 

March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19804: On April 13, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Noe De Hoyos (“Hoyos”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Hoyos was convicted of smuggling from the United States to Mexico various firearms, various firearms accessories and various ammunition without the required license or written approval from the Department. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Hoyos to 51 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05816/in-the-matter-of-noe-de-hoyos-inmate-number-27637-509-fci-beaumont-medium-federal-correctional

 

*******

 

March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19806: On December 19, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Martin Najera (“Najera”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 371 and 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Najera was convicted of conspiring to smuggle firearms from the United States to Mexico. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Najera to 37 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, restitution of $7,513.70 and a $100 special assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05817/in-the-matter-of-martin-najera-inmate-number-00416-510-fci-texarkana-federal-correctional

 

*******

 

March 20, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 19807: On July 19, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Jonathan Guadalupe Almanza (“Almanza”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Almanza was convicted of smuggling one Glock 17 GEN5 pistol with three magazines, one Stoeger 9mm STR–9 pistol with one magazine, and one Springfield 9mm Hellcat pistol with two magazines without a license or written approval from the United States Department of Commerce. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Almanza to 38 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and $100 assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/20/2024-05809/in-the-matter-of-jonathan-guadalupe-almanza-311-sally-ave-san-juan-tx-78589-order-denying-export

 

*******

 

March 26, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 20942: On November 29, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Michael David Mummert (“Mummert”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 371 and 18 U.S.C. 554. Specifically, Mummert was convicted of conspiring to smuggle firearms and firearms parts from the United States to Mexico without first having obtained the required export license and authorization from the United States Department of State or United States Department of Commerce. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced him to 36 months in prison, three years of supervised release, a $100 assessment and a $10,000 fine.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/26/2024-06267/in-the-matter-of-michael-david-mummert-inmate-number-38011-509-us-penitentiary-po-box-1000

 

*******

 

March 26, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 20943: On April 7, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Niloufar Bahadorifar (“Bahadorifar”), was convicted of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C 1701, et seq.) (“IEEPA”). Specifically, Bahadorifar was convicted of conspiring to provide services to Iran and the Government of Iran from the United States without first obtaining the required approval from U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. As a result of her conviction, the Court sentenced Bahadorifar to 48 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $200 assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/26/2024-06268/in-the-matter-of-niloufar-bahadorifar-6417-spectrum-irvine-ca-92618-order-denying-export-privileges

 

*******

 

March 26, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 20943: On August 29, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Juan Jose Roque (“Roque”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554. Specifically, Roque was convicted of smuggling from the United States to Mexico, 12,800 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 150 rounds of 38 Special ammunition 60 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition and one Stoeger Cougar 9mm pistol, without a license or written approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced him to 46 months in prison, and a $100 special assessment.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/26/2024-06266/in-the-matter-of-juan-jose-roque-inmate-number-74029-509-fmc-fort-worth-po-box-15330-fort-worth-tx

 

*******

 

March 28, 2024: In a superseding indictment returned by a grand jury, a citizen of the Republic of Latvia was charged with crimes related to a years-long conspiracy to sell sophisticated avionics equipment to Russian companies, in violation of U.S. export laws. The defendant is the third to be arrested and charged in connection with the conspiracy led by a Kansas company and two U.S. nationals.

 

According to the superseding indictment, Oleg Chistyakov, also known as Olegs Čitsjakovs, 55, conspired with U.S. citizens Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky and Douglas Edward Robertson, of Kansas, to facilitate the sale, repair, and shipment of U.S. avionics equipment to customers in Russia and in other countries that operate Russian-built aircraft, including the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB). Chistyakov was arrested on March 19 near Riga, Latvia, and remains detained pending extradition proceedings. In December 2023, Buyanovsky pleaded guilty to conspiracy and conspiracy to commit money laundering and consented to the forfeiture of over $450,000 worth of avionics equipment and a $50,000 personal forfeiture judgment.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/latvian-broker-arrested-allegedly-smuggling-advanced-us-aircraft-technology-russia

 

*******

 

March 29, 2024: Fares Abdo Al Eyani, 41, of Oakland, California, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to export defense articles and attempting to export defense articles.

 

Court documents establish that the items Al Eyani attempted to export — four firearms, magazines, ammunition, and night-vision rifle scopes — were defense articles prohibited from export without a license by the AECA and the ITAR. Al Eyani did not have a license to export the defense articles.

 

In a separate sentencing, Al Eyani’s wife, Saba Mohsen Dhaifallah, 42, also of Oakland, was sentenced to three years of probation for making false statements to FBI special agents during the investigation of this matter.

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-man-sentenced-attempting-illegally-export-firearms-and-night-vision-rifle-scopes

 

Sanctions

 

Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 

March 1, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 15744: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) amended the “Darfur Sanctions Regulations”.  The newly updated “Sudan Stabilization Sanctions Regulations,” still found at 31 CFR part 546, implement Executive Order 14098 of May 4, 2023, as well as additional administrative updates.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932691/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240301

 

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March 1, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 15740: OFAC published a final rule to update terms across several sanctions programs’ regulations, to reflect current office names and email addresses, as well as to update grammatical terminology.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932696/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240301

 

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March 1, 2024: OFAC has published Frequently Asked Question (1167).

 

Question 1167: How does Venezuela General License (GL) 45B differ from Venezuela GL 45A?

 

Answer: On February 29, 2024, OFAC issued Venezuela GL 45B, “Authorizing Certain Repatriation Transactions Involving Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A.,” which narrowed the scope of transactions previously authorized by GL 45A.  GL 45B no longer authorizes transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to non-commercial flights between non-U.S. jurisdictions in the Western Hemisphere and Venezuela that are not exclusively for the purposes of repatriation.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1167 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240301

 

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March 4, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 11 individuals, including Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and three entities for their involvement in corruption or serious human rights abuse pursuant to E.O. 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Mnangagwa, Auxillia, of Zimbabwe; and
  • Tapfumaneyi, Asher Walter of Zimbabwe.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2154 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932741/download?inline and

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Treasury-2021-sanctions-review.pdf

 

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March 5, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two individuals and five entities associated with the Intellexa Consortium for their role in developing, operating, and distributing commercial spyware technology used to target Americans, including U.S. government officials, journalists, and policy experts. The proliferation of commercial spyware poses distinct and growing security risks to the United States and has been misused by foreign actors to enable human rights abuses and the targeting of dissidents around the world for repression and reprisal.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Dillan, Tal Jonathan of Israel; and
  • Hamous, Sara Aleksandra Fayssal of Poland.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Cytrox Ad of Macedonia;
  • Cytrox Holdings Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag of Hungary;
  • Intellexa Limited of Ireland;
  • Iyellexa S.A. of Greece; and
  • Thalestris Limited of Ireland.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240306 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2155

 

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March 6, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took additional action to target shipments of Iranian commodities undertaken by the network of Iran-based, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF)-backed Houthi financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal. This action targeted two Hong Kong- and Marshall Islands-based ship owners and two vessels for their role in shipping commodities on behalf of al-Jamal, and follows a February 27 action targeting a related vessel, the ARTURA. The revenue generated through al-Jamal’s network continues to enable Houthi militant efforts, including ongoing and unprecedented attacks on international maritime commerce in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Hongkong Unitop Group Ltd of China; and
  • Reneez Shipping of the Marshall Islands.

 

The following vessels have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Eternal Fortune (3E5962) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9230907; MMSI 352003073 (vessel); and
  • Reneez (T8A3663) Crude Oil Tanker Palau flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9232450; MMSI 511100508 (vessel).

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240306 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2159

 

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March 8, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two companies - one in Russia and one in the Central African Republic (CAR) - for their efforts in advancing Russia’s malign activities in CAR. These targets have played an important role enabling the Private Military Company ‘Wagner’ (Wagner Group) and, by extension, the activities of the Russian Federation. Those designated sought monetary gain from illicit natural resource extraction and provided material and financial support to the Wagner Group and other organizations associated with the enterprise of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the former Wagner Group owner who died in August 2023 in a plane explosion in Russia.

 

The following changes have been made to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Bois Rogue Sarlu of Central African Republic; and
  • Limited Liability Company Broker Expert of Russia

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240308 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2164

 

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March 11, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on 16 entities and individuals who compose an expansive business network spanning the Horn of Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Cyprus that raises and launders funds for al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qa’ida.  Individuals within this network include influential businesspeople in the region that lend financial backing to al-Shabaab, a terrorist group responsible for some of the worst terrorist attacks in East Africa’s modern history.  These attacks have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians.  These individuals and entities are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their enablers.

 

OFAC is also issuing Counter Terrorism General License 29, "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Haleel Commodities LLC”.

 

General License 29: All transactions prohibited by the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 594 (GTSR), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving Haleel Commodities LLC (Haleel Commodities), or any entity in which Haleel Commodities owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 10, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person is made into a blocked account in accordance with the GTSR.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Abdullahi, Abdulkadir Omar of Kenya;
  • Awale, Mohamed Jumale Ali of Kenya;
  • Dini, Faysal Yusuf of Kenya;
  • Abdulaziz Yusuf of Somalia;
  • Haydar, Farhan Hussein of Somalia;
  • Hilowle, Omar Sheikh Ali of Somalia;
  • Mahmad, Hassan Abdirahman of Somalia;
  • Momahed, Abdikarin Farah of Somalia; and
  • Robel, Mohammed Artan of Sweden.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Crown Bus Services Limited of Kenya;
  • Haleel commodities L. L C. of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Haleel commodities limited of Kenya;
  • Haleel commodities ltd. Of Uganda;
  • Haleel finance ltd of Cyprus;
  • Haleel holdings ltd of Cyprus;
  • Haleel ltd of Cyprus; and
  • Qemat Al Najah General Trading L.L.C of the United Arab Emirates .

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240311 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2168 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932761/download?inline and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932756/download?inline

 

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March 12, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action in coordination with the Kingdom of Bahrain against key Iran-based operatives and a financial facilitator for designated terrorist group Al-Ashtar Brigades. The Department of State designated Al-Ashtar Brigades as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2018.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Al-Dammami, Hussein Ahmad 'Abdallah Ahmad Hussein of Bahrain;
  • Alshofa, Ali Abdulnabi Ahmed Ebrahim M of Bahrain;
  • Salman, Isa Saleh Isa Mohamed of Bahrain; and
  • Sarhan, Hasan Ahmed Radhi Husain of Bahrain.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2171 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240312

 

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March 13, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three individuals who have contributed to Specially Designated National (SDN) and Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik’s (Dodik) efforts to undermine the peace and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) by organizing and executing the commemoration of “Republika Srpska Day” (RS Day) on January 9, 2024, an activity determined to be unconstitutional in BiH. These individuals facilitated Dodik’s efforts to undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and the authority of the BiH Constitutional Court and the High Representative.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Golic, Srebrenka of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • Okuka, Branislav of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and
  • Pajic Basinac, Jelena Banja Luka of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240313 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2175

 

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March 15, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action against Marshall Islands-registered shipping company Vishnu Inc., whose vessel, the LADY SOFIA, is involved in illicit shipments to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in support of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Houthi financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal, who is sanctioned under U.S. counterterrorism authorities.

 

The following entity has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Vishnu Inc of Marshall Islands.

 

The following vessel has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Lady Sofia (3ESB9) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; Executive Order 13886; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9212759; MMSI 371698000 (vessel).

 

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240315 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions

 

*******

 

March 20, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted three procurement networks –– based in Iran, Türkiye, Oman, and Germany –– that have supported Iran’s ballistic missile, nuclear, and defense programs. These networks have procured carbon fiber, epoxy resins, and other missile-applicable goods for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF SSJO), Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), other U.S.-designated entities in Iran’s defense industrial base, and Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA), which is linked to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

 

OFAC designated two individuals and two entities for services they provided the Government of the Russian Federation (GoR) in connection with a foreign malign influence campaign, including attempting to impersonate legitimate media outlets.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Gambashidze, Ilya Andreevich of Russia;
  • Gok, Mahmut, Istanbul of Turkey;
  • Inanlu, Mitra of Iran;
  • Kanoglu, Hidayet, Rize, of Turkey;
  • Karimi, Maziar of Iran;
  • Shahmari Ghojeh Biklo, Rostam of Iran; and
  • Tupikin, Nikolai Aleksandrovich of Russia.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Alborz Organic Material Engineering Company of Iran;
  • Company Group Structura LLC of Russia;
  • DM Gold Kiymelti Madenler Anonim Sirketi of Turkey;
  • Gokler Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi of Tukey;
  • Klas Kimyasal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi of Turkey;
  • Mahmut Gok Skies Petroleum Dis Ticaret of Turkey;
  • Mazya Alardh Aldhabia LLC of Oman;
  • Mazixon Gmbh and Co KG of Germany;
  • Mazixon Verwaltungs GMBH of Germany;
  • Pishro Mobtaker Peyvand of Iran;
  • Social Design Agency of Russia; and
  • Tit Uluslararasi Nakliyat Deri Tekstil Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sikreti of Turkey.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240320 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-rleases/jy2194 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-rleases/jy2195

 

*******

 

March 21, 2024:  The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Wendy Carolina Morales Urbina, Nicaragua’s Attorney General, for being complicit in the Ortega-Murillo regime’s oppression. This action, taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13851, as amended, targets a key actor in the Nicaraguan regime’s unjust persecution of political prisoners and civil society within the country.

 

In 2018, anti-government protests erupted in Nicaragua, prompting ongoing violent repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime. President Ortega and the Vice President, Rosario Murillo, Ortega’s wife, have consolidated power, suppressed popular protests, incarcerated political opponents, and silenced critical voices in the media or forced them into exile. President Ortega governs with a tight-knit group of trusted figures in the police, the military, and parliament. On February 9, 2023, President Ortega expelled 222 political prisoners and put them on a flight to Washington, D.C. According to the Nicaraguan government, the deportation of the prisoners was intended to protect peace and national security and those freed have been declared traitors who can never serve in Nicaraguan public office. As a result, Nicaragua stripped the 222 former political prisoners of their Nicaraguan citizenship.

 

The following individual has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Morales Urbina, Wendy Carolina of Nicaragua.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240321 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2200

 

*******

March 22, 2024: Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo announced, alongside local leaders and law enforcement in Arizona, that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned operatives in a Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE) scheme to launder millions in illicit fentanyl proceeds for the Sinaloa Cartel. OFAC designated 15 Sinaloa Cartel members—several of whom are fugitives—and six Mexico-based businesses pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059. The Sinaloa Cartel, which is one of the most notorious and pervasive drug trafficking organizations in the world, is responsible for a significant portion of the illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List: 

 

  • Garcia Velazco, Jorge Alejandro, of Mexico
  • Gonzalez Cordero, Mayra Gisel, of Mexico
  • Larranaga Herrera, Jesus Norberto of Mexico
  • Leon Valdez, Jesus Manuel of Mexico
  • Lizarraga Martinez, Victor of Mexico
  • Lizarrage Sanchez, Karla Gabriela of Mexico
  • Marin Gonzalez, Arturo D'Artagnan of Mexico
  • Marin Gonzalez, Porthos, of Mexico
  • Nunez Herrera, Alan Gabriel of Mexico
  • Robledo Arredondo, Adilene Mayre of Mexico
  • Robledo Arredondo, Ivan Yarethof Mexico
  • Tirado Andrade, Jesus of Mexico
  • Verduzco Castro, Rolando of Mexico
  • Vergara Meza, Alexis of Mexico
  • Vergara Meza, Edy of Mexico

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List: 

 

  • Bufaluss of Mexico
  • Celulandia Taller & Store SLRC of Mexico
  • Dulce Vulcan of Mexico
  • Royal Room Dress of Mexico
  • Smart Depot of Mexico
  • Total Look of Mexico

 

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240322 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2201 and

 

*******

 

March 25, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, Limited (Wuhan XRZ), a Wuhan, China-based Ministry of State Security (MSS) front company that has served as cover for multiple malicious cyber operations. OFAC is also designating Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, two Chinese nationals affiliated with Wuhan XRZ, for their roles in malicious cyber operations targeting U.S. entities that operate within U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, directly endangering U.S. national security. This action is part of a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of State, and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

 

People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored malicious cyber actors continue to be one of the greatest and most persistent threats to U.S. national security, as highlighted in the most recent Office of the Director of National Intelligence Annual Threat Assessment.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  •  Ni, Gaobin of China; and
  • Zhao, Guangzong of China

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science And Technology Company, Limited of China.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2205 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240325

 

*******

 

March 25, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned thirteen entities and two individuals for operating in the financial services and technology sectors of the Russian Federation economy including persons developing or offering services in virtual assets that enable the evasion of U.S. sanctions. Five entities were designated for being owned or controlled by OFAC-designated persons.

 

Many of the individuals and entities designated facilitated transactions or offered other services that helped OFAC-designated entities evade sanctions. These designations build upon OFAC’s February 23, 2024 action to target companies servicing Russia’s core financial infrastructure and curtail Russia’s use of the international financial system to further its war against Ukraine.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Bukanov, Timur Evgenyevich of Russia;
  • Kaigorodov, Igor Veniaminovich of Russia;

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Autonomous Non-Profit Organization of Additional Professional Education Echelon Training Center of Russia;
  • Bitfingroup OU of Estonia;
  • Bitpapa IC FZC LLC of United Arab Emirates;
  • Crypto Explorer DMCC of Russia;
  • Joint-Stock Company Echelon Technologies of Russia;
  • Joint-Stock Company B-Crypto of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Cybersecurity Laboratory of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Echelon Innovations of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Key Information Systems of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Project Consulting Bureau of Russia;
  • Obschestvo S Organichennoy Osvetstvennostyu Atomaiz of Russia;
  • Obschestvo S Organichennoy Osvetstvennostyu Kripto Eksplorer of Russia;
  • Obschestvo S Organichennoy Osvetstvennostyu Laitkhaus of Russia;
  • Obschestvo S Organichennoy Osvetstvennostyu Sistemy Raspredelennogog Reyestra
  • of Russia;
  • Obschestvo S Organichennoy Osvetstvennostyu Tsentr Obrabotki Elektronnykh Platezhy of Russia ;
  • Obschestvo S Organichennoy Osvetstvennostyu Veb3 Integrator of Russia;
  • Obschestvo S Organichennoy Osvetstvennostyu Veb3 Teknologii of Russia
  • Tokentrust Holdings Limited of Russia; and

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2204 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240325

 

*******

 

March 26, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning six entities, one individual and two tankers that are based or registered in Liberia, India, Vietnam, Lebanon, and Kuwait that have engaged in facilitating commodity shipments and financial transactions for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), the Houthis, and Hizballah. This action, the sixth round of sanctions targeting the network of Iran-based, IRGC-QF-backed Houthi financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal since December 2023, represents yet another step in a concerted campaign to disrupt IRGC-QF finances and its support to terrorist proxies such as the Houthis.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Makarov, Aleksey of Russia.

 

The following vessels have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Abyss Palau flag Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9157765; MMSI 511101287 (vessel); and
  • Dawn II Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9185530; MMSI 374100000 (vessel).

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2209 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240326

 

*******

 

March 26, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 11 individuals and entities supporting the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad through the facilitation of illicit financial transfers and trafficking of illegal drugs, as well as the extraction and export of Syrian commodities.  Syria has become the leading producer and exporter of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine-type stimulant trafficked illegally throughout the Middle East and Europe.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Al-Dj, Mahmoud Abdulilah of Syria;
  • Al-Kayali, Taher of Syria;
  • Al-law, Tawfiq Muhammad Sa'id of Syria;
  • Al-Minala, Muhammad 'Ali, of Syria; and

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Al-Ta'ir Company of Syria;
  • Freebird Travel and tourism of Syria;
  • Grains Middle East Trading DWC-LLC of United Arab Emirates;
  • Hassaleh International Company of Liberia;
  • KNH Shipping Private Limited of India;
  • Limited Liability Company STG Logistic of Russia;
  • Mass Com Group General Trading and Contracting Company of Kuwait;
  • Maya Exchange Company of Syria;
  • Melody Shipment Pvt Ltd of India;
  • Neptunus LLC of Syria;
  • Orchida Regional For General Trading and Contracting Company of Kuwait; and
  • Quoc Viet Marine Transport JSC of Vietnam.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2210 and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240326

 

*******

 

March 27, 2024: In coordination with the Republic of Korea (ROK), the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned six individuals and two entities based in Russia, China, and the United Arab Emirates, that generate revenue and facilitate financial transactions for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Funds generated through these actors are ultimately funneled to support the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs.  The ROK is jointly designating six of the same individuals and entities for their involvement in illicit financing and revenue generation through overseas DPRK information technology (IT) workers. This action also accompanies the 6th U.S.-ROK Working Group on DPRK Cyber Threats.

 

This action targets agents of designated DPRK banks along with companies that employ DPRK IT workers abroad. DPRK banking representatives, IT workers, and the companies that employ them generate revenue and gain access to foreign currencies vital to the Kim regime. These actors, operating primarily through networks located in Russia and China, orchestrate schemes, set up front or shell companies, and manage surreptitious bank accounts to move and disguise illicit funds, evade sanctions, and finance the DPRK’s unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Han, Chol Man of North Korea;
  • Jon, Yun Gun of North Korea;
  • Jong, Song Ho of North Korea;
  • O, In Chun of North Korea;
  • Ri, Tong Hyok of North Korea; and
  • Yu, Pu Ung of North Korea.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Limited Liability Company Alis of Russia; and
  • Pioneer Bencot Star Real Estate of United Arab Emirates.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240327_33 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2215

 

*******

 

March 27, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two individuals and three entities as key financial facilitators involved in fundraising for Hamas. In the wake of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, Gaza Now engaged in fundraising efforts to support Hamas. Gaza Now and its founder Mustafa Ayash, as well Al-Qureshi Executives and Aakhirah Limited, and their director Aozma Sultana, partnered on multiple fundraising efforts. This action is being taken as part of a collaborative effort with the United Kingdom’s Office of Foreign Sanctions Implementation, which is implementing sanctions on these same targets.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Ayash, Mustafa of Austria; and
  • Sultana, Aozma of United Kingdom.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Aakhiran Limited of United Kingdom;
  • Al-Quereshi Executives of United Kingdom; and
  • Gaza Now.

 

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions and

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240327

MARCH 2024 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATIONS UPDATES Read More »

FEBRUARY 2024 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATIONS UPDATES

This newsletter is a listing of the latest changes in export control regulations through February 29, 2024.  The newsletter is provided as a complimentary service to assist exporters with their ITAR and EAR export compliance responsibilities.  It provides a summary of recent changes to export control regulations or other regulatory matters of interest that may impact your company’s international trade and export compliance functions. Call us at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net with questions or comments.

See also our “Latest Sanctions Fines & Penalties” section below for an update on companies and persons denied export privileges by the United States Government.

REGULATORY UPDATES

President

President Biden Signed A New Executive Order Imposing Certain Sanctions on Persons Undermining Peace, Security, and Stability in the West Bank

February 5, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 7605: President Biden issued Executive Order 14115 and found that the situation in the West Bank-in particular high levels of extremist settler violence, forced displacement of people and villages, and property destruction-has reached intolerable levels and constitutes a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank and Gaza, Israel, and the broader Middle East region. These actions undermine the foreign policy objectives of the United States, including the viability of a two state solution and ensuring Israelis and Palestinians can attain equal measures of security, prosperity, and freedom. They also undermine the security of Israel and have the potential to lead to broader regional destabilization across the Middle East, threatening United States personnel and interests. For these reasons, these actions constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person, including any foreign branch, are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in pursuant to this Executive Order. See actions taken by the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) and the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in response to this Executive Order for the list of affected persons and entities.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932576/download?inline

*******

President Biden Continued The National Emergency with Respect to Afghanistan

February 7, 2024: The widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan — including the urgent needs of the people of Afghanistan for food security, livelihoods support, water, sanitation, health, hygiene, and shelter and settlement assistance, among other basic human needs — and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  In addition, the preservation of certain property of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) held in the United States by United States financial institutions is of the utmost importance to addressing this national emergency and the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.  Various parties, including representatives of victims of terrorism, have asserted legal claims against certain property of DAB or indicated in public court filings an intent to make such claims.  This property is blocked under Executive Order 14064.

For these reasons, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14064 of February 11, 2022, must continue in effect beyond February 11, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14064 with respect to the widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/02/07/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-widespread-humanitarian-crisis-in-afghanistan-and-the-potential-for-a-deepening-economic-collapse-in-afghanistan-2/

*******

President Biden Continued The National Emergency with Respect to Burma

February 7, 2024: On February 10, 2021, by Executive Order 14014, President Biden declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in and in relation to Burma.

The situation in and in relation to Burma, and in particular the February 1, 2021 coup, in which the military overthrew the democratically elected civilian government of Burma and unjustly arrested and detained government leaders, politicians, human rights defenders, journalists, and religious leaders, thereby rejecting the will of the people of Burma as expressed in elections held in November 2020 and undermining the country’s democratic transition and rule of law, continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.

Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14014 with respect to the situation in and in relation to Burma.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/02/07/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-the-situation-in-and-in-relation-to-burma-2/

*******

President Biden Continued The National Emergency with Respect to Cuba and of the Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels

February 21, 2024: In accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued the national emergency with respect to Cuba and the emergency authority relating to the regulation of the anchorage and movement of vessels set out in Proclamation 6867, as amended by Proclamation 7757, Proclamation 9398, and Proclamation 9699.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/02/21/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-cuba-and-of-the-emergency-authority-relating-to-the-regulation-of-the-anchorage-and-movement-of-vessels-3/

*******

President Biden Continued the National Emergency With Respect to Libya

February 21, 2024: The situation in Libya continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and measures are needed to protect against the diversion of assets or other abuses by members of Qadhafi’s family, their associates, and other persons hindering Libyan national reconciliation.

For this reason, the national emergency declared on February 25, 2011, and expanded on April 19, 2016, must continue in effect beyond February 25, 2024.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), President Biden continued for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13566.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/02/21/press-release-notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-national-emergency-with-respect-to-libya/

*******

Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

DECCS Pending Payment Notification Email Update

February 5, 2024: The Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) made changes to the pending payment notification email message text.

The Notifications being updated are:

  • Status = “Pending Payment”
  • After 5 Days in “Pending Payment” Status
  • After 10 Days in “Pending Payment” Status

These updates clarify the instructions on how to proceed with making payments, ensuring a smoother and more user-friendly experience.

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events&cat=Notice

*******

DDTC Name And Address Changes Posted To Website

February 2 through 20, 2024: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following name and/or address changes on its website at    

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=bd72ca0adbf8d30044f9ff621f961981:

  • Change in Name from Hitachi Kokusai Electric, Inc. to Kokusai Denki Electric, Inc., due to acquisition;
  • Change in Name from Stichting Nationaal Lucht-en Ruimtevaartlaboratorium to Stichting Koninklijk Nederlands Lucht-en Ruimtevaartcentrum (Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre) due to corporate rebranding;
  • Change in Name from Progeny Systems, LLC to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., due to acquisition;
  • Change in Name from Atkins Limited to AtkinsRéalis UK Limited due to corporate rebranding;
  • Change in Name from Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp. to RTX BBN Technologies Inc., due to corporate rebranding;
  • Change in Address from NHIndustries SAS formerly at Building Alizé, 765, rue Albert Einstein, CS 70402, 13591 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3, France to NHIndustries SAS at Parc Lumiére, 405 rue Emilien Gautier, 13090 Aix-en-Provence, France;
  • Change in Name from Airbus Defence and Space Savunma Uzay Havacilik Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi to Airbus Havacilik Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi due to corporate rebranding;
  • Change in Name from Zodiac US Corporation to Safran USA, Inc., due to acquisition;
  • Change in Name and Address from MASER Engineering B.V. formerly at Capitool 56, 7521 PR ENSCHEDE, The Netherlands to Eurofins MASER B.V. at Auke Vleerstraat 26, 7521 PG ENSCHEDE, The Netherlands due to corporate rebranding;
  • Change in Name from AI Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC to Bayanat AI PLC due to merger;
  • Change in Name from Herley Industries LLC to CAES Mission Systems LLC due to acquisition;
  • Change in Name from W.S. Atkins International Limited to AtkinsRéalis UK International Limited due to corporate rebranding.

*******

2024 DECCS User Group (DUG) Enrollment

February 2024:

DDTC announced the enrollment period is open for the 2024 DECCS User Group

What is it?

  • The mission of the Defense Export Controls and Compliance System (DECCS) User Group (DUG) is to allow individual industry users to provide feedback on DECCS by establishing and maintaining a forum for active and regular communication between DECCS users and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).
  • DUG members will have the opportunity to:
    • Identify functional and technical challenges when interacting with DECCS, and
    • Provide feedback and input for future DECCS enhancements and system support initiatives.

How to get involved:

  • To express your interest, email PM_DDTCProjectTeam@state.gov by COB February 29, 2024, and provide your name & company/government affiliation (as applicable).
  • DDTC will inform applicants by March 31, 2024, on DUG membership selection.

*******

DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To India

February 1, 2024: The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion. The Government of India has requested to buy thirty-one (31) MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft; one hundred sixty-one (161) Embedded Global Positioning & Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs); thirty-five (35) L3 Rio Grande Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites; one hundred seventy (170) AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; sixteen (16) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); three hundred ten (310) GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB); and eight (8) GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with live fuzes. Also included are Certifiable Ground Control Stations; TPE-331-10-GD engines; M299 Hellfire missile launchers; KIV-77 cryptographic appliques and other Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminals (STT); AN/SSQ-62F, AN/SSQ-53G, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; ADU-891/E Adapter Group Test Sets; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); GBU-39B/B tactical training rounds, Weapons Load Crew Trainers, and Reliability Assessment Vehicles-Instrumented; Portable Pre-flight/Post-flight Equipment (P3E); CCM-700A encryption devices; KY-100M Narrowband/wideband terminals; KI-133 cryptographic units; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders; ROVER 6Si and TNR2x transceivers; MR6000 ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) radios; Selex SeaSpray Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) surveillance radars; HISAR-300 Radars; SNC 4500 Auto Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) Systems; SAGE 750 ESM systems; Due Regard Radars (DRR); MX-20 Electro-Optical Infrared (EO-IR) Laser Target Designators (LTDs); Ku-Band SATCOM GAASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES); C-Band Line-of-Sight (LOS) Ground Data Terminals; AN/DPX-7 IFF transponders; Compact Multi-band Data Links (CMDL); initial spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; munitions support and support equipment; testing and integration support and equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support; warranties; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-mq-9b-remotely-piloted-aircraft

*******

DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To The Netherlands

February 2, 2024: The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of Hellfire Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $150 million. The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy up to three hundred eighty-six (386) Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missiles, AGM-114R2. Also included is U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) technical assistance; Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) Project Office technical assistance; non-standard books, publications, and other Hellfire publications; integration support; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-hellfire-missiles

*******

DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To The Netherlands

February 5, 2024: The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range and related equipment for an estimated cost of $908 million. The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy one hundred twenty (120) AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) All-Up-Rounds; fifteen (15) AGM-158 Inert JASSMs with Test Instrumentation Kits; two (2) AGM-158 JASSM Separation Test Vehicles; one (1) AGM-158 Instrumented Test Vehicle; and two (2) JASSM Jettison Test Vehicles. Also included are AGM-158 JASSM Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATM) and containers; KGV-135A encryption devices; test and integration equipment and support; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; munitions support and support equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); transportation support; personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-joint-air-surface-standoff-missiles-extended-range

*******

DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To Poland

February 7, 2024: The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance aerostat systems and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $1.2 billion. The Government of Poland has requested to buy Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance (ASRR) aerostat systems; Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Radars with Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) capability; electronic sensor systems; mooring systems with powered tether with embedded fiber optics; Ground Control Systems (GCS); associated installation hardware; special tools and test equipment; Basic Issue Items (BII); program management support; verification testing; systems technical support; transportation; spare and repair parts; communications equipment; operators and maintenance manuals; personnel training and training equipment; tool and test equipment; repair and return; publications and technical documentation; Quality Assurance Team (QAT); U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; in-country Field Service Representatives (FSR); and other related elements of logistics and program support.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/poland-aerostat-systems

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To Italy

February 15, 2024: The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $69.3 million. The Government of Italy has requested to buy twelve (12) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, valued at $32.5 million ($23.0 million in Major Defense Equipment (MDE)), included twelve (12) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles. This notification is for a combined total of twenty-four (24) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles. Also included are Common Munitions Built-in-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891 Adaptor Group Test Set; AMRAAM containers and support equipment; integration and test support and equipment; munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; contractor logistics support; classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/italy-aim-120c-8-advanced-medium-range-air-air-missiles

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To Italy

February 15, 2024: The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of Small Diameter Bomb II and related equipment for an estimated cost of $150 million. The Government of Italy has requested to buy one hundred twenty-five (125) Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-53/B Small Diameter Bombs-Increment II (SDB-II) All-Up-Rounds (AURs); and eight (8) GBU-53/B SDB-II Captive Carry Reliability Tests (CCRTs) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at $22.5 million ($9.7 million in MDE), included twenty-four (24) GBU-53/B SDB-II AURs; and four (4) GBU-53/B SDB-II CCRTs. The Government of Italy has also requested a new FMS case that includes twenty-four (24) GBU-53/B SDB-II AURs; and two (2) GBU-53/B SDB-II CCRTs. This notification is for a combined total of one hundred seventy-three (173) GBU-53/B SDB-II AURs; and fourteen (14) GBU-53/B SDB-II CCRTs. Also included are SDB-II Weapon Load Crew Trainers (WLCT) and Practical Explosive Ordnance Disposal Trainers (PEST); munitions support and support equipment; unclassified software delivery and support; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; modifications and maintenance support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/italy-small-diameter-bomb-ii

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To Taiwan

February 21, 2024: The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of a Taiwan Advanced Tactical Data Link System Upgrade Planning and related equipment for an estimated cost of $75 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Cross Domain Solutions (CDS); High Assurance devices; Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; communications equipment; requirements analysis; engineering; technical services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-32

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DSCA Notifies Congress Of Potential FMS Sale To Germany

February 27, 2024: The State Department made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of High-Frequency, Very-High Frequency, and Ultra-High Frequency Radios and related equipment for an estimated cost of $281 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Government of Germany has requested to buy AN/PRC-117 radios; AN/PRC-160 radios; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools and test equipment; diagnostic equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/germany-high-frequency-very-high-frequency-and-ultra-high-frequency

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Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Commerce and Industry Export Control Principals from the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Convened As A Follow-up to the Commerce and Industry Ministerial initiative from the Trilateral Leaders’ Summit

February 21, 2024: Commerce and Industry Export Control Principals from the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) convened as a follow-up to the Commerce and Industry Ministerial initiative from the Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at Camp David last August. This meeting was the first in-person meeting of its kind under the trilateral relationship focused on further aligning export controls, enhancing the ability to effectively collaborate on shared priorities. The United States hosted the convening at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. The principals agreed to further align on Russia controls, collaborate on outreach to countries in Southeast Asia, and cooperate on controls for critical and emerging technologies.

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases/3449-02-21-2024-trilat-readout-final/file

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February 23, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 13590: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which it maintains, by revising license requirements for certain cameras, systems, and related components. These revisions will better align controls with technological and commercial developments, such as the items' global commercial availability, while recognizing the cooperative strategic relationship the United States has with our closest allies. In addition to these changes, BIS is adding controls on certain cameras that are not already controlled by either export control classification number (ECCN) 6A003 or 6A203. These new controls are detailed under new ECCN 6A293, which is a classification for temporary controls for which BIS is seeking multilateral agreement.

89 FR 13590.pdf (SECURED) (doc.gov)

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Department of Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)

FinCEN Issued An Alert Related To The Financing Of Israeli Extremist Settler Violence Against Palestinians In The West Bank Per Executive Order 14115

February 2, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert related to the financing of Israeli extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank per Executive Order 14115. The alert provides select red flags to assist U.S. financial institutions in identifying and reporting suspicious activity that finances such violence.

While the alert highlights the potential involvement of certain nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in facilitating payments to fund violence in the West Bank, FinCEN continues to emphasize that legitimate charities should have access to financial services and can transmit funds through legitimate and transparent channels. FinCEN is also reminding financial institutions to apply a risk-based approach to Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements when developing the risk profiles of charities and other non-profit customers. No specific customer types, including charities and NPOs, automatically presents a higher risk of illicit activity. Additionally, as no single red flag is necessarily indicative of illicit or suspicious activity, U.S. financial institutions are encouraged to consider all the surrounding facts and circumstances before determining whether a specific transaction is suspicious or associated with potential Israeli violent extremist groups or campaigns.

Finally, through the alert, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is highlighting for members of the public that under the Executive Order of February 1, 2024, “Imposing Certain Sanctions on Persons Undermining Peace, Security, and Stability in the West Bank,” the U.S. government is authorized to impose sanctions on foreign persons that are responsible for or complicit in, or have directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in (1) actions that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the West Bank; or (2) planning, ordering, otherwise directing, or participating in specified actions affecting the West Bank, such as violence targeting civilians and property destruction. The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those engaged in such activities, as well as to protect the U.S. financial system from abuse.

https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-issues-alert-israeli-extremist-settler-violence-against-palestinians-west

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U.S. Census Bureau

Tips on How to Resolve AES Response Messages

February 20, 2024: When a shipment is filed to the AES, a system response message is generated and indicates whether the shipment has been accepted or rejected.  If the shipment is accepted, the AES filer receives an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) as confirmation.  Though the shipment is accepted, the filer may still receive a Verify Message, Compliance Alert, Informational Message or Warning Message along with their ITN.  However, if the shipment is rejected, a Fatal Error notification is received and must be corrected to receive a valid ITN.

To help you take the appropriate action for the different AES Response Messages, here are some tips on how to address the most frequent messages that were generated in AES for this month.

 

Response Code: 107

Narrative:     Country of Ultimate Destination Unknown

Severity:       Fatal

Reason:       The Country of Ultimate Destination reported is not valid in AES.

Resolution: The Country of Ultimate Destination Code must be a valid ISO country code listed in the Appendix C - ISO Country Codes.

Verify the Country of Ultimate Destination, correct the shipment and resubmit.

 

Response Code:  511

Narrative:     Mode of Transportation Not Allowed for License Code

Severity:       Fatal

Reason:       The Mode of Transportation reported is not valid for the License Code/License Exemption reported.

Resolution: The Mode of Transportation must be compatible with the reported License Code/License Exemption. See ‘Appendix F, License and License Exemption Type Codes’ to determine the appropriate Mode of Transportation and License Code/License Exemption combination.

Verify the Mode of Transportation and License Code/License Exemption, correct the shipment and resubmit.

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NOTICE: "Forwarding Agent" will be changing to "Authorized Agent" across the AESTIR and AESDirect portal

February 27, 2024: At the request of the U.S. Census Bureau, the terms “Forwarding Agent” and “FWRD AGT” found in the Automated Export System Trade Interface Requirements (AESTIR) commodity record format, appendices (i.e., commodity filing response messages, AES acronyms and definitions) and the AESDirect portal will be replaced with the term “Authorized Agent” and “AUTH AGT,” consistent with the Foreign Trade Regulations (DTR) 15 CFR 30.6(b)(1).

This change will be effective April 1, 2024.

Background:

Authorized Agent is the term used in the FTR to identify the individual or legal entity physically located in or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the United States that has obtained power of attorney or written authorization from a U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) or Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) to act on its behalf and to complete and file the Electronic Export Information (EEI).

When the Filer ID in the header and trailer records of the AES commodity format is an Authorized Agent, the Census Bureau relies on the details in the party records/section (N01-N03 records) of the Authorized Agent for verification purposes. Without that level of detail, the Filer ID by itself does not suffice for verification purposes.

The trade community has informed the Census Bureau that the term Forwarding Agent, currently in the party record/section and the appendices, is misleading.  In most cases, the Forwarding Agent and the Authorized Agent are the same company.  However, when there are scenarios when the Authorized Agent files the EEI and a Forwarding Agent facilitates the movement of the export of that same shipment, the Census Bureau must ensure that the Authorized Agent information is collected in the party record for verification purposes.  The Census Bureau has had multiple occasions where the Forwarding Agent in the N01-N03 party records was not able to verify the data because they were not the filer. The Forwarding Agent in these filings only facilitated the export but did not prepare and file the EEI in AES. The same situation also applies when a USPPI files the EEI on their own behalf.

 

LATEST SANCTIONS FINES & PENALTIES

This section of our newsletter provides information on the latest sanctions, fines and penalties for export violations or matters of non-compliance with the ITAR or EAR issued by the US government enforcement agencies. It is provided as a service to exporters and associates of FD Associates to remind them of the importance of extreme due diligence in all international trade and export compliance matters, particularly those involving exports subject to the ITAR or the EAR. Don't let this happen to you or your company! Call us with questions or concerns at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net.

Fines and Penalties

February 1, 2024: Saber Fakih, 48, of the United Kingdom, to 18 months in prison for violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. In addition to the prison term, Saber Fakih was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

According to his plea agreement, Saber Fakih conspired with Bader Fakih, 43, of Canada, Altaf Faquih, 72, of the United Arab Emirates, and Alireza Taghavi, 48, of Iran, to export and attempt to export an Industrial Microwave System (IMS) and counter-drone system from the United States to Iran, without first obtaining the requisite license from the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/uk-citizen-sentenced-18-months-prison-attempt-procure-high-powered-microwave-system-iran

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February 1, 2024: Joly Germine, 31, of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, the self-described “King” of a notoriously violent Haitian gang known as 400 Mawozo, pleaded guilty to his role in a gunrunning conspiracy that smuggled firearms to Haiti in violation of U.S. export laws, and the laundering of ransoms paid for U.S. hostages to the gang in 2021.

The conspiracy resulted in the purchase in the United States of at least 24 firearms, including AK-47s, AR-15s, an M4 Carbine rifle, an M1A rifle, and a .50 caliber rifle, described by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as a military weapon, which were smuggled from the United States to the gang in Haiti for their criminal activities. Co-defendant Eliande Tunis, 45, of Pompano Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty on Jan. 17 to the same offenses.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/king-violent-haitian-gang-pleads-guilty-gun-smuggling-and-money-laundering-after-governments

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February 7, 2024: In two separate cases on opposite coasts, several individuals are charged – one of whom was arrested on February 6, 2024, in connection with sophisticated schemes to transfer sensitive technology, goods, and information for the benefit of hostile foreign adversaries, in violation of U.S. law.

In the Eastern District of New York, two Iranian nationals were charged with conspiring to export equipment used in the aerospace industry to the Government of Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), in connection with an alleged conspiracy to illegally export U.S. goods and technology without the required licenses.

In the Central District of California, a man was arrested for allegedly stealing trade secrets developed for use by the U.S. government to detect nuclear missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-charges-and-arrest-two-separate-illicit-technology-transfer

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February 7, 2024: David Murar, 73, waived his right to indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Murar admitted that from roughly April through October of 2022, he bid on and received at least nine U.S. government contracts by way of fraudulent misrepresentations, including that he would provide parts from domestic sources. Murar actually provided parts from China and other foreign countries. By doing so, Murar was able to underbid domestic suppliers. Murar broke the law by providing “military critical technical data,” which was restricted and protected information, to foreign individuals and/or entities. Murar also admitted to fraudulently using his wife’s name to gain a competitive advantage for one of his companies as a woman-owned small business, when he was really the actual owner and operator.

Murar fraudulently obtained contracts worth at least $333,465 for parts including nuts, bolts, washers, sleeves, and tools.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/defense-department-contractor-missouri-admits-fraud

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February 12, 2024: The Department of Justice completed enforcement of a final order for forfeiture of a U.S.-manufactured Boeing 747 cargo plane, previously owned by Mahan Air, a sanctioned Iranian airline affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

On February 11, 2024, the government of Argentina transferred physical custody of the aircraft to the United States pursuant to the final order of forfeiture, which rests all right, title, and interest in the aircraft in the United States of America. The Boeing 747 cargo plane arrived in the Southern District of Florida where it will be prepared for disposition.

The plane was previously detained by Argentine law enforcement. On July 19, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a seizure warrant for the aircraft, which Argentine authorities promptly enforced. On Oct. 20, 2022, in support of its ongoing criminal investigation, the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint alleging that the aircraft’s transfer from Mahan Air to Empresa de Transporte Aéreocargo del Sur, S.A. (EMTRASUR), a Venezuelan cargo airline and subsidiary of Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A (CONVIASA), a Venezuelan state-owned company, violated U.S. export control laws. As alleged, Mahan Air was subject to a Department of Commerce Temporary Denial Order, which prohibited, among other things, Mahan Air from engaging in any transactions involving any commodity exported from the United States that is subject to the Export Administration Regulations. The complaint further alleged that the unauthorized transfer of this aircraft directly benefited the IRGC-QF.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-iranian-owned-boeing-aircraft-successfully-returned-united-states

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February 12, 2024: Kristina Puzyreva pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy for her role in a multimillion-dollar scheme to send components used in unnamed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and guided missile systems and other weapons to sanctioned entities in Russia.  The components shipped in violation of export control and sanctions laws were later found in Russian weapons platforms and signals intelligence equipment in Ukraine.  At sentencing, Puzyreva faces up to twenty years in prison.

Kristina Puzyreva and her co-defendants allegedly purchased and dispatched millions of dollars in U.S.-sourced electronics to support the Kremlin in its ongoing attacks of Ukraine. Her money laundering conspiracy was directly linked to 298 shipments of restricted technology, valued at $7 million, to the Russian battlefield.

As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, the defendant laundered money as part of a sophisticated export control and sanctions evasion scheme involving SH Brothers Inc. (SH Brothers) and SN Electronics, Inc. (SN Electronics), two companies registered in Brooklyn, New York.  Using the SH Brothers and SN Electronics corporate entities, the defendant’s co-conspirators unlawfully sourced, purchased and shipped millions of dollars in dual-use electronics from U.S. manufacturers to end users, including sanctioned entities, in Russia.  The electronic components and integrated circuits shipped were later found in seized Russian weapons platforms and signals intelligence equipment in Ukraine, including in UAVs and guided missiles.  During the period charged in the indictment, SH Brothers made hundreds of shipments valued at over $7 million to Russia.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/russian-canadian-national-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-launder-money-scheme-send-uav-and

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February 28, 2024: The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) entered into a three (3) year Consent Agreement to settle allegations that it violated the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in connection with unauthorized exports and retransfers of technical data to foreign-person employees and contractors; unauthorized exports to the People's Republic of China, a proscribed country; and violations of license terms, conditions, and provisos of Directorate of Defense Trade Controls - DDTC authorizations. All of the violations were Voluntarily Disclosed to the Department of State by Boeing over a period of years pursuant to multiple Voluntary Disclosures. Boeing agreed to pay a fine of $51,000,000 of which $24,000,000 will be used by Boeing for remedial compliance measures.

Remedial Measures:

Boeing shall ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to ITAR compliance throughout its ITAR-regulated operating divisions, subsidiaries, and business units. Boeing shall establish policies and procedures for all of Boeing 's employees with responsibility for AECA and ITAR compliance to address lines of authority, staffing levels, performance evaluations, and career paths.

Boeing, in coordination with the Designated Official (as defined below), shall conduct an internal review of AECA and ITAR compliance resources and establish the necessary actions to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to AECA and IT AR compliance.

Boeing shall appoint, in accordance with the provisions of this Consent Agreement and in consultation with and the approval of the Director, Defense Trade Controls Compliance - DTCC, a qualified individual to serve as a Designated Official for the entire term that the Consent Agreement is in force. The term "Designated Official" in this Consent Agreement refers to a Special Compliance Officer (SCO) 1 or Internal Special Compliance Officer (ISCO)2 during the term of their appointment.

Boeing shall strengthen corporate compliance procedures focused principally on Boeing’s business operations such that: (a) all Boeing employees engaged in AECA and ITAR-regulated activities are

familiar with the AECA and the ITAR, and their own and Boeing's responsibilities thereunder; (b) all persons responsible for supervising those employees, including senior managers of those units, are knowledgeable about the underlying policies and principles of the AECA and the ITAR; and (c) there are records indicating the names of employees, trainers, and level and area of training received.

Boeing shall enhance its AECA and ITAR compliance program with specific attention to the areas described in paragraphs 9(k)(I)(i) through 9(k)(1)(vii). Respondent shall provide to DTCC written confirmation that the company has completed this action.

Boeing agreed to implement a comprehensive, automated export compliance system throughout its operating divisions, subsidiaries, and business units engaged in AECA and ITAR-regulated activities to strengthen its internal controls for ensuring compliance with the AECA and the ITAR. This system shall track the decision process from the initiation to conclusion of a request for export, reexport, or retransfer

authorization. The automated export compliance system shall improve Boeing's ability to oversee and monitor export, reexport, and retransfer activity. This system shall also cover the initial identification of all technical data and technical assistance in any form proposed to be disclosed to any foreign persons. Boeing shall ensure the use of a means of alerting users to the AECA and ITAR requirements on electronic transmissions of ITAR-controlled technical data. In order to prevent unintentional or accidental transmissions to unauthorized recipients, Boeing shall also provide training lo all employees to ensure that any type of electronic transmissions of ITAR-controlled technical data are sent in accordance with Boeings' export compliance policies and procedures.

Classification Review:

Boeing shall, under the supervision of the Designated Official, review, verify, and complete the export control jurisdiction of all hardware and/or software that Boeings’ AECA and ITAR-regulated operating divisions, subsidiaries and business units, and any defense services or technical data, directly related to such hardware and not related to any hardware.

Also, separately, prior to export, re-export and/or retransfer, Boeing shall review, verify, and complete the export control jurisdiction of each hardware item (and any defense services or technical data, including software, directly related to such hardware item and not related to any hardware) and items procured from

suppliers for which such jurisdiction was not previously and accurately determined and/or verified in accordance with this paragraph.

Audits:

Two audits shall be performed during the Consent Agreement. Boeing shall have the first audit conducted by an outside consultant with expertise in AECA and ITAR matters, approved by the Direcror, DTCC. The audit shall be conducted under the supervision of the Designated Official. The first audit shall provide a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of Boeing's implementation of all measures set forth in this Consent Agreement with focus on those actions undertaken to address the compliance issues identified in the Proposed Charging Letter, the policies, procedures, and training established by Boeing. The Designated Official or the Director, DTCC, may identify other areas (e.g., transactional review of agreements, Respondent's information technology systems) for the first audit.

Debarment:

Boeing has cooperated with the Department's review, has expressed regret for these activities, and has taken steps to improve its compliance programs. It has also undertaken to pay a cash penalty and agrees to implement the significant additional remedial compliance actions specified in the Consent Agreement. For these reasons, the Department determined not to impose an administrative debarment of Boeing.

Onsite Reviews by the Department:

For the purpose of assessing compliance with the provisions of the AECA, the ITAR and future authorizations, Boeing agreed to arrange and facilitate, with minimum advance notice, onsite reviews by the Department while this Consent Agreement remains in effect.

Violations:

Boeing disclosed the following violations to the Department:

Unauthorized Exports to Foreign-Person Employees and Contractors:

Boeing disclosed in two separate voluntary disclosures that from 2013- 2018 foreign-person employees (FPEs) at multiple Boeing and partner facilities overseas downloaded without authorization on more than 100 occasions files containing ITAR-controlled technical data from the Boeing Library System (BLS), the company’s digital technical document repository.

From 2013-2017 three FPEs from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which is a proscribed destination under ITAR 126.1(d)(1), working at Boeings’ facilities in the PRC downloaded ITAR-controlled technical data from the BLS on 25 occasions. The files were controlled under multiple USML categories, including IV(i), VIII(i), IX(e)(1), XI(d), XII(f), XIII(l), XIX(g), and involved multiple U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) platforms, including the F18, F-15, F-22, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System, AH-64 Apache, AGM84E Standoff Land Attack Missile, and AGM-131 Short Range Attack Missile II.

In a subsequent voluntary disclosure, Boeing disclosed that from 2013-2018 an indeterminate number of FPEs and contractors working at Boeing and - 4 - partner facilities in 18 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Morocco, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom (UK) downloaded ITAR-controlled technical data on 80 occasions. At the time of these unauthorized exports, Russia was subject to restrictive measures on defense exports per the Department of State public announcement on April 28, 2014. The documents were controlled under multiple USML categories, including IV(i), VIII(i), IX(e)(1), XI(d), XII(f), and XIX(g).

Unauthorized Exports, Reexports, Retransfers, and Temporary Imports of Defense Articles, including Technical Data:

In addition to violations involving FPEs, Boeing submitted multiple voluntary disclosures involving unauthorized exports, reexports, retransfers, and temporary imports of defense articles, including technical data.

Unauthorized Exports Resulting from Fabricated Permanent Export Licenses:

A trade compliance specialist working at Boeing’s U.S. subsidiary, Aviall Services, Inc., fabricated five permanent export licenses, which resulted in Boeing exporting USML Category XIX(f)(1)-(3) nozzle segments and seal strips to Portugal and Turkey without DDTC authorization on seven occasions between July and November 2018. When the company became aware of the employee’s actions, it promptly took corrective measures and voluntarily disclosed the matter.

Unauthorized Exports and Retransfers of Technical Data Resulting from Jurisdiction and Classification Issues:

Boeing submitted multiple disclosures involving unauthorized exports stemming from jurisdiction and classification issues. For example, Boeing disclosed that due to misclassification, it temporarily imported and subsequently exported while improperly relying on Department of Commerce authorizations USML Category VIII(h)(18) parts for the AH-64 Apache Helicopter flight control system to multiple countries on five occasions between August 2018 and August 2022. Respondent

Unauthorized Exports, Retransfers, and Temporary Imports of Defense Articles:

Boeing exported USML Category XI(d) technical data to Canada without authorization on two occasions in March 2017. The exports occurred when an employee at Boeing’s U.S. subsidiary Argon exported without authorization requests for quotation to a potential supplier in Canada that contained a total of nine drawings with USML XI(d) technical data related to the ceramic acoustic structure of towed torpedo decoys used on U.S. and allied warships. The U.S. Government reviewed copies of the files and determined that it would not have authorized the exports had a license application been submitted.

Violation of Terms, Conditions, and Provisos of DDTC Authorizations:

Respondent submitted multiple voluntary disclosures that demonstrated issues with managing export authorizations, including failures to comply with the terms, conditions, and provisos of DDTC authorizations.

Copies of the Charging Letter, Agreement and Order can be found at the following links:

Article - DDTC Public Portal (state.gov) and

Article - DDTC Public Portal (state.gov) and

Article - DDTC Public Portal (state.gov)

Sanctions

Department of State

February 23, 2024: Following Russia’s two years of unprovoked full-scale war, the death of opposition politician and anticorruption activist Aleksey Navalny, and a decade of aggression against Ukraine, the United States sanctioned more than 500 individuals and entities in Russia and globally. There is a clear link between Russia’s authoritarianism, its domestic crackdown on dissent, and its aggression abroad.

The Department of State sanctioned three individuals in connection with the death of Navalny in Russian Penal Colony IK-3: the prison warden, regional prison head, and deputy director of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia. In addition, the Department imposed sanctions on more than 250 entities and individuals, including those engaged in sanctions evasion and circumvention, and those bolstering Russia’s future energy and metals and mining production.

Along with these actions, the Department sanctioned several individuals to promote accountability for acts supporting Russia’s war, including by those involved in the unlawful transfer and/or deportation of Ukrainian children. These financial sanctions targets were designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, as amended, which authorizes sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation.

The Department also took steps to impose visa restrictions on Russian Federation-installed purported authorities involved in human rights abuses in connection with the transfer, deportation and confinement of Ukrainian children.

Additionally, the U.S. government issued a business advisory to assist companies in making informed decisions regarding the risks of conducting business in Russia.

See the links below for the list of persons and entities sanctioned by the Department as the list is too voluminous to for this newsletter.

https://www.state.gov/imposing-measures-in-response-to-navalnys-death-and-two-years-of-russias-full-scale-war-against-ukraine/ and https://www.state.gov/russia-business-advisory/

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Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

February 23, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 14385: Following the death of opposition politician and anti-corruption activist Aleksey Navalny, and after two years of Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) imposed additional export restrictions on 93 entities under 95 entries in Russia and seven other destinations. This action, along with others announced by the Department of State and the Department of Treasury, demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting those affected by Russia’s aggression.

Entity List additions continue efforts to cut off the Russian defense industrial base and military from even the low-technology consumer goods it seeks to sustain its war effort. Prior to this action, the Biden Harris Administration had added 815 entities in Russia, Belarus, and numerous third countries to the Entity List since March 2nd, 2022, for reasons related to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine or for otherwise supporting Russia’s military and/or defense industry.

Pursuant to this action, BIS added an additional 93 entities under 95 entries (due to some entities operating in multiple countries) to the Entity List for a variety of reasons related to their activities in support of Russia’s defense-industrial sector and war effort. Sixty-three of the entities are based in Russia, eight in the People’s Republic of China, sixteen in Turkiye, four in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two in the Kyrgyz Republic, and one each in India and South Korea.

More than 50 of the entities added to the list will also receive a “footnote 3” designation as Russian-Belarusian military end users. A footnote 3 designation subjects these entities to some of the most severe restrictions under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The entities are added with a license requirement for all items subject to the EAR and a license review policy of denial, apart from food and medicine designated as EAR99, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. These rules are meant to serve as a response to Russian aggression against Ukraine. BIS added entities in several allied and partner countries, but it is not an action against the countries in which the entities are located or registered or the governments of those countries. The restrictions imposed in this rule serve as an action against those entities listed, which have supported the Russian military industrial base and other activities contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

See the links below for the list of persons and entities sanctioned by BIS as the list is too voluminous to for this newsletter.

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases/3452-2024-02-23-bis-press-release-russia-two-year-actions/file and https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-03969/additions-of-entities-to-the-entity-list

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February 27, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 14403: The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added two entities to the Entity List under seven entries for activities contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. One entity was found to have been involved in supporting online censorship and surveillance to target political actors and human rights activities, and the other is being added for diversion of U.S. items to an Entity Listed party.

Two entities are being added to the Entity List under seven entries in multiple countries. One entity operating in multiple destinations globally is being listed due to information that it supplies deep packet inspection technology to a foreign government, where it is used in mass web-monitoring and censorship to block news as well as target political actors and human rights activists. One entity is based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and is being added for acquiring and attempting to acquire U.S.-origin items on behalf of a party on the Entity List. As a result of this rule, any transactions with these entities that involve items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) will require a license from the BIS, and applications for those licenses are likely to be denied.

The following 2 entities are added to the Entity List under 7 entries to the Entity List and includes, where appropriate, aliases:

Canada

  • Sandvine Incorporated.

China

  • Chengdu Beizhan Electronics Co., Ltd.

India

  • Sandvine Incorporated.

Japan

  • Sandvine Incorporated.

Malaysia

  • Sandvine Incorporated.

Sweden

  • Sandvine Incorporated.

United Arab Emirates

  • Sandvine Incorporated.

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases/3454-2024-02-26-bis-press-release-entity-list-additions/file and https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/regulations-docs/federal-register-notices/federal-register-2024/3456-2024-03674/file

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February 29, 2024: The U.S. Department of Commerce issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking public comment to inform the potential development of regulations to secure and safeguard the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) supply chain for connected vehicles (CVs).

The ANPRM explains how the incorporation of foreign adversary ICTS in CVs can create risks, for example, by offering a direct entry point to sensitive U.S. technology and data or by bypassing measures intended to protect U.S. persons’ safety and security. In such cases, ICTS provided by persons or entities owned, controlled, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary may pose undue risks to critical infrastructure in the United States and unacceptable risks to national security. The People’s Republic of China presents a particularly acute and persistent threat to the U.S. ICTS supply chain related to CVs. This ANPRM demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s proactive efforts to address the potential national security risks associated with the ICTS integral to CVs and is a significant step in advancing the ICTS mission. In this ANPRM, the Department seeks feedback on a number of issues, including: definitions; how potential classes of ICTS transactions integral to CVs may present undue or unacceptable risks to U.S. national security; implementation mechanisms to address these risks through potential prohibitions or, where feasible, mitigation measures; and whether to create a process for the public to request approval to engage in an otherwise prohibited transaction by demonstrating that the risk to U.S. national security is sufficiently mitigated in the context of a particular transaction.

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases/3458-2024-02-29-citing-national-security-concerns-biden-harris-administration-announces-inquiry-into-connected-vehicles/file

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Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

February 1, 2024:  The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published the Price Cap Coalition Compliance and Enforcement Alert. The oil price cap (OPC), introduced by the “Price Cap Coalition” (or “G7+ Coalition”, comprising the G7, the European Union, and Australia) in December 2022, has two key objectives: 1) constraining Russian revenues that could otherwise be used to fund Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; while 2) maintaining global oil flows and protecting energy security.

This alert includes:

  • An overview of key OPC evasion methods and recommendations for identifying such methods and mitigating their risks and negative impacts; and
  • Information on how to report OPC suspected breaches across the Price Cap Coalition.

The OPC evasion methods covered in this alert are related to:

  • Falsified documentation and attestations;
  • Opaque shipping and ancillary costs;
  • Third country supply chain intermediaries and complex and irregular corporate structures;
  • Flagging;
  • The “shadow” fleet; and
  • Voyage irregularities.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240201_33 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932571/download?inline

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February 1, 2024: Pursuant to Executive Order 14115 (See first entry above) the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) updated its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List:

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Chasdai, David Chai of Israel;
  • Levi, Yinon of Israel;
  • Tanjil, Einan of Israel; and
  • Zicherman, Shalom of Israel.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240201

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February 2, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)  amended FAQ 629 and published an updated document titled, "Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Suspension of Certain U.S. Sanctions with Respect to Venezuela on October 18, 2023."

Frequently Asked Question 629: Executive order (E.O.) 13850 of November 1, 2018, “Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela,” authorizes the imposition of sanctions on persons operating in Venezuela’s gold sector. For purposes of this E.O., how will OFAC target those who “operate in the gold sector of the Venezuela economy or any other sector of the Venezuela economy as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of State”?

Answer: OFAC expects to use its discretion to target in particular those who operate corruptly in the gold or other identified sectors of the Venezuela economy, and not those who are operating legitimately in such sectors. This includes, for example, persons engaging in dishonest or fraudulent conduct, illicit activity, or deceptive transactions within Venezuela’s gold sector or other identified Venezuela sectors, with the purpose or effect of misappropriating Venezuelan resources in those sectors for personal, professional, or political gain.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240202_33 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/629 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932581/download?inline

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February 2, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned a key procurement network of prolific suppliers of materials and sensitive technology for Iran’s ballistic missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs, including the Shahed-series UAV produced by Iran’s Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center (SAIRC). The four Iran- and Hong Kong-based entities designated have operated as covert procurement entities for OFAC designated Hamed Dehghan and Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra (PKGB), who are actively engaged in supporting multiple Iranian military organizations, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Additionally, OFAC designated a Hong Kong-based front company involved in the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian commodities for the benefit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF).

OFAC also sanctioned six officials in the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber-Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC), an Iranian government organization responsible for a series of malicious cyber activities against critical infrastructure in the United States and other countries.

The United States is taking action against these individuals in response to IRGC-affiliated cyber actors’ recent cyber operations in which they hacked and posted images on the screens of programmable logic controllers manufactured by Unitronics, an Israeli company.  Industrial control devices, such as programmable logic controllers, used in water and other critical infrastructure systems, are sensitive targets.  Although this particular operation did not disrupt any critical services, unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems can enable actions that harm the public and cause devastating humanitarian consequences.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Homayunfal, Hamid of Iran;
  • Lashgarian, Hamid Reza of Iran;
  • Lashgarian, Mahdi of Iran;
  • Mansuri, Milad of Iran; and
  • Saberian, Reza Mohammad Amin of Iran.

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Advantage Trading Co., Limited, of China;
  • China Oil And Petroleum Company Limited of China;
  • Duling Technology Hk Limited of China;
  • Fy International Trading Co., Limited of China; and
  • Narin Sepehr Mobin Isatis of Iran.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2073 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2072 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240202

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February 7, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one of Ecuador’s most violent gangs, Los Choneros, and its leader, José Adolfo Macías Villamar (also known by the alias “Fito”), pursuant to counter narcotics authorities. OFAC’s action follows a steep rise in violence in Ecuador attributed to the actions of Los Choneros and other drug trafficking gangs in the country.

The following individual has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Macias Villamar, Jose Adolfo of Ecuador.

The following entity has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Los Choneros of Ecuador.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2082 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240207

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February 8, 2024:  The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took its second price cap enforcement action of 2024, imposing sanctions on four entities and identifying one vessel as blocked property. The network of these entities and the vessel were involved in a price cap violation scheme in late 2023. OFAC is also issued two new determinations that implement G7 commitments to ban the importation of Russian diamonds.

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • NS Leader Shipping Incorporated Of Liberia;
  • Oil Tankers Scf Mgmt FZCO of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Talassa Shipping DMCC of he United Arab Emirates; and
  • Zeenit Supply And Trading DMCC of the United Arab Emirates.

The following vessel has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • NS Leader (A8LU7) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Identification Number IMO 9339301; MMSI 636013272 (vessel).

OFAC also published a Determination for Prohibitions Related to Imports of Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds of Russian Federation Origin and Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Exported From the Russian Federation, and a Determination for Prohibitions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Diamonds.

OFAC also issued Russia-related General License 87, "Authorizing Limited Safety and Environmental Transactions Involving Certain Persons or Vessels Blocked on February 8, 2024."

Russia-related General License 87: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to one of the following activities involving the blocked persons described below are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 8, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations (RuHSR):

(1) The safe docking and anchoring in port of any vessels in which any person or entity listed in below  has a property interest (“blocked vessels”);

(2) The preservation of the health or safety of the crew of any of the blocked vessels; or

(3) Emergency repairs of any of the blocked vessels or environmental mitigation or protection activities relating to any of the blocked vessels.

The authorization above applies to the following blocked persons listed on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and any entity in which any of the following persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest:

(1) Oil Tankers SCF MGMT FZCO; and

(2) NS Leader Shipping Incorporated.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2085 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240208 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932606/download?inline and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932611/download?inline and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932601/download?inline

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February 14, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned a procurement network responsible for facilitating the illegal export of goods and technology from over two dozen U.S. companies to end-users in Iran, including the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), which is designated for its role in providing financial support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah. These designations target three individuals and four entities tied to the procurement of sophisticated U.S. technology for use by CBI in violation of U.S. export restrictions and sanctions. Among the goods and technology acquired by CBI were items classified as information security items subject to national security and anti-terrorism controls by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Khademi, Mohammad Reza of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Mirdamadi, Pouria of Iran and France; and
  • Najafi, Seyed Abotaleb of Iran.

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Advance Banking Solution Trading DMCC of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Freedom Star General Trading CO. L.L.C. of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Informatics Services Corporation of Iran; and
  • Ted Teknoloji Gelistirme Hizmetleri Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi of Turkey.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240214 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2095

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February 15, 2024: 89 Fed. Reg. 12233: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is amended the North Korea Sanctions Regulations to amend or add general licenses to facilitate certain humanitarian-related and journalistic activities.  Specifically, OFAC amended an existing general license for nongovernmental organizations and adding general licenses to authorize certain transactions related to the exportation and re-exportation of items authorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce; the provision of certain agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices; and certain journalistic activities in North Korea.

OFAC has also issued several new North Korea-related Frequently Asked Questions (1160, 1161, 1162, 1163).

Frequently Asked Question 1160: What changes did the February 15, 2024 regulatory amendment to the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510 (NKSR), make?  

Answer: On February 15, 2024, OFAC, in consultation with the Department of State, amended the NKSR to modify an existing general license (GL) and add three new GLs to facilitate humanitarian-related and other activities in North Korea.  These changes include:

  • Additional non-governmental organization (NGO) activities

OFAC amended the GL at § 510.512 to authorize NGOs to engage in a broader range of humanitarian-related activities involving North Korea, including certain educational activities and activities to support disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs and peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and conflict resolution programs.  The general license at § 510.512 allows transactions that are ordinarily incident and necessary to such NGO activities involving certain Government of North Korea entities, including limited partnerships, subject to certain conditions and limitations–including that the NGO must submit a report to the U.S. Department of State at least 30 days before their proposed activities, as further described in FAQ 1162.

The amended NGO GL at § 510.512 authorizes the export and reexport to North Korea of items not subject to the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 through 774) (EAR) to North Korea that are ordinarily incident and necessary to authorized NGO activities, provided the items would be designated as EAR99 if located in the United States.

  • Removal of dual licensing burden

To avoid duplicative licensing requirements, OFAC added a new GL at § 510.520 to authorize all transactions ordinarily incident to the exportation or reexportation of items (i.e., commodities, software, or technology) to North Korea, provided the exportation or reexportation is licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce.  Such transactions may include transactions with the Government of North Korea, or any other person blocked pursuant to the NKSR, and services provided outside North Korea to install, repair, or replace authorized items.  Accordingly, U.S. persons no longer need to seek a specific license from OFAC to engage in transactions ordinarily incident to exports and reexports that are already licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce.

  • Expansion of authorization for the exportation or reexportation of certain food, medicine, and other agricultural and medical items

OFAC added a new GL at § 510.521 to authorize certain transactions related to the export and reexport to North Korea of certain agricultural commodities (including food), medicine, medical devices, and replacement parts and components for medical devices, that are not subject to the EAR but that would be designated EAR99 if they were located in the United States, subject to certain conditions and limitations.

  • Journalistic activities

OFAC added a new GL at § 510.522 to authorize U.S. news reporting organizations and certain of their U.S. person employees to engage in certain transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to their journalistic activities or the establishment or operation of a news bureau in North Korea.

 

Frequently Asked Question 1161: Does the general license for non-governmental organization (NGO) activities at section 510.512 of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510 (NKSR), authorize NGOs to engage in transactions involving the Government of North Korea?

Answer: Yes, subject to certain conditions and limitations.  NGOs may engage in transactions with the Government of North Korea to the extent ordinarily incident and necessary to the activities authorized by § 510.512(a).  Such transactions may not include partnerships and partnership agreements with Government of North Korea military, intelligence, or law enforcement entities, except as necessary to export or import items to or from North Korea that are licensed or otherwise authorized pursuant to the NKSR or pursuant to the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 through 774) (EAR).  For example, NGOs may engage with North Korea’s Ministry of Public Health to provide assistance to clean water projects; with customs officials to import humanitarian-related items into the country; and with local jurisdictions, such as city governments and hospitals, to provide food and medical devices.  However, this general license does not authorize the exportation or reexportation of services to, charitable donations to or for the benefit of, or any other transactions involving, the Government of North Korea, the Workers’ Party of Korea, or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the NKSR, except as ordinarily incident and necessary to an activity authorized pursuant to § 510.512(a).

 

Frequently Asked Question 1162: What must a non-governmental organization (NGO) do before relying on the general license (GL) at § 510.512 of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510 (NKSR)?

Answer: To be eligible for the NGO GL, an NGO must first submit a report to the U.S. Department of State via email to DPRK-NGO-GL-Notification-DL@state.gov no fewer than 30 days before the commencement of their activities, with one of the following:  (1) a copy of approval by the UN Security Council 1718 Committee (1718 Committee) with respect to the NGO’s activities; (2) a copy of a 1718 Committee exemption request or notification that has been or will be submitted to the 1718 Committee with respect to the NGO’s activities; or (3) a detailed explanation of why the NGO’s proposed activities do not require such an exemption or notification, including details about the type and scope of the proposed activities.  In the two-week period following submission of this information, the U.S. Department of State may notify the NGO that it is not eligible to rely upon the GL.  An NGO that does not receive this type of notification may proceed with the activities described in the report.

 

Frequently Asked Question 1163: Can I export tobacco or other luxury goods to North Korea?

Answer: No.  The general license for the exportation or reexportation of certain agricultural and medical items at § 510.521 of the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 510, does not authorize the exportation or reexportation to North Korea of luxury goods, including tobacco, as set forth in 15 CFR § 746.4(b)(1) of the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 through 774).

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240215 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932631/download?inline and https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1160 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1161 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1162 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1163

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February 16, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued an OFAC Compliance Communiqué: Guidance for the Provision of Humanitarian-Related Assistance and Critical Commodities to the Yemeni People in response to questions from the NGO community and the general public on how to ensure humanitarian assistance and trade continue to flow to the Yemeni people while complying with OFAC sanctions.

OFAC is also issued Counter Terrorism General License 28, "Authorizing Transactions for Third-Country Diplomatic and Consular Missions Involving Ansarallah."

The following entity has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

Ansarallah of Yemen.

Counter Terrorism General License 28:

All transactions prohibited by the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 594 (GTSR), involving Ansarallah, or any entity in which Ansarallah owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the official business of third-country diplomatic or consular missions to Yemen are authorized.

This general license does not authorize:

(1) Financial transfers to any blocked person described above, other than for the purpose of effecting the payment of taxes, fees, or import duties, or the purchase or receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services; or

(2) Any transactions otherwise prohibited by the GTSR, including transactions involving any person blocked pursuant to the GTSR other than the blocked persons described above, unless separately authorized.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240216 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932621/download?inline and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932626/download?inline

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February 20, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Russia-related General License 83A, "Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Fish, Seafood, and Preparations Thereof Prohibited by Executive Order 14068."

Russia-related General License 83A: All transactions prohibited by the determination of December 22, 2023 made pursuant to section 1(a)(i)(B) of Executive Order (E.O.) 14068, as amended by E.O. 14114 (“Prohibitions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Fish, Seafood, and Preparations Thereof”), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the importation into the United States of seafood derivative products that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 20, 2024, pursuant to written contracts or written agreements entered into prior to December 22, 2023, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 31, 2024. (b) This general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), including transactions involving any person blocked pursuant to the RuHSR, unless separately authorized. Effective February 20, 2024, General License No. 83, dated December 22, 2023, is replaced and superseded in its entirety by this General License No. 83A.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240220_33 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932636/download?inline

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February 20, 2024: The United States designated two individuals who are affiliates of the Russia-based ransomware group LockBit. This action is the first in an ongoing collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and our international partners targeting LockBit.

Russia continues to offer safe harbor for cybercriminals where groups such as LockBit are free to launch ransomware attacks against the United States, its allies, and partners. These ransomware attacks have targeted critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and financial institutions. Notably, LockBit was responsible for the November 2023 ransomware attack against the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s (ICBC) U.S. broker-dealer. The United States is a global leader in the fight against cybercrime and is committed to using all available authorities and tools to defend Americans from cyber threats. In addition to the actions announced, the U.S. government provides critical resources to support potential victims in protecting against and responding to ransomware attacks. For example, last year, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency in conjunction with other U.S. Departments and Agencies and foreign partners published two cybersecurity advisories, “Understanding Ransomware Threat Actors: LockBit” and “LockBit 3.0 Ransomware Affiliates Exploit CVE 2023-4966 Citrix Bleed Vulnerability.” These advisories detail the threats posed by this group and provide recommendations to reduce the likelihood and impact of future ransomware incidents.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Kondratiev, Ivan Gennadievich of Russia; and
  • Sungatov, Artur Ravilevich, Kazan, of Russia.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2114 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240220

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February 23, 2024: Marking Russia’s two years of unprovoked and unlawful full-scale war against Ukraine and in response to the death of opposition politician and anticorruption activist Aleksey Navalny, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned almost 300 individuals and entities. Together with actions from the U.S. Department of State (State), this is the largest number of sanctions imposed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. State designated three Government of Russia officials in connection with Navalny’s death; together, Treasury and State  sanctioned over 500 targets to impose additional costs for Russia’s repression, human rights abuses, and aggression against Ukraine. The Department of Commerce also added more than 90 companies to the Entity List.

To deny Russia the resources necessary to support its brutal war against Ukraine, Treasury designatedg targets including a major cog in Russia’s financial infrastructure; more than two dozen third-country sanctions evaders in Europe, East Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East; and hundreds of entities in Russia’s military-industrial base and other key sectors.

State’s concurrent actions include sanctions on those involved in supporting Russian future energy revenue sources, maintaining Russia’s capacity to wage its war of aggression, and facilitating sanctions evasion and circumvention. State also took steps to impose visa restrictions on Russian Federation-installed purported authorities involved in the transfer, deportation, and confinement of Ukraine’s children.

See the links below for the list of persons and entities added to the SDN list as the list is too voluminous for this newsletter.

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Russia-related General License 88, "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Certain Entities Blocked on February 23, 2024;" Russia-related General License 89, "Authorizing the Wind Down and Rejection of Transactions Involving Certain Financial Institutions Blocked on February 23, 2024;" Russia-related General License 90, "Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Debt or Equity of, or Derivative Contracts Involving, Certain Entities Blocked on February 23, 2024;" and Russia-related General License 91, "Authorizing Limited Safety and Environmental Transactions Involving Certain Blocked Persons or Vessels."

Russia-related General License 88: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving one or more of the following blocked entities are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 8, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person is made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR): (1) PJSC Transcontainer; (2) Publichnoe Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Mechel; (3) JSC SUEK; (4) ILLC Geopromining Investment; (5) LLC Holding GPM; (6) Joint Stock Company Samara Metallurgical Plant; (7) Joint Stock Company Rimera; (8) Public Joint Stock Company Pipe Metallurgical Company; (9) Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company LLC; (10) JSC Rosgeologia; (11) National Payment Card System Joint Stock Company; (12) Limited Liability Company BSF Capital; (13) Limited Liability Company Investment Consultant Elbrus Capital; (14) Limited Liability Company Orbita Capital Partners; (15) Nonprofit Organization Investment and Venture Fund of the Republic of Tatarstan; (16) Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Guard Kapital; (18) Limited Liability Company Shipbuilding Complex Zvezda; (19) Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot; and (20) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932671/download?inline

Russia-related General License 89: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving one or more of the following blocked entities are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 8, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person is made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR): (1) Avangard Joint Stock Bank; (2) Bank RostFinance; (3) Joint Stock Commercial Bank Chelindbank; (4) Joint Stock Commercial Bank International Financial Club; (5) Joint Stock Commercial Bank Modulbank; (6) Joint Stock Company Databank; (7) Maritime Joint Stock Bank Joint Stock Company; (8) Public Joint Stock Company Bystrobank; and (9) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932646/download?inline

Russia-related General License 90: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the divestment or transfer, or the facilitation of the divestment or transfer, of debt or equity issued or guaranteed by the following blocked entities (“Covered Debt or Equity”) to a non-U.S. person are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 8, 2024: (1) LLC Holding GPM; (2) Limited Liability Company Geopromaining Verkhne Menkeche; (3) Joint Stock Company Sarylakh Surma; (4) Joint Stock Company Zvezda; (5) ILLC Geopromining Investment; (6) Public Joint Stock Company PIK Specialized Homebuilder; and (7) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to facilitating, clearing, and settling trades of Covered Debt or Equity that were placed prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern standard time, February 23, 2024 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 8, 2024.

All transactions prohibited by E.O. 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of derivative contracts entered into prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern standard time, February 23, 2024 that (i) include a blocked person described in paragraph (a) of this general license as a counterparty or (ii) are linked to Covered Debt or Equity are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 8, 2024, provided that any payments to a blocked person are made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR).

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932651/download?inline

Russia-related General License 91: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to one of the following activities involving the blocked persons described below are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 23, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR): (1) The safe docking and anchoring in port of any vessels in which any person listed below has a property interest (“blocked vessels”); (2) The preservation of the health or safety of the crew of any of the blocked vessels; or (3) Emergency repairs of any of the blocked vessels or environmental mitigation or protection activities relating to any of the blocked vessels.

The authorization above applies to the following blocked persons listed on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and any entity in which any of the following persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest: (1) Ladoga Shipping Company Limited Liability Company; (2) JSC Polar Marine Geosurvey Expedition; (3) Yuzhmorgeologiya AO; (4) Sevmorneftegeofizika AO; and (5) Amige AO.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932656/download?inline

OFAC is also issuing three new, Russia-related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs 1164-1166) and amending eight Russia-related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs 886, 887, 1019, 1022, 1025, 1027, 1092, and 1154).

FAQ 1164: What prohibitions has OFAC implemented with respect to diamonds and diamond jewelry under the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions program?

Answer: On March 11, 2022, the Biden Administration issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14068, prohibiting the importation into the United States of non-industrial diamonds of Russian Federation origin.  See FAQs 1019 and 1027 for the definition of Russian Federation origin and non-industrial diamonds, respectively.  On December 6, 2023, the G7 Leaders announced a coordinated international effort to impose phased restrictions on the importation of certain Russian diamonds, including diamonds processed in third countries.  As a part of this G7 commitment, OFAC has issued additional restrictions on the importation of non-industrial diamonds mined, extracted, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Russian Federation as well as unsorted diamonds and diamond jewelry.

Specifically, on February 8, 2024, OFAC issued two determinations, “Prohibitions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Diamonds” pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 (the “Diamonds Determination”) and “Prohibitions Related to Imports of Diamond Jewelry  and Unsorted Diamonds of Russian Federation Origin and Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Exported From the Russian Federation” pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 (the “Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Determination”).

 

FAQ 1165: What does the determination “Prohibitions Related to Imports of Certain Categories of Diamonds” pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 (the “Diamonds Determination”), prohibit?

Answer: The Diamonds Determination prohibits the importation and entry into the United States of two categories of diamonds, effective on the dates indicated below.

Effective March 1, 2024, the Diamonds Determination prohibits the importation of non-industrial diamonds that were mined, extracted, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Russian Federation with a weight of 1.0 carat or greater, even if such diamonds have been substantially transformed into other products outside of the Russian Federation.

Effective September 1, 2024, the Diamonds Determination prohibits the importation of Russian non-industrial diamonds with a weight of 0.5 carats or greater, even if such diamonds have been substantially transformed into other products outside of the Russian Federation.

For example, a non-industrial diamond that is mined in Russia but then undergoes manufacturing operations such as being cut, faceted, or polished in a third country, is prohibited from importation and entry into the United States, if at the time of importation, it is 1.0 carat or greater as of March 1, 2024 or 0.5 carats or greater as of September 1, 2024.

See FAQ 1027 for the definition of non-industrial diamonds.  See FAQ 1166 for information on the prohibition related to diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds.

 

FAQ 1166: What does the determination “Prohibitions Related to Imports of Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds of Russian Federation Origin and Diamond Jewelry and Unsorted Diamonds Exported From the Russian Federation” pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 (the “Diamond Jewelry Determination”), prohibit?

Answer: The Diamond Jewelry Determination prohibits the importation and entry into the United States of diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds of Russian Federation origin, as well as diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds that were exported from the Russian Federation.  For example, it prohibits the importation into the United States of a diamond bracelet that has been manufactured in the Russian Federation, regardless of where the diamonds originated.

This prohibition comes into effect on March 1, 2024.  See FAQ 1027 for the definition of diamond jewelry.  See FAQ 1019 for the definition of Russian Federation origin.  See FAQ 1165 for information on the prohibition related to certain categories of non-industrial diamonds.  For additional information on certification and traceability of diamonds, please contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2117 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/added/2024-02-23 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/search/886+887+1019+1022+1025+1027+1092+1154

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February 23, 2024: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action to responsibly reduce Russia’s revenue from oil sales by targeting Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot (Sovcomflot), Russia’s state-owned shipping company and fleet operator. In addition to designating Sovcomflot, OFAC is identified 14 crude oil tankers as property in which Sovcomflot has an interest.

Concurrent with the designation of Sovcomflot, OFAC issued a  general license authorizing the offloading of crude oil (or other cargo) from these 14 vessels for a period of 45 days. In addition, OFAC issued a general license authorizing transactions with all other Sovcomflot-owned vessels at this time. Nothing in these general licenses changes any of the restrictions imposed by the price cap sanctions regime.

Sovcomflot was designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 for operating or having operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy and for being owned or controlled by, or having acted for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Government of the Russian Federation. Sovcomflot has also been sanctioned by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (UK) and is under certain European Union (EU) restrictions.

The following entity has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot of Russia.

The following vessels have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Anatoly Kolodkin (3E7525) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9610808; MMSI 352003372;
  • Georgy Maslov (TRBD9) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9610793; MMSI 626362000;
  • Krymsk (TRBE3) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9270529; MMSI 626364000 (vessel);
  • Liteyny Prospect (TRBE6) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9256078; MMSI 626367000 (vessel);
  • Nevskiy Prospect (TRBE8) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9256054; MMSI 626369000 (vessel);
  • NS Antarctic (TRBF3) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9413559; MMSI 626372000 (vessel);
  • NS Bravo (TRBF8) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9412359; MMSI 626377000 (vessel);
  • NS Burgas (TRBF9) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9411020; MMSI 626378000 (vessel);
  • NS Captain (TRBG2) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9341067; MMSI 626379000 (vessel);
  • NS Columbus (TRBG5) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9312884; MMSI 626382000 (vessel);
  • NS Consul (TRBH3) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9341093; MMSI 626388000 (vessel);
  • NS Creation (TRBH5) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9312896; MMSI 626390000 (vessel);
  • NS Lion (TRBH8) Crude Oil Tanker Gabon flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9339313; MMSI 626393000 (vessel);
  • Sakhalin Island (3E4139) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9249128; MMSI 352002202 (vessel).

Russia Related General License 88A: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of any transaction involving one or more of the following blocked entities are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 8, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person is made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR): (1) PJSC Transcontainer; (2) Publichnoe Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo Mechel; (3) JSC SUEK; (4) ILLC Geopromining Investment; (5) LLC Holding GPM; (6) Joint Stock Company Samara Metallurgical Plant; (7) Joint Stock Company Rimera; (8) Public Joint Stock Company Pipe Metallurgical Company; (9) Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company LLC; (10) JSC Rosgeologia; (11) National Payment Card System Joint Stock Company; (12) Limited Liability Company BSF Capital; (13) Limited Liability Company Investment Consultant Elbrus Capital; (14) Limited Liability Company Orbita Capital Partners; (15) Nonprofit Organization Investment and Venture Fund of the Republic of Tatarstan; (16) Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu Guard Kapital; (18) Limited Liability Company Shipbuilding Complex Zvezda; (19) Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot; and (20) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932671/download?inline

Russia Related General License 91A: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to one of the following activities involving the blocked persons described in paragraph (b) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 23, 2024, provided that any payment to a blocked person must be made into a blocked account in accordance with the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR): (1) The safe docking and anchoring in port of any vessels in which any person listed in paragraph (b) of this general license has a property interest (“blocked vessels”); (2) The preservation of the health or safety of the crew of any of the blocked vessels; or (3) Emergency repairs of any of the blocked vessels or environmental mitigation or protection activities relating to any of the blocked vessels.

The authorization above applies to the following blocked persons listed on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and any entity in which any of the following persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest: (1) Ladoga Shipping Company Limited Liability Company; (2) JSC Polar Marine Geosurvey Expedition; (3) Yuzhmorgeologiya AO; (4) Sevmorneftegeofizika AO (5) Amige AO; and (6) Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932676/download?inline

Russia Related General License 92: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the delivery and offloading of cargo from any vessel identified on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons that is blocked solely due to a property interest of Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot (Sovcomflot), or any entity in which Sovcomflot owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, are authorized through 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time, April 8, 2024, provided that the cargo was loaded prior to February 23, 2024.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932661/download?inline

Russia Related General License 93: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 involving any vessel that is blocked solely due to a property interest of Joint Stock Company Sovcomflot or any entity in which Sovcomflot owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, are authorized, provided that such vessel is not identified on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932666/download?inline

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2121 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240223_33

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February 27, 2024: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in coordination with the United Kingdom, took action against the Deputy Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), Mohammad Reza Falahzadeh, as well as a Houthi group member. OFAC is also designating the owner and operator of a vessel used to ship Iranian commodities that were sold to support both the Houthis and the IRGC-QF. The revenue generated through these illicit networks enables the Houthis’ militant efforts, including numerous terrorist attacks in the region using advanced unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. This action follows the recent U.S. Department of State designation of Ansarallah (commonly known as the Houthis) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist as a result of their ongoing and unprecedented attacks on international maritime commerce in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This action was taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups, their supporters, and those who aid acts of terrorism.  The IRGC-QF was designated pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 25, 2007, for providing support to multiple terrorist groups.

OFAC also took action against two companies registered in Hong Kong and the Marshall Islands that own and operate a vessel, the Panama-flagged KOHANA, shipping over $100 million in Iranian commodities to businesses in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on behalf of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). MODAFL continues to facilitate the delivery of Iranian weapons, most notably unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to Russia in support of its war of aggression in Ukraine and to Iranian-aligned militia groups in the Middle East.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Al-Nashiri, Ibrahim of Yemen; and
  • Falahzadeh, Mohammad Reza of Iran.

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Cap Tees Shipping Co., Limited of China;
  • Iridescent Co LTD of the Marshall Islands and China; and
  • Kohana Company Limited of China.

The following vessels have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Artura (3E3496) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9150365; MMSI 352002279 (vessel); and
  • Kohana (3E4115) Crude Oil Tanker Panama flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9254082; MMSI 352002176 (vessel).

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2125 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2127 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240227

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February 28, 2024:  The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) redesignated, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, the Los Pochos Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), and designated three members and four affiliated companies based in Guatemala. First sanctioned in 2019 pursuant to the Kingpin Act, the Los Pochos DTO is a Guatemala-based organization primarily engaged in cocaine trafficking from Guatemala through Mexico to the United States. This action placed renewed attention on the Los Pochos DTO following a change in leadership and involvement of its members in local Guatemalan politics. The Los Pochos DTO controls narcotics trafficking activities on the Guatemala-Mexico border and is associated with Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, one of the world’s most notorious drug trafficking organizations.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Morales Cifuentes, Juan Jose of Guatemala;
  • Ochoa Villagran, Erick Manuel of Guatemala; and
  • Suniga Morfin, Isel Aneli of Guatemala.

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Condado Real of Guatemala;
  • Construhogar of Guatemala;
  • Importadora Jireh of Guatemala; and
  • Wiv, Sociedad Anonima of Guatemala.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2133 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240228

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February 29, 2024: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Venezuela General License 45B, "Authorizing Certain Repatriation Transactions Involving Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A."

Venezuela General License 45B: All transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the repatriation of Venezuelan nationals from non-U.S. jurisdictions in the Western Hemisphere to Venezuela, and which are exclusively for the purposes of such repatriation, involving Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A. (Conviasa), or any entity in which Conviasa owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, that are prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 13850, as amended by E.O. 13857, or E.O. 13884, each as incorporated into the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 591 (the VSR), are authorized.

This General License includes transactions for the maintenance (including repair) of the aircraft being used for such repatriation flights.

This general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the VSR, including any transactions involving any person blocked pursuant to the VSR other than the blocked persons described in paragraph (a) of this general license, Government of Venezuela persons blocked solely pursuant to E.O. 13884, Banco Central de Venezuela, or Banco de Venezuela SA Banco Universal.

https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20240229 and https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932686/download?inline

FEBRUARY 2024 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATIONS UPDATES Read More »

APRIL 2022 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATION UPDATES

This newsletter is a listing of the latest changes in export control regulations through April 30, 2022.  The newsletter is provided as a complimentary service to assist exporters with their ITAR and EAR export compliance responsibilities.  It provides a summary of recent changes to export control regulations or other regulatory matters of interest that may impact your company’s international trade and export compliance functions. Call us at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net with questions or comments.

See also our “Latest Sanctions Fines & Penalties” section below for an update on companies and persons denied export privileges by the United States Government.

 

REGULATORY UPDATES

 

The President

 

The President Designated Colombia As A Major Non-NATO Ally

 

April 21, 2022: The President, in accordance with section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2321k), provided notice of his intent to designate Colombia as a Major Non-NATO Ally in recognition of the importance of the U.S.-Colombia relationship and Colombia’s crucial contributions to regional and international security.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/21/letter-to-the-speaker-of-the-house-of-representatives-and-president-of-the-senate-on-providing-notice-of-intent-to-designate-colombia-as-a-major-non-nato-ally/

 

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Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

 

DDTC Name And Address Changes Posted To Website

 

April 1 through 22, 2022: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following name and/or address changes on its website at    

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=bd72ca0adbf8d30044f9ff621f961981:

  • Change in Name from RFEL Ltd. to Rheinmetall Electronics UK Ltd., due to corporate rebranding;
  • Change in Name from Flightline Electronics, Inc., to Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc., due to corporate merger with Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc.;
  • Change in Address for ITOCHU Aviation Co., Ltd. Nagoya Branch from 5-28, Meieki 4-chome, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0002 Japan to 7-1, Meieki 4-chome, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-6215 Japan;
  • Change in Address for Sonovision Canada Inc., from 85 Albert Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6A4, Canada to 179 Colonnade Rd. South, Unit 100, Nepean, Ontario K2E 7J4, Canada; and
  • Change in Name from Sysco AS to Cegal AS due to corporate merger.

 

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Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

BIS Excludes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway And Switzerland From The Russia/Belarus Foreign-Produced Product Rule

 

April 8, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 21554:  The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), established highly restrictive license requirements and policies for certain transactions involving Russia and Belarus under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These restrictive licensing requirements impact foreign parties who use U.S. manufacturing equipment and aids in the production of items sold to Russia and Belarus. Refer to the Foreign Direct Product rule at the EAR Part 734.9.

To recognize partner countries implementing substantially similar export controls on Russia and Belarus, the Department of Commerce published a list of countries excluded from the Foreign Direct Product rule related to foreign-produced items. In this rule, the Department of Commerce adds Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland to the list of excluded countries.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/12/2022-07836/additions-to-the-list-of-countries-excluded-from-certain-license-requirements-under-the-export

 

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The Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

 

ATF Revised Definitions For “Firearm Frame Or Receiver” And “Frame Or Receiver”

 

April 26, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 24625: The Department of Justice (Department) is amending Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regulations to remove and replace the regulatory definitions of “firearm frame or receiver” and “frame or receiver” because the current regulations fail to capture the full meaning of those terms. The Department is also amending ATF's definitions of “firearm” and “gunsmith” to clarify the meaning of those terms, and to provide definitions of terms such as “complete weapon,” “complete muffler or silencer device,” “multi-piece frame or receiver,” “privately made firearm,” and “readily” for purposes of clarity given advancements in firearms technology. Further, the Department is amending ATF's regulations on marking and recordkeeping that are necessary to implement these new or amended definitions. See the revised definitions at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/26/2022-08026/definition-of-frame-or-receiver-and-identification-of-firearms

LATEST SANCTIONS FINES & PENALTIES

 

This section of our newsletter provides information on the latest sanctions, fines, and penalties for export violations or matters of non-compliance with the ITAR or EAR issued by the US government enforcement agencies. It is provided as a service to exporters and associates of FD Associates to remind them of the importance of extreme due diligence in all international trade and export compliance matters, particularly those involving exports subject to the ITAR or the EAR. Don't let this happen to you or your company! Call us with questions or concerns at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net.

 

Sanctions

 

The President

 

April 6, 2022: The President issued E.O. of April 6, 2022, “Prohibiting New Investment in and Certain Services to the Russian Federation in Response to Continued Russian Federation Aggression,” to ban all new investment in the Russian Federation by U.S. persons, wherever located, as well as the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States, or by a United States person, wherever located, of any category of services as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to any person located in the Russian Federation. These prohibitions follow recently issued Executive Orders 14066 and 14068, which prohibit certain imports and exports involving Russia, and are consistent with commitments made by the G7 leaders to ensure that our citizens are not underwriting Putin’s war.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0705 and https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/04/06/prohibiting-new-investment-in-and-certain-services-to-the-russian-federation-in-response-to-continued-russian-federation-aggression/

 

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April 6, 2022: The White House issued a Fact Sheet on the United States, G7, and EU sanctions on Russia. The U.S., with the G7 and the European Union, will continue to impose severe and immediate economic costs on the Putin regime for its atrocities in Ukraine, including in Bucha. The United States, G7, and EU will document and share information on these atrocities and use all appropriate mechanisms to hold accountable those responsible. As one part of this effort, the United States is announcing devastating economic measures to ban new investment in Russia and impose the most severe financial sanctions on Russia’s largest bank and several of its most critical state-owned enterprises and on Russian government officials and their family members. These sweeping financial sanctions follow White House action earlier to cut off Russia’s frozen funds in the United States to make debt payments. Importantly, these measures are designed to reinforce each other to generate intensifying impact over time.

 

The United States and more than 30 allies and partners across the world have levied the most impactful, coordinated, and wide-ranging economic restrictions in history. Experts predict Russia’s GDP will contract up to 15 percent this year, wiping out the last fifteen years of economic gains. Inflation is already spiking above 15 percent and is forecast to accelerate higher. More than 600 private sector companies have already left the Russian market. Supply chains in Russia have been severely disrupted. Russia will likely lose its status as a major economy, and it will continue a long descent into economic, financial, and technological isolation. Compared to last year, U.S. exports to Russia of items subject to the new export controls have decreased 99 percent by value – and the power of these restrictions will compound over time as Russia draws down any remaining stockpiles of spare parts for certain planes, tanks, and other resources needed for Putin’s war machine. As long as Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine, the United States, G7 and EU will stand unified with our allies and partners in imposing additional costs on Russia for its actions. To review the complete Fact Sheet, please go to the following link:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/06/fact-sheet-united-states-g7-and-eu-impose-severe-and-immediate-costs-on-russia/

 

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April 6, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 20999: The President issued Executive Order 14071, which prohibits the following new investment in and certain services to the Russian Federation in response to continued Russian Federation aggression:

(i) new investment in the Russian Federation by a United States person, wherever located;

(ii) the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States, or by a United States person, wherever located, of any category of services as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to any person located in the Russian Federation; and

(iii) any approval, financing, facilitation, or guarantee by a United States person, wherever located, of a transaction by a foreign person where the transaction by that foreign person would be prohibited by this section if performed by a United States person or within the United States.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/08/2022-07757/prohibiting-new-investment-in-and-certain-services-to-the-russian-federation-in-response-to

 

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April 22, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 24265: The policies and actions of the Government of the Russian Federation to continue the premeditated, unjustified, unprovoked, and brutal war against Ukraine constitute a national emergency by reason of a disturbance or threatened disturbance of international relations of the United States. In order to address this national emergency and secure the observance of the rights and obligations of the United States the President of the United States authorized the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to make and issue such rules and regulations as the Secretary may find appropriate to regulate the anchorage and movement of Russian-affiliated vessels, and delegate to the Secretary the President’s authority to approve such rules and regulations, as authorized by the Magnuson Act. Specifically, the President of the United States prohibits Russian-affiliated vessels from entering into United States ports. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/22/2022-08872/declaration-of-national-emergency-and-invocation-of-emergency-authority-relating-to-the-regulation

 

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The U.S. Department of State:

 

The U.S. Department of State established the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, which leads and coordinates the Department of State’s work on cyberspace and digital diplomacy to encourage responsible state behavior in cyberspace and advance policies that protect the integrity and security of the infrastructure of the Internet, serve U.S. interests, promote competitiveness, and uphold democratic values. The Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy addresses the national security challenges, economic opportunities, and values considerations presented by cyberspace, digital technologies, and digital policy and promotes standards and norms that are fair, transparent, and support our values.

https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/deputy-secretary-of-state/bureau-of-cyberspace-and-digital-policy/

 

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April 6, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 20029: Acting under the authority of and in accordance with section 1(a)(ii)(A) of E.O. 13224 of September 23, 2001, as amended by E.O. 13268 of July 2, 2002, E.O. 13284 of January 23, 2003, and E.O. 13886 of September 9, 2019, (“E.O. 13224”), I hereby determine that the person known as Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (also known as KTJ, Khatiba al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, Jannat Oshiklari, and Tawhid and Jihad Brigade) is a foreign person that has committed and poses a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/06/2022-07304/designation-of-katibat-al-tawhid-wal-jihad-as-a-specially-designated-global-terrorist

 

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April 7, 2022: The U.S. Department Of State targets Russia’s largest shipbuilding company, subsidiaries, and board members. United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) is a major Russian State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) responsible for developing and building the Russian Navy’s warships. USC is responsible for the construction of almost all of Russia’s warships, as well as those built for foreign customers. Along with re-designating USC, the Department of State designated 28 subsidiaries and eight board members. These actions were also taken pursuant to E.O. 14024. See the entry below for OFAC’s designation of this entity and persons as Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

https://www.state.gov/additional-state-department-designations-targeting-russian-state-owned-defense-shipbuilding-enterprise/

 

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Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

April 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 20295: In response to the Russian Federation's (Russia's) further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding 120 entities under 120 entries to the Entity List. These 120 entities have been determined by the U.S. Government to be acting contrary to the national security interests or foreign policy of the United States and are listed on the Entity List under the destinations of Belarus and Russia.

 

The following entities from Belarus were added to the Entity List:

  • 140 Repair Plant JSC;
  • 558 Aircraft Repair Plant JSC;
  • 2566 Radioelectronic Armament Repair Plant JSC;
  • AGAT—Control Systems—Managing Company of Geoinformation Control Systems Holding JSC;
  • Agat-Electromechanical Plant OJSC;
  • AGAT-SYSTEM;
  • ATE-Engineering LLC;
  • BelOMO Holding;
  • Belspetsvneshtechnika SFTUE;
  • BSVT-New Technologies;
  • CJSC Beltechexport;
  • Department of Internal Affairs of the Gomel Region Executive Committee;
  • Internal Troops of The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus;
  • JSC Transaviaexport Airlines;
  • KGB Alpha; Kidma Tech OJSC;
  • Minotor-Service; Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant;
  • Oboronnye Initsiativy LLC;
  • OJS KB Radar Managing Company;
  • Peleng JSC;
  • State Authority for Military Industry of the Republic of Belarus;
  • State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus; and
  • Volatavto OJSC.

 

The following entities from Russia were added to the Entity List:

  • 5th Shipyard;
  • Alagir Resistor Factory;
  • All-Russian Scientific-Research Institute Etalon JSC;
  • Almaz JSC;
  • Dolgoprudniy Design Bureau of Automatics;
  • Electronic Computing Technology Scientific-Research Center;
  • Electrosignal JSC;
  • Inteltech PJSC;
  • Joint Stock Company NPO Elektromechaniki;
  • Kulon Scientific-Research Institute JSC;
  • Lutch Design Office JSC;
  • Meteor Plant JSC;
  • Moscow Communications Research Institute JSC;
  • Moscow Order of the Red Banner of Labor Research Radio Engineering Institute JSC;
  • Omsk Production Union Irtysh JSC;
  • Omsk Scientific-Research Institute of Instrument Engineering JSC;
  • Optron JSC;
  • Polyot Chelyabinsk Radio Plant JSC;
  • Pskov Distance Communications Equipment Plant;
  • Radiozavod JSC;
  • Razryad JSC;
  • Research Production Association Mars;
  • Ryazan Radio-Plant;
  • Scientific-Production Association and Scientific-Research Institute of Radio-Components;
  • Scientific-Production Enterprise Almaz JSC;
  • Scientific-Production Enterprise “Kant”;
  • Scientific Production Enterprise “Radiosviaz”;
  • Scientific-Production Enterprise “Svyaz”;
  • Scientific-Production Enterprise Volna;
  • Scientific-Production Enterprise Vostok JSC;
  • Scientific-Research Institute “Argon”;
  • Scientific-Research Institute of Automated Systems and Communications Complexes Neptune JSC; Scientific Research Institute of Communication Management Systems;
  • Scientific Research Institute Ferrite-Domen;
  • Special Design and Technical Bureau for Relay Technology;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, 711 Aircraft Repair Plant (711 ARZ);
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, AO GNPP “Region”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, AO TMKB “Soyuz”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, “Central Design Bureau of Automation”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Concern “MPO—Gidropribor”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company Avangard;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company Concern Granit-Electron;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company Elektrotyaga;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company GosNIIMash;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation JSC “KRASNY GIDROPRESS”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company PA Strela;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company “Plant Dagdiesel”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company Plant Kulakov;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company Ravenstvo;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company Ravenstvo-service;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint-Stock Company “Research Center for Automated Design”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company “Salute”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company Saratov Radio Instrument Plant;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation Joint Stock Company “Scientific Research Institute of Marine Heat Engineering”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company Severny Press;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company “State Machine Building Design Bureau “Vympel” By Name I.I. Toropov”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Joint Stock Company “URALELEMENT”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, KB Mashinostroeniya;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, NPO Electromechanics;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, NPO Lightning;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Petrovsky Electromechanical Plant “Molot”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, PJSC ANPP Temp Avia;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, PJSC “MBDB ISKRA”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Raduga Design Bureau;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, RKB Globus;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Smolensk Aviation Plant;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, TRV Engineering;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Ural Design Bureau “Detal”;
  • Tactical Missile Corporation, Zvezda-Strela Limited Liability Company;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation “Production Association Northern Machine Building Enterprise”;
  • 46th TSNII Central Scientific Research Institute;
  • All Russia Scientific Research Institute of Optical Physical Measurements;
  • Arzam Scientific Production Enterprise Temp Avia;
  • Automated Procurement System for State Defense Orders, LLC;
  • Engineering Center Moselectronproekt;
  • Etalon Scientific and Production Association;
  • Evgeny Krayushin;
  • Far-East Factory Zvezda;
  • Federal Center for Dual-Use Technology (FTsDT) Soyuz;
  • Foreign Trade Association Mashpriborintorg; Ineko LLC;
  • Informakustika JSC;
  • Institute of High Energy Physics;
  • Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics;
  • ISE SO RAN Institute of High-Current Electronics;
  • JSC Energiya, Kaluga Scientific-Research Institute of Telemechanical Devices JSC;
  • OJSC Pella Shipyard;
  • Scientific Production Center Vigstar JSC;
  • Scientific-Production Enterprise Salyut JSC;
  • Scientific-Research Institute and Factory Platan;
  • Special Design Bureau Salute JSC;
  • Tambov Plant (TZ) “October”;
  • Turayev Machine Building Design Bureau Soyuz; and
  • Zhukovskiy Central Aerohydrodynamics Institute (TsAGI).

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/07/2022-07284/additions-of-entities-to-the-entity-list

 

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April 7, 2022: The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued orders denying the export privileges of three Russian Airlines – Aeroflot, Azur Air, and UTair – due to ongoing export violations related to comprehensive export controls on Russia imposed by the Commerce Department.  These three Temporary Denial Orders (TDOs) terminate the right of these airlines to participate in transactions subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including exports and reexports from the United States. These TDOs are issued for 180-days and may be renewed. https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/04/bis-takes-enforcement-actions-against-three-russian-airlines-operating

*******

 

April 7, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 20295: In response to the Russian Federation's (Russia's) further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Department of Commerce is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding 120 entities under 120 entries to the Entity List. These 120 entities have been determined by the U.S. Government to be acting contrary to the national security interests or foreign policy of the United States and will be listed on the Entity List under the destinations of Belarus and Russia. See the following link for a listing of the 120 entities added to the Entity List. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/07/2022-07284/additions-of-entities-to-the-entity-list

 

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April 8, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 22130: In response to the Russian Federation’s (Russia) ongoing aggression in Ukraine following its further invasion of the country, as substantially enabled by Belarus, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) expanded license requirements for Russia and Belarus under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to all items on the Commerce Control List (CCL), which added CCL Categories 0 – 2 to previous license requirements for CCL Categories 3 - 9. It also removes license exception eligibility for aircraft registered in, owned or controlled by, or under charter or lease by Belarus or a national of Belarus. https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/federal-register-notices-1/2962-expansion-russia-and-belarus-rin-0694-ai83-4142022-effec482022-2022-07937/file

 

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April 14, 2022: The U.S. Commerce Department, through its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), publicly identified 10 additional aircraft likely in violation of U.S. export controls, including the first seven Belarusian owned/operated commercial aircraft identified since restrictions on Belarus were tightened via regulation effective on April 8, 2022. BIS is also updating the tail numbers of 32 planes already on the list to account for the planes’ purported re-registration in Russia. BIS has also authorized two planes to leave Russia and they will be removed from the list. The aircraft identified on the list have flown into Russia and/or Belarus in apparent violation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). See a list of aircraft at the following link:

https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/04/commerce-department-identifies-first-belarusian-and-more-russian

 

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April 20, 2022: The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) denied the export privileges of Arnoldo Vidaurri (Vidaurri). Vidaurri was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 554(a)  for fraudulently and knowingly exporting and sending, from the United States to Mexico, two Ruger LCP 380 pistols and 100 rounds of ammunition, without a Department of State export license or other written authorization, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554.

https://efoia.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/export-violations/export-violations-2022/1367-e2719/file

 

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Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 

April 1, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five entities for providing support to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK), a.k.a. North Korea, development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Hapjanggang Trading Corporation;
  • Korea Rounsan Trading Corporation;
  • Ministry of Rocket Industry;
  • Sungnisan Trading Corporation; And
  • Unchon Trading Corporation.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0695 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220401

 

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April 5, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the world’s largest and most prominent darknet market, Hydra Market (Hydra), in a coordinated international effort to disrupt the proliferation of malicious cybercrime services, dangerous drugs, and other illegal offerings available through the Russia-based site. The operation targeting Hydra was a collaborative initiative joined by the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. This action was enhanced by international cooperation with the German Federal Criminal Police, who shut down Hydra servers in Germany and seized $25 million worth of bitcoin.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List: 

 

  • Garantex Europe Ou of Estonia and Russia;
  • Hydra Market including its various websites of Russia. See the following links for the list of websites.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220405 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0701

 

*****

 

April 6, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took major steps to degrade the economy of the Russian Federation in response to Russia’s continued brutal war against Ukraine and atrocities against Ukrainian citizens. Treasury is imposing full blocking sanctions on Sberbank, Russia’s largest state-owned bank, and Alfa-Bank, Russia’s largest private bank. Treasury is also targeting family members of President Vladimir Putin (Putin) and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Lavrov), as well as Russian Security Council members who are complicit in the war against Ukraine.

 

OFAC has issued Russia-related General License 8B, General License 9B, General License 10B, General License 21, General License 22, and General License 23, as described below.

 

General License 8B: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 involving one or more of the following entities that are related to energy are authorized, through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 24, 2022:

(1) State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank; (2) Public Joint Stock Company Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie;

(3) Sovcombank Open Joint Stock Company;

(4) Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia;

(5) VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company;

(6) Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank;

(7) Any entity in which one or more of the above persons own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest; or

(8) the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

 

For the purposes of this general license, the term “related to energy” means the extraction, production, refinement, liquefaction, gasification, regasification, conversion, enrichment, fabrication, transport, or purchase of petroleum, including crude oil, lease condensates, unfinished oils, natural gas liquids, petroleum products, natural gas, or other products capable of producing energy, such as coal, wood, or agricultural products used to manufacture biofuels, or uranium in any form, as well as the development, production, generation, transmission, or exchange of power, through any means, including nuclear, thermal, and renewable energy sources.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl8b.pdf

 

General License 9B: All transactions prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to dealings in debt or equity of one or more of the following entities issued prior to February 24, 2022 (“Tranche 1 debt or equity”) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022, provided that any divestment or transfer of, or facilitation of divestment or transfer of, Tranche 1 debt or equity must be to a non-U.S. person:

(i) State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank; (ii) Public Joint Stock Company Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie;

(iii) Sovcombank Open Joint Stock Company;

(iv) Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia;

(v) VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company; or

(vi) Any entity in which one or more of the above entities own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

All transactions prohibited by the RuHSR that are ordinarily incident and necessary to dealings in debt or equity of Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank (“Alfa-Bank”) or any entity in which Alfa-Bank owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, issued prior to April 6, 2022 (“Alfa-Bank debt or equity”) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 30, 2022, provided that any divestment or transfer of, or facilitation of divestment or transfer of, Alfa-Bank debt or equity must be to a non-U.S. person.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl9b.pdf

 

General License 10B: All transactions prohibited by the RuHSR that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of derivative contracts entered into prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern standard time, February 24, 2022, that:

(i) include one of the following entities (together, the “Tranche 1 entities”) as a counterparty or

(ii) are linked to debt or equity of a Tranche 1 entity are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022, provided that any payments to a blocked person are made into a blocked account:

(i) State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank;

(ii) Public Joint Stock Company Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie;

(iii) Sovcombank Open Joint Stock Company;

(iv) Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia;

(v) VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company; or

(vi) Any entity in which one or more of the above entities own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

 

All transactions prohibited by the RuHSR that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of derivative contracts entered into prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern daylight time, April 6, 2022, that:

(i) include Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank (“Alfa-Bank”) or any entity in which Alfa-Bank owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest (collectively, “Alfa-Bank entities”) as a counterparty; or

(ii) are linked to debt or equity of an Alfa-Bank entity are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 30, 2022, provided that any payments to a blocked person are made into a blocked account. (3) Debits to accounts on the books of a U.S. financial institution are authorized to the extent ordinarily incident and necessary to effect the transactions authorized in this general license.

 

All transactions prohibited by Directive 4 under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, Prohibitions Related to Transactions Involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of derivative contracts, repurchase agreements, or reverse repurchase agreements entered into prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, March 1, 2022, that include the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation (collectively, “Directive 4 entities”) as a counterparty are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl10b.pdf

 

General License 21: U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of Sberbank CIB USA, Inc., or any entity in which Sberbank CIB USA, Inc. owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, that are prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), including the processing and payment of salaries, severance, and expenses; payments to vendors and landlords; and closing of accounts, through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 7, 2022. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl21.pdf

 

General License 22: All transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of transactions involving Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia (“Sberbank”) or any entity in which Sberbank owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest that are prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 13, 2022. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl22.pdf

 

General License 23: All transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of transactions involving Joint Stock Company AlfaBank (“Alfa-Bank”) or any entity in which Alfa-Bank owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest that is prohibited by Executive Order 14024 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 6, 2022. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl23.pdf

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Katerina Vladimirovna Tikhonova, Vladmir Putin’s daughter, of Russia;
  • Maria Vladimirovna Vorontsova, Vladmir Putin’s daughter, of Russia;
  • Beglov, Aleksandr Dmitrievich of Russia and Azerbeijan;
  • Bulavin, Vladimir Ivanovich of Russia;
  • Chayka, Yuriy Yakovlevich of Russia;
  • Chuychenko, Konstantin Anatolyevich of Russia;
  • Gutsan, Aleksandr Vladimirovich of Russia;
  • Komarov, Igor Anatolyevich of Russia;
  • Lavrova, Maria Aleksandrovna, Sergey Lavrov’s wife, of Russia;
  • Medvedev, Dmitry Anatolievich of Russia;
  • Mishustin, Mikhail Vladimirovich of Russia;
  • Nurgaliev, Rashid Gumarovich of Russia and Kazakhstan;
  • Seryshev, Anatoliy Anatolievich of Russia;
  • Siluanov, Anton Germanovich of Russia;
  • Sobyanin, Sergey Semyonovich of Russia;
  • Trutnev, Yuriy Petrovich of Russia;
  • Ustinov, Vladimir Vasilyevich of Russia;
  • Vaino, Anton Eduardovich of Russia;
  • Vinokurova, Yekaterina Sergeyevna of Russia and the United States, Sergey Lavrov’s daughter;
  • Yakushev, Vladimir Vladimirovich of Russia.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Alfa Capital Markets Ltd, of Cyprus;
  • Alfa-Direct of Russia;
  • Alfa-Forex LLC of Russia;
  • Alfa-Lizing OOO of Russia;
  • Amsterdam Trade Bank NV of The Netherlands;
  • Arimero Holding Limited, of Cyprus;
  • Auction Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • Bankruptcy Technology Center Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • Barus Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • IKS Joint Stock Company of Russia;
  • Insurance Company Sberbank Insurance Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • Insurance Company Sberbank Life Insurance Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Alfa-Bank of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Business Environment of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Loyalty Programs Center of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Raschetniye Resheniya of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia and the Ukraine;
  • Joint Stock Company Sberbank Automated Trade System of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Sberbank Leasing of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Sberbank Private Pension Fund of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Sberbank Technologies of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Strategy Partners Group of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company United Credit Bureau of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Active Business Consult of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Digital Technologies of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Korus Consulting CIS of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Market Fund Administration of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Promising Investments of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Rutarget of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Sberbank Capital of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Sberbank CIB Holding of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Sberbank Factoring of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Sberbank Financial Company of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Sberbank Insurance Broker of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Sberbank Investments of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Sberbank Real Estate Center of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Sberbank Service of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Yoomoney of Russia;
  • Open Joint Stock Company BPS-Sberbank of Russia;
  • Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank Of Russia of Russia;
  • SB Securities SA, of Luxembourg;
  • SBER Legal Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • SBER Vostok Limited Liability Partnership of Russia;
  • Sberbank Europe AG, of Austria;
  • Setelem Bank Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • Sovremennye TekhnologII Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • Subsidiary Bank Alfa-Bank JSC of Russia;
  • Subsidiary Bank Sberbank Of Russia Joint Stock Company of Kazakhstan;
  • Tekhnologii Kreditovaniya Limited Liability Company of Russia;
  • Vydayushchiesya Kredity Microcredit Company Limited Liability Company of Russia.

The following vessels have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Lady Leila (UCGL) of Russia;
  • Lady Rania (UBBO9) of Russia;
  • Lady Sevda (UBWL7) of Russia;
  • Sv Konstantin (UBUS4) of Russia;
  • Sv Nikolay (UBTU6) of Russia.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0705 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220406 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220406_33

 

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April 7, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Alrosa, a Russian state-owned enterprise (SOE) and the world’s largest diamond mining company, which is also responsible for 90 percent of Russia’s diamond mining capacity. The Department of State also redesignated Joint Stock Company United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), as well as its subsidiaries and board members. USC is a Russian SOE that develops and constructs the majority of the Russian military’s warships, likely including many of those used to bombard Ukraine’s cities and harm Ukraine’s citizens. These actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. Through these designations, Treasury is cutting off additional sources of support and revenue for the Government of the Russian Federation (GoR) to wage its unprovoked war against Ukraine.

OFAC also issued Russia-related General License 9C, General License 10C, General License 21A, General License 24, and General License 25.

 

General License 9C: All transactions prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to dealings in debt or equity of one or more of the following entities issued prior to February 24, 2022 (“Russian financial institution debt or equity”) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022, provided that any divestment or transfer of, or facilitation of divestment or transfer of, Russian financial institution debt or equity must be to a non-U.S. person:

(i) State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank;

(ii) Public Joint Stock Company Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie;

(iii) Sovcombank Open Joint Stock Company;

(iv) Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia;

(v) VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company; or

(vi) Any entity in which one or more of the above entities own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl9c.pdf

 

General License 10C: All transactions prohibited by the RuHSR, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of derivative contracts entered into prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern standard time, February 24, 2022, that (i) include one of the following entities (collectively, the “Russian financial institution entities”) as a counterparty or (ii) are linked to debt or equity of a Russian financial institution entity are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022, provided that any payments to a blocked person are made into a blocked account:

(i) State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank;

(ii) Public Joint Stock Company Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie;

(iii) Sovcombank Open Joint Stock Company;

(iv) Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia;

(v) VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company; or

(vi) Any entity in which one or more of the above entities own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl10c.pdf

 

General License 21A: U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of Sberbank CIB USA, Inc. or Alrosa USA, Inc. (collectively, the “blocked entities”), or any entity in which the blocked entities own, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, that are prohibited by the RuHSR, including the processing and payment of salaries, severance, and expenses; payments to vendors and landlords; and closing of accounts, through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 7, 2022.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl21a.pdf

 

General License 24: All transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of transactions involving Public Joint Stock Company Alrosa (“Alrosa”) or any entity in which Alrosa owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest that is prohibited by Executive Order 14024 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 7, 2022. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl24.pdf

 

General License 25: All transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the receipt or transmission of telecommunications involving the Russian Federation that are prohibited by the RuHSR, are authorized. The exportation or reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by U.S. persons, wherever located, to the Russian Federation of services, software, hardware, or technology incident to the exchange of communications over the internet, such as instant messaging, videoconferencing, chat and email, social networking, sharing of photos, movies, and documents, web browsing, blogging, web hosting, and domain name registration services, that is prohibited by the RuHSR, is authorized.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl25.pdf

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Lavrishchev, Andrey Vasilyevich of Russia;
  • Markelov, Vitaliy Anatolyevich of Russia;
  • Poltavchenko, Georgiy Sergeyevich of Russia;
  • Pospelov, Vladimir Yakovlevich of Russia;
  • Rakhmanov, Aleksey Lvovich of Russia;
  • Ryazantsev, Oleg Nikolayevich of Russia;
  • Shestakov, Ilya Vasilyevich of Russia;
  • Shishkin, Andrei Nikolaevich of Russia.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau Joint Stock Company of Russia;
  • Baltic Shipyard JSC of Russia;
  • Federal State Unitary Enterprise Kronshtadtskyy Morskoy Factory Minoborony Rossii of Russia;
  • Joint Public Stock Company Nevskoe Design Bureau of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company 10 Ordena Trudovogo Krasnogo Znameni Dockyard of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Admiralty Shipyards of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Baltic Shipbuilding Plant Yantar of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Central Design Bureau For Marine Engineering Rubin of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Design Office For Shipbuilding Vympel of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Khabarovsk Shipbuilding Yard of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Northern Production Association Arktika of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Production Association Northern Machine-Building Enterprise of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Research Design And Technological Bureau Onega of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Shipbuilding Plant Lotos of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Shiprepairing Center Zvyozdochka of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Sudoexport of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Svetlovsky Enterprise Era of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company The St. Petersburg's Sea Bureau Of Mechanical Engineering Malachite of Russia;
  • JSC 33 Shipyard of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Kaspiyskaya Energiya Administration Office of Russia;
  • Public Joint Stock Company Alrosa of Russia;
  • Public Joint Stock Company Amursky Shipbuilding Plant of Russia;
  • Public Joint Stock Company Krasnoye Sormovo Shipyard of Russia;
  • Public Joint Stock Company Proletarsky Zavod of Russia;
  • Public Joint Stock Company Shipbuilding Plant Severnaya Verf of Russia;
  • Public Joint Stock Company Vyborg Shipyard of Russia;
  • Severnoe Design Bureau Joint Stock Company of Russia;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation Jsc Aysberg Central Design Building of Russia.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220407 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0707

 

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April 11, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated seven individuals and one entity across four countries in the Western Balkans pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14033. This is the second action OFAC has taken under E.O. 14033 targeting persons who threaten the stability of the region through corruption, criminal activity, and other destabilizing behavior. This action reinforces Treasury’s commitment to promoting accountability for actors in the Western Balkans region engaged in destabilizing and corrupt behavior. Such corrupt behavior undermines the rule of law and economic growth, and it deprives people in these countries of opportunities and stability.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Gruevski, Nikola of North Macedonia;
  • Marovic, Svetozar of Montenegro;
  • Mijalkov, Sasho of North Macedonia;
  • Ndroqi, Ylli Bahri of Alabania;
  • Rakipi, Aqif of Albania;
  • Sarajlic, Asim of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • Tadic, Gordana of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

The following entity has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • C.I.C. KFT. of Hungary.

 

The following deletions have been made to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • Arsenovic, Djojo of Bosnia-Herzegovin;
  • Bala, Haradin of Serbia and Montenegro;
  • Borovnica, Goran of the Balkans;
  • Cengic, Hasan of Bosnia-Herzegovina;
  • Deronjic, Miroslav of Bosnia-Herzegovina;
  • Gashi, Sabit of Serbia and Montenegro;
  • Hyseni, Xhemajl of Macedonia;
  • Josipovic, Drago; of Bosnia-Herzegovina;
  • Marinic, Zoran of Bosnia-Herzegovina;
  • Mrksic, Milan of Croatia;
  • Mucic, Zdravko of the Balkans;
  • Musliu, Jonuz of Serbia and Montenegro;
  • Nikolic, Drago of Bosnia-Herzegovina;
  • Ojdanic, Dragoljub of Serbia and Montenegro;
  • Rushiti, Sait of the Balkans;
  • Ruxheti, Sait of the Balkans;
  • Strugar, Pavle of Serbia and Montenegro;
  • Talic, Momir of Bosnia-Herzegovina;
  • Todorovic, Stevan of Bosnia-Herzegovina;
  • Zelenovic, Dragan of the Balkans;
  • Beara, Ljubisa of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
  • Hadzic, Goran of Croatia.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0712 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220411

 

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April 11, 2022:  The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Kinahan Organized Crime Group (KOCG) along with seven of its key members, including its Irish leaders Christopher Vincent Kinahan Senior, Daniel Joseph Kinahan, Christopher Vincent Kinahan Junior, and three associated businesses pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13581, “Blocking Property of Transnational Criminal Organizations,” as amended. Today’s action is the result of close collaboration between OFAC, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ireland’s national police force (An Garda Síochána), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Clancy, Bernard Patrick of Spain; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Ireland;
  • Dixon, Ian Thomas of the United Arab Emirates and Ireland;
  • Kinahan Junior, Christopher Vincent of the United Arab Emirates and Ireland;
  • Kinahan, Christopher Vincent of the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Ireland;
  • Kinahan, Daniel Joseph of the United Arab Emirates, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland;
  • Mcgovern, Sean Gerard of the United Arab Emirates and Ireland;
  • Morrissey, John Francis of Spain and Ireland.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Ducashew General Trading LLC of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Hoopoe Sports LLC of the United Arab Emirates;
  • Kinahan Organized Crime Group of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates;
  • Nero Drinks Company Limited of the United Kingdom and Spain.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0713 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220411_33

 

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April 12, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 26. This General License authorizes all transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of transactions involving Joint Stock Company SB Sberbank Kazakhstan or Sberbank Europe AG (collectively, “the blocked Sberbank subsidiaries”), or any entity in which the blocked Sberbank subsidiaries own, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, that are prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, July 12, 2022.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220412

 

*******

 

April 14, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) made  following changes to the SDN List:

 

  • Lazarus Group was listed as a secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210; Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214. LAZARUS GROUP is a North Korean hacker group that is linked to the recent Ronin bridge hack.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220414 and https://news.bitcoin.com/ofac-update-claims-ronin-hack-is-tethered-to-north-koreas-hacker-syndicate-lazarus-group/

 

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April 19, 2022:  The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 27 "Certain Transactions in Support of Nongovernmental Organizations’ Activities." General License 27 authorizes all transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the activities described below by non-governmental organizations that are prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), are authorized, provided that the only involvement of blocked persons is the processing of funds by financial institutions blocked pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. (b) The activities are as follows:

(1) Activities to support humanitarian projects to meet basic human needs in Ukraine or the Russian Federation, including drought and flood relief; food, nutrition, and medicine distribution; the provision of health services; assistance for vulnerable or displaced populations, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly; and environmental programs;

(2) Activities to support democracy-building in Ukraine or the Russian Federation, including activities to support rule of law, citizen participation, government accountability, and transparency, human rights and fundamental freedoms, access to information, and civil society development projects;

(3) Activities to support education in Ukraine or the Russian Federation, including combating illiteracy, increasing access to education, international exchanges, and assisting education reform projects;

(4) Activities to support non-commercial development projects directly benefiting the people of Ukraine or the Russian Federation, including those related to health, food security, and water and sanitation; and (5) Activities to support environmental and natural resource protection in Ukraine or the Russian Federation, including the preservation and protection of threatened or endangered species, responsible and transparent management of natural resources, and the remediation of pollution or other environmental damage.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl27.pdf and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220419

 

*******

 

April 20, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued Russia-related General License 28 and General License 29.

In addition, the following names have been added or updated to OFAC's list of Specially Designated Nationals.

 

General License 28: Authorizes all transactions involving Public Joint Stock Company Transkapitalbank (TKB), or any entity in which TKB owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, that are ultimately destined for or originating from Afghanistan and prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, October 20, 2022. U.S. financial institutions are authorized to operate correspondent accounts on behalf of TKB, or any entity in which TKB owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, provided such accounts are used solely to effect transactions authorized in paragraph (a) of this general license. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl28.pdf

 

General License 29: Authorizes all transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of transactions involving Public Joint Stock Company Transkapitalbank (TKB), or any entity in which TKB owns, directly, or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, that is prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 20, 2022. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl29_0.pdf

 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also designated entities and individuals involved in attempts to evade sanctions imposed by the United States and its international partners on Russia. OFAC designated Russian commercial bank Transkapitalbank and a global network of more than 40 individuals and entities led by U.S.-designated Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev, including organizations whose primary mission is to facilitate sanctions evasion for Russian entities. OFAC also designated companies operating in Russia’s virtual currency mining industry, reportedly the third-largest in the world. This is the first time Treasury has designated a virtual currency mining company.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Alekseev, Mikhail Yurevich of Russia;
  • Cherkasova, Nadia Narimanovna of Russia;
  • Emelyanova, Svetlana Petrovna of Russia;
  • Gadetskiy, Yevgeniy Yuryevich of Russia;
  • Goldfinch, Paul Andrew of Russia and New Zealand;
  • Golikov, Andrey Fedorovich of Russia;
  • Karachinskiy, Anatoly Mikhailovich of Russia;
  • Kolychev, Vladimir Vladimirovich of Russia;
  • Kremleva, Irina Vladimirovna of Russia;
  • Kupriyanov, Alexey Aleksandrovich of Russia;
  • Kuzmin, Pavel Vladimirovich of Russia;
  • Leshchenko, Mikhail Aleksandrovich of Russia;
  • Levin, Dmitriy Olegovich of Russia;
  • Malofeyev, Kirill Konstantinovich of Russia;
  • Markov, Ilya Anatolyevich of Russia;
  • Melikov, Nikita of Russia;
  • Nechiporuk, Roman Viktorovich of Russia;
  • Nesterenko, Tatyana Gennadevna of Russia;
  • Nikolaev, Viktor Andreevich of Russia;
  • Okulov, Aleksandr of Russia; Romania; United Arab Emirates; and Moldova;
  • Rusanov, Sergey Georgievich of Russia;
  • Samoylov, Artem of Russia;
  • Simanovskiy, Alexey Yurevich of Russia;
  • Subbotin, Alexey Anatolyevich of Russia;
  • Titova, Elena Borisovna of Russia;
  • Tyurina, Natalya Aleksandrovna of Russia;
  • Yakushev, Mikhail Ilich of Russia;
  • Yudayeva, Kseniya Valentinovna of Russia;
  • Zadornov, Mikhail Mikhaylovich of Russia.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • Agent De Asigurare Lider Asig Societate Cu Raspundere Limitata of Moldova;
  • All-Russian Public Organization Society For The Promotion Of Russian Historical Development Tsargrad of Russia;
  • Analiticheski Tsentr Katekhon OOO of Russia;
  • Autonomous Noncommercial Organization For The Study And Development Of International Cooperation In The Economic Sphere International Agency Of Sovereign Development of Russia;
  • Bitriver AG of Switzerland;
  • Ekoferma Zareche OOO of Russia;
  • Imenie Tsargrad OOO of Russia;
  • Imperiya 19-31 OOO of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Investtradebank of Russia;
  • Joint Stock Company Marshal Global of Russia;
  • Kontur OOO of Russia;
  • Kurort Livadiya OOO of Russia;
  • Kurort Tsargrad Spas-Teshilovo OOO of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Russian Digital Solutions of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Vladeks of Russia;
  • Limited Liability Company Vladeks Kholding of Russia;
  • MGI PTE LTD of Singapore;
  • Okaf Trading Societatea Cu Raspundere Limitata of Moldova;
  • OOO Bitriver Rus of Russia;
  • OOO Bitriver-B of Russia;
  • OOO Bitriver-K of Russia;
  • OOO Bitriver-North of Russia;
  • OOO Bitriver-Turma of Russia;
  • OOO Everest Grup of Russia;
  • OOO Management Company Bitriver of Russia;
  • OOO Sibirskie Mineraly of Russia;
  • OOO Torgovy Dom Asbest of Russia;
  • OOO Tuvaasbest of Russia;
  • Organizatia De Creditare Nebancara Lider Leasing SRL of Moldova;
  • Proizvodstvenno-Stroitelnaya Kompaniya SNM of Russia;
  • Public Joint Stock Company Transkapitalbank of Russia;
  • Societatea Cu Raspundere Limitata Project Invest Company of Moldova;
  • Spetsinvestservis OOO of Russia;
  • Teshilovo OOO of Russia;
  • Tsargrad OOO of Russia;
  • Tsargrad Park OOO of Russia;
  • Tsargrad-Kultura OOO of Russia;
  • Tsargrad-Media OOO of Russia;
  • Tureya OOO of Russia;
  • Zareche-Oka OOO of Russia.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220420 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0731

 

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April 25, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Ukraine-/Russia-related General License 13R and General License 15L.  In addition, OFAC has updated several Frequently Asked Questions.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220425_33

 

General License 13R: Authorizes all transactions and activities otherwise prohibited by the Ukraine Related Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 589 (URSR), that are ordinarily incident and necessary (1) to divest or transfer debt, equity, or other holdings in GAZ Group to a non-U.S. person, or (2) to facilitate the transfer of debt, equity, or other holdings in GAZ Group by a non-U.S. person to another non-U.S. person, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022.

 

Authorizes all transactions and activities otherwise prohibited by the URSR that are ordinarily incident and necessary to (1) divest or transfer debt, equity, or other holdings in GAZ Group, or in entities in which GAZ Group owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, that were issued by GAZ Auto Plant (hereinafter, “Other Issuer Holdings”), to a non-U.S. person; or facilitate the transfer of Other Issuer Holdings by a non-U.S. person to another non-U.S. person, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022. The transactions and activities authorized include facilitating, clearing, and settling transactions to divest to a non-U.S. person debt, equity, or other holdings in GAZ Group, or Other Issuer Holdings as described in paragraph (b), including on behalf of U.S. persons. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/ukraine_gl13r.pdf

 

General License 15L: Authorizes all transactions and activities prohibited by the Ukraine Related Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 589 (URSR), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind-down of transactions involving GAZ Group, or any entity in which GAZ Group owns, directly or indirectly, a 50 percent or greater interest, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/ukraine_gl15l.pdf

 

See the following link for Frequently Asked Questions related to General Licenses 13R and 15L: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/updated/2022-04-25

 

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April 29, 2022: OFAC is amending and reissuing, in their entirety, the Ukraine-Related Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 589, and renaming the regulations the Ukraine-/Russia-Related Sanctions Regulations. This administrative action replaces the regulations that were published in abbreviated form on May 8, 2014 with a more comprehensive set of regulations that includes additional interpretive and definitional guidance, general licenses, and other regulatory provisions that will provide further guidance to the public. OFAC is also revising several FAQs for the Ukraine-/Russia-Related Sanctions Regulations.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220429

 

 

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Department of The Treasury

 

April 5, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 19737: In accordance with section 999(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Department of the Treasury is publishing a current list of countries that require or may require participation in, or cooperation with, an international boycott (within the meaning of section 999(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). The countries are:

  • Iraq;
  • Kuwait;
  • Lebanon;
  • Libya;
  • Qatar;
  • Saudi Arabia;
  • Syria; and
  • Yeman

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/05/2022-07140/list-of-countries-requiring-cooperation-with-an-international-boycott

 

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Fines and Penalties

 

April 1, 2022: OFAC settles with S&P Global, Inc. for $78,750 related to apparent violations of the Ukraine-Related Sanctions Regulations in 2016 and 2017. The apparent violations occurred when S&P Global and a company it acquired reissued and redated multiple invoices to continue to extend credit to JSC Rosneft (“Rosneft”), a state-owned Russian oil company, in violation of the debt and equity restrictions set forth under Executive Order (E.O.) 13662. After reissuing and re-dating four invoices to extend the original payment dates, S&P Global ultimately accepted past-due payments totaling $82,500 from Rosneft. The settlement amount reflects OFAC’s determination that S&P Global’s apparent violations were non-egregious and not voluntarily self-disclosed. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/20220401_spglobal.pdf

 

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April 1, 2022: Former GE Power Engineer, Xiaoqing Zheng, of New York was convicted of conspiracy to commit economic espionage with individuals in China to steal GE Power & Water’s (“GE”) Trade Secrets Knowing or Intending to Benefit the Government of China. A federal jury convicted Zheng of conspiracy to commit economic espionage following a four-week jury trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial,  Zheng, 59, of Niskayuna, NY was employed at GE Power & Water in Schenectady, New York, as an engineer specializing in sealing technology. He worked at GE from 2008 until the summer of 2018. The trial evidence demonstrated that Zheng and others in China conspired to steal GE’s trade secrets surrounding GE’s steam and gas turbine technologies, knowing or intending to benefit the People’s Republic of China and one or more foreign instrumentalities, including China-based companies that research, develop, and manufacture parts for turbines. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-ge-power-engineer-convicted-conspiracy-commit-economic-espionage

 

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April 4, 2022: The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued the following five new Orders Denying Export Privileges:

 

  • April 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 87 Fed. Reg. 19475: On March 10, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Andrew Estrada (“Mr. Estrada”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Estrada was convicted of fraudulently and knowingly exporting and sending or attempting to export or send from the United States to Mexico, approximately 500 rounds of .38 Super caliber ammunition and two 7.62 x 39 mm drum magazines, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 554. As a result of his conviction, on March 10, 2020, the Court sentenced Mr. Estrada to 30 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 court assessment. Based on his conviction, BIS denied Mr. Estrada’s export privileges for seven (7) years from the date of his conviction.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/04/2022-07045/in-the-matter-of-andrew-estrada-1402-w-jeff-drive-pharr-tx-78577-9659-order-denying-export

 

  • April 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 19477: On October 3, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Guadalupe Horacio Garza-Cavazos (“Mr. Garza-Cavazos”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Mr. Garza-Cavazos was convicted of fraudulently and knowingly exporting and sending or attempting to export and send from the United States to Mexico, (1) SIG Sauer .380 Auto, (1) Beretta .22 LR, (1) Glock 17 9mm, (1) Glock 19 9mm, (1) Smith and Wesson 9mm, (1) SIG Sauer 9mm, (2) 20 round boxes of .308 caliber ammunition, (1) 20 round box of .30-30 caliber ammunition, and 12 pistol magazines, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 554. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Mr. Garza-Cavazos to 46 months in prison and a $100 assessment. Based on his conviction, BIS denied Mr. Garza-Cavazos’ export privileges for ten (10) years from the date of his conviction. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/04/2022-07046/in-the-matter-of-guadalupe-horacio-garza-cavazos-inmate-number-87312-479-fci-butner-low-federal

 

  • April 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 19478: On June 11, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Hicham Diab (“Mr. Diab”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 371. Specifically, Diab was convicted of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to willfully export firearms, defense articles designated on the United States Munitions List, from the United States to Lebanon, without having obtained from the United States Department of State a license or written approval for the export of these defense articles, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 371. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Mr. Diab to 18 months imprisonment and a $200 assessment. Based on his conviction, BIS denied Mr. Diab’s export privileges for ten (10) years from the date of his conviction.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/04/2022-07047/in-the-matter-of-hicham-diab-mar-maroun-street-tedros-building-6th-floor-tripoli-lebanon-order

 

  • April 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 19479: On June 11, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Nafez El Mir (“Mr. El Mir”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 371. Specifically, Mr. El Mir was convicted of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to willfully export firearms, defense articles designated on the United States Munitions List, from the United States to Lebanon, without having obtained from the United States Department of State a license or written approval for the export of these defense articles, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 371. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Mr. El Mir to 18 months imprisonment and a $200 assessment. Based on his conviction, BIS denied Mr. El Mir’s export privileges for ten (10) years from the date of his conviction.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/04/2022-07048/in-the-matter-of-nafez-el-mir-10630-place-de-lacadie-apartment-12-montreal-quebec-canada-h4n1a2

 

  • April 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 19476: On May 23, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Sergio Eduardo Perez-Barragan (“Mr. Perez-Barragan”) was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. 554(a). Specifically, Perez-Barragan was convicted of fraudulently and knowingly exporting and sending from the United States or attempting to export and sending from the United States, one thousand (1,000) rounds of 9mm ammunition, three hundred and fifty (350) rounds of .380 caliber ammunition, two hundred (200) rounds of .243 caliber ammunition, and twenty (20) rounds of .270 caliber ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 554. Mr. Perez-Barragan was sentenced to 10 months in prison and a $100 assessment. Based on his conviction, BIS denied Mr. Perez-Barragan’s export privileges for seven (7) years from the date of his conviction.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/04/2022-07044/in-the-matter-of-sergio-eduardo-perez-barragan-altamira-411-poniente-tampico-tamaulipas-89137-mexico

 

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April 6, 2022: Konstantin Malofeyev (Mr. Malofeyev), 47, of Russia was charged with violating U.S. sanctions arising from the 2014 Russian undermining of democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine. According to the indictment, which was unsealed in the Southern District of New York, Mr. Malofeyev, was charged with conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions and violations of U.S. sanctions in connection with his hiring of an American citizen, Jack Hanick (Mr. Hanick), to work for him in operating television networks in Russia and Greece and attempting to acquire a television network in Bulgaria. As alleged, Mr. Malofeyev also conspired with Mr. Hanick and others to illegally transfer a $10 million investment that Mr. Malofeyev made in a U.S. bank to a business associate in Greece, in violation of the sanctions blocking Mr. Malofeyev’s assets from being transferred. Along with the indictment, the United States issued a seizure warrant for Mr. Malofeyev’s U.S. investment. Mr. Malofeyev remains at large and is believed to be in Russia.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/russian-oligarch-charged-violating-us-sanctions

 

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April 7, 2022: A Chinese national, Xiang Haitao (Xiang), 44, formerly residing in Chesterfield, Missouri, was sentenced to 29 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a $150,000 fine for conspiring to commit economic espionage. Xiang pleaded guilty to the charge in January 2022.  According to court documents, Xiang conspired to steal a trade secret from The Climate Corporation, a subsidiary of Monsanto, an internationally based company doing business in St. Louis, Missouri, for the purpose of benefitting a foreign government, namely the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-national-sentenced-economic-espionage-conspiracy

 

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April 7, 2022: A former University of Kansas (KU) professor,  Feng Tao, aka Franklin Tao (Tao), 50, was today convicted by a federal jury on three counts of wire fraud and one count of false statements after he deliberately concealed that he was also employed by a government-affiliated university in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), while working on U.S. government-funded research at KU. Tao of Lawrence, Kansas, worked as a full-time professor at KU. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2018, Tao accepted a position with Fuzhou University in China that designated him as a Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor. The position’s guidelines required him to be a full-time employee of Fuzhou University.

 

The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) required faculty to file annual reports to notify of any outside employment that did or could impact duties as a conflict of interest. Tao didn’t seek permission from KU before entering the agreement with Fuzhou University, didn’t notify KU about the employment, and lied to conceal the employment. In December 2018, the defendant moved to China to work full-time at Fuzhou University, while falsely telling KU administrators that he was in Europe.  https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jury-convicts-university-kansas-researcher-hiding-ties-chinese-government

 

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April 8, 2022: A former Managing Director of The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (Goldman Sachs), Ng Chong Hwa, aka Roger Ng (“Roger Ng”) of Malaysia was convicted by a federal jury in the Eastern District of New York for conspiring to commit bribery, to circumvent internal accounting controls, and to commit money laundering in connection with a multibillion-dollar scheme involving Malaysia’s state-owned investment and development fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Following an eight-week trial, Roger Ng was found guilty of conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) by paying bribes to a dozen foreign officials in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, conspiring to violate the FCPA by circumventing the internal accounting controls of Goldman Sachs, and conspiring to launder billions of dollars related to the scheme.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-goldman-sachs-investment-banker-convicted-massive-bribery-and-money-laundering-scheme

 

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April 12, 2022: A Texas man and woman, Xiaojian Tao, 63 (Tao), and Yu Lang, aka Laura Lang, 63 (Lang) were arrested in Helotes on criminal charges related to the husband’s involvement in alleged export violations, and both of their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud a research and development company (R&D Company) that provided services to industrial and government clients in the United States and abroad.

 

Tao is charged with one count of illegal export of defense articles; one count of unlawful export of commerce-controlled goods; and one count of making a false statement with regards to the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA). Tao allegedly exported items to China without having obtained a required export license from either the Department of State or the Department of Commerce. Tao and Lang are both charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud. According to court documents, from 1997 to the present, Tao and Lang owned and operated Tyletech, aka Tylex Tech LLC, and Tyle Tech, a company that provides engineering consulting services. From 1994 to March 2020 Tao worked for the R&D Company that directly competed with Tyletech. Although Tao certified that each year he would notify the R&D Company of any conflicts of interest and follow Standards of Conduct, Tao and Lang hid Tao’s role in Tyletech, instead funneling business from the R&D Company to Tyletech. Further, from 2016 to 2020, Tao and Lang allegedly filed false income tax returns and are both charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and five counts of filing false tax returns. Tao also is charged with one count of making a false statement and Lang is charged with two counts of making a false statement.

 

If convicted, Tao faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each of the export counts and the false ECRA statement. Tao and Lang face a maximum of 20 years in prison on each of the wire fraud counts; five years in prison on each of the false statement counts and the defrauding the U.S. count, and three years in prison on each of the false tax return counts.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/husband-and-wife-arrested-export-control-violations-wire-fraud-tax-fraud-and-making-false

 

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April 12, 2022: Virgil Griffith, 39 (Griffith) a U.S. citizen who conspired to provide services to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea), including technical advice on using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to evade sanctions, was sentenced to 63 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

According to court documents, Griffith began formulating plans as early as 2018 to provide services to individuals in the DPRK by developing and funding cryptocurrency infrastructure there, including to mine cryptocurrency. Griffith knew that the DPRK could use these services to evade and avoid U.S. sanctions, and to fund its nuclear weapons program and other illicit activities. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-citizen-who-conspired-assist-north-korea-evading-sanctions-sentenced-over-five-years-and

 

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April 12, 2022: A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida returned an indictment charging Lawrence O’Brien, Bruce LaRoche, and Thomas Dailey of Florida with conspiring to rig bids for customized promotional products to the U.S. Army and charging two of them with conspiring to defraud the United States. Two of the men were arrested early this morning, and all three appeared in court for initial appearances this afternoon. According to court documents, Lawrence O’Brien, Bruce LaRoche and Thomas Dailey conspired to eliminate competition among their companies and secure sales for a pre-arranged winner. To carry out this scheme, they exchanged their company’s bid templates and submitted bids to military customers on each other’s behalf.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-florida-men-indicted-rigging-bids-and-defrauding-us-military

 

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April 20, 2022: Andrew Scott, Pierson, 46 (Pierson), of Jay, Oklahoma was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy that resulted in the trafficking of firearms to Mexican cartels. In May 2017, an Arkansas resident received a shipment of firearm components that had been sent to him for cerakoting, a process in which a polymer-ceramic coating is added to a firearm or its parts to improve durability. The parts appeared to be 80% Colt lower receivers, and the Arkansas resident recognized these firearm parts as counterfeit. He contacted law enforcement. The counterfeit receivers were traced to an organization in Laredo, Texas, which was transporting firearm parts to Pierson in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Pierson assembled the parts into functioning weapons for the Cartel Del Noreste (CDN) and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). Pierson was arrested at the southern United States border on December 10, 2018. Pierson admitted to ordering and receiving firearm parts from the United States and manufacturing automatic weapons in Mexico for the CDN and CJNG cartels. Law enforcement later confirmed cartel firearm availability was impaired following Pierson’s arrest.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edar/pr/oklahoma-man-sentenced-12-years-prison

 

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April 21, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a $141,442 settlement with Newmont Corporation (“Newmont”), a multinational mining firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado.  Newmont has agreed to settle a potential civil liability for four apparent violations of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), 31 C.F.R. part 515.  Specifically, between approximately June 2016 to November 2017, Newmont Suriname, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont that is a person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States under the CACR, purchased Cuban-origin explosives and explosive accessories from a third-party vendor involving four separate transactions.  OFAC determined that Newmont voluntarily disclosed the apparent violations and that the apparent violations constitute a non-egregious case.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/20220421_newmont.pdf

 

Separately, OFAC announced a $45,908 settlement with Chisu International Corporation (“Chisu”), a company located in Parkland, Florida that is affiliated with a distributor of explosives and accessories for mining operations.  Chisu has agreed to settle a potential civil liability for four apparent violations of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), 31 C.F.R. part 515.  Specifically, between June 2016 and November 2017, Chisu and its affiliates in Suriname and Panama on four occasions procured Cuban-origin explosives and related accessories originating from the Cuban entity Unión Latinoamericana de Explosivos (ULAEX) on behalf of a U.S. company for the U.S. company’s mining project in Suriname. OFAC determined that Chisu did not voluntarily disclose the apparent violations and that the apparent violations constitute a non-egregious case. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/20220421_chisu.pdf

 

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April 25, 2022: The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a settlement with Toll Holdings Limited (“Toll”), an international freight forwarding and logistics company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.  Toll agreed to remit $6,131,855 to settle its potential civil liability for 2,958 apparent violations of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, and the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, the Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations, and the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations. The apparent violations occurred when Toll originated or received payments through the U.S. financial system involving sanctioned jurisdictions and persons. These payments were in connection with the sea, air, and rail shipments conducted by Toll, its affiliates, or suppliers to, from, or through the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, or Syria, or the property or interests in property of an entity on OFAC’s list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. The settlement amount reflects OFAC’s determination that Toll’s apparent violations were non-egregious and voluntarily self-disclosed. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/20220425_toll.pdf

 

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April 25, 2022: ALEJANDRO CAO DE BENOS, a citizen of Spain, and CHRISTOPHER EMMS, a citizen of the United Kingdom, were indicted and charged with conspiring to violate United States sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea” by working with U.S. citizen Virgil Griffith to illegally provide cryptocurrency and blockchain technology services to the DPRK. Both CAO DE BENOS and EMMS remain at large. Griffith previously pled guilty to conspiring to assist North Korea in evading sanctions in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) and was sentenced to 63 months in prison and a $100,000 fine. https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/us-attorney-announces-charges-against-two-european-citizens-conspiring-us-citizen

 

 

 

APRIL 2022 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATION UPDATES Read More »

MARCH 2022 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATION UPDATES

This newsletter is a listing of the latest changes in export control regulations through March 31, 2022. The newsletter is provided as a complimentary service to assist exporters with their ITAR and EAR export compliance responsibilities. It provides a summary of recent changes to export control regulations or other regulatory matters of interest that may impact your company’s international trade and export compliance functions. Call us at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net with questions or comments.

 See also our “Latest Sanctions Fines & Penalties” section below for an update on companies and persons denied export privileges by the United States Government.

 

REGULATORY UPDATES

Department of State

DDTC Issues Interim Final Rule To Amend The First Chapter Of The ITAR

March 23, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 16396: The U.S. Department of State has issued an interim final rule to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Part 120 (first chapter) to better organize the purposes and definitions of the regulations. The rule consolidates and co-locates authorities, general guidance, and definitions. This rule restructures Part 120 of the ITAR to better organize the definitions previously found in that part and other parts of the ITAR and to consolidate provisions that provide background information or otherwise apply throughout the regulations. In addition, this rule adds text not previously found in the ITAR and makes clarifying revisions to existing text. None of the revisions change the current scope of the ITAR. This rule is intended to be the first in a series of rulemakings that will further streamline and clarify the regulations.

Prior to this rulemaking, generally applicable information and definitions were spread throughout the ITAR. As a result of this rulemaking, Part 120 is divided into three subparts:

  • Subpart A - General Information;
  • Subpart B - General Policies and Processes; and
  • Subpart C - Definitions.

The division into subparts is intended to provide the reader with a roadmap for the regulations.

  • Subpart A—General Information, consolidates and explains the legislative authority and purpose of the regulations to aid in understanding their importance and source.
  • Subpart B—General Policies and Processes, outlines the general processes and policies of the ITAR.
  • Subpart C—Definitions, provides a consolidated list of defined terms that are applicable throughout the ITAR.

DDTC is also revising those sections affected by this rule that use acronyms to follow a standard format. Where a single term for which there is a known acronym appears on more than two occasions within any one section, the first instance is followed by a parenthetical containing the acronym and subsequent use of the term is by acronym. This will provide consistency of format without sacrificing clarity and limits unnecessary text.

This interim final rule is effective September 6, 2022. If you would like to make a comment about this rule the Department of State is accepting comments through May 9, 2022.

See the Federal Register Notice for the complete changes to the ITAR as well as the Department of State’s website: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/23/2022-05629/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-consolidation-and-restructuring-of-purposes-and and https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_news_and_events

 

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Department of State Offers Millions In Rewards For Russian Cyber Criminals

 

March 24, 2022: The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is now offering a reward for information on Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers Pavel Aleksandrovich Akulov, Mikhail Mikhailovich Gavrilov, and Marat Valeryevich Tyukov for their alleged involvement in computer intrusions, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and damage to the property of an energy facility offenses. RFJ, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Akulov, Gavrilov, Tyukov, or any other person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, aids or abets a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which may include participation in malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure. https://www.state.gov/rewards-for-justice-reward-offer-for-information-on-russian-fsb-officers-conducting-malicious-activity-against-u-s-critical-infrastructure-between-2012-2017/

The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is also offering a reward for information on Russia-based hacker Evgeny Viktorovich Gladkikh. RFJ is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Gladkikh or any other person who, while acting at the direction or under the control of a foreign government, aids or abets a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which may include participation in malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure. https://www.state.gov/rewards-for-justice-reward-offer-for-information-on-russian-government-cyber-actor-for-conducting-malicious-activity-against-u-s-critical-infrastructure-in-2017-and-2018/

 

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Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

March 2, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 11802: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is seeking public comments on its Statement of Registration form (Form DS-2032). Interested persons have until May 2, 2022, to submit their comments. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/02/2022-04318/60-day-notice-of-proposed-information-collection-statement-of-registration

 

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DDTC Name And Address Changes Posted To Website

March 2 through 29, 2022: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following name and/or address changes on its website at    

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=bd72ca0adbf8d30044f9ff621f961981:

  • Change in address for CMI Defence America, Inc. from 7205 Sterling Ponds Court, Sterling Heights, Michigan, 48312 to 1920 Opdyke Court, Suite 100, Auburn Hills, Michigan, 48326;
  • Change in name from L3 Westwood Corporation and SPD Electrical Systems, Inc. to L3Harris Maritime Power & Energy Solutions, Inc. due to corporate reorganization;
  • Change in Name of the following L3Harris Technologies, Inc. Australia subsidiaries due to corporate rebranding:
Previous Name Amended Name
Exelis Australia Pty., Ltd. L3Harris Exelis Australia Pty Ltd
Harris Communications (Australia) Pty Ltd L3Harris Communications Australia Pty Ltd
  • Change in Name from Mikuni Corporation Aerospace & Machinery Company to Mikuni Aerospace Corporation due to corporate rebranding;
  • Change in Name from QuantiTech LLC to Axient, LLC due to corporate rebranding;
  • Change in Address for Claverham Limited from Rivermead Court 2, Kenn Business Park, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TH, UK to Fore 1, Fore Business Park, Huskisson Way, Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, England, B90 4SS, UK;
  • Change in Name of the following L3Harris Technologies, Inc. UK subsidiaries due to corporate rebranding:
Previous Name Amended Name
L-3 Communications ASA Limited L3Harris Technologies ASA Limited
EDO MBM Technology Limited L3Harris Release & Integrated Solutions Inc.
TRL Technology Ltd. L3Harris TRL Technology Ltd.
  • Change in Name of the following L3Harris Technologies, Inc. UK subsidiaries due to corporate rebranding:
Previous Name Amended Name
L3 Commercial Training Solutions Ltd. L3Harris Commercial Training Solutions Limited
L3Harris Systems UK Limited L3Harris Communications Systems UK Limited
  • Change in Address for MTG Marinetechnik GmbH from Wandsbeker Koenigstrasse 62, 22041 Hamburg, Germany to MTG Marinetechnik GmbH at Budnikowsky-Twiete 7, 22041 Hamburg, Germany;
  • Changes in Name from Yokogawa Electric Corporation and Yokogawa Manufacturing Corporation to Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., due to acquisition;
  • Change in Name from Altran Switzerland AG to Capgemini Suisse SA due to acquisition;
  • Change in Name from Air Nostrum Lineas Aereas del Mediterraneo SAU to Air Nostrum Engineering and Maintenance Operations SLU due to corporate rebranding.

 

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Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

Commerce Takes Additional Actions Related To Exports Of Certain Materials And Adds Parties To The Entity List

March 3, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 12856 and 87 Fed. Reg. 13141: The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has taken two additional actions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, both effective March 3:

  • The first action/final rule builds on existing restrictions BIS put in place on the Russian deepwater oil and gas exploration and extraction industries in 2014 by imposing a policy of denial on such items and applying similarly stringent restrictions on a wide variety of items necessary for refining oil. This rule expands the scope of the sanctions against the Russian industry sector that was originally added to the EAR in August 2014 in response to Russia's 2014 destabilizing conduct in Ukraine and occupation of the Crimea region of Ukraine. See 79 FR 45675 (Aug. 6, 2014). The export controls in this final rule target the oil refinery sector in Russia. This final rule amends part 746 of the EAR (Embargoes and Other Special Controls) to expand the scope of the Russian industry sector sanctions by adding a new general prohibition that will apply to additional Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)-6 codes and Schedule B numbers for all exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) to or within Russia. Refer to Supplement No. 2 to 22 CFR § 746. file (doc.gov)
  • The second final rule implemented adds 91 new parties in 10 countries to the Commerce Department’s Entity List. The parties were added to the list upon a determination by the interagency End-User Review Committee (ERC), made up of the Departments of Commerce (Chair), Defense, State, Energy, and where appropriate, Treasury, based upon their involvement in, contributions to, or other support of the Russian security services, military and defense sectors, and military and/or defense research and development efforts. These entities are located in: Russia (81), United Kingdom (3), Estonia (3), Spain (2), Malta (2), Kazakhstan (1), Latvia (1), Belize (1), Singapore (1), and Slovakia (1) (NOTE: Total entries is 96 as some entities operate in multiple countries). The entities added to the Entity List via the final rule are as follows:

Belize

  • Ecotherm-Cryo Limited.

Estonia

  • ADIMIR OU;
  • Eastline Technologies OU; and
  • Valery Kosmachov.

Kazakhstan

  • Serniya Engineering.

Latvia

  • Ecotherm-Cryo Limited.

Malta

  • Djeco Group LP; and
  • Malberg Limited.

 

Russia

  • Amur Shipbuilding Factory PJSC;
  • AO Center of Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing JSC;
  • AO Kronshtadt;
  • Avant Space LLC;
  • Baikal Electronics;
  • Center for Technological Competencies in Radiophtonics;
  • Central Research and Development Institute Tsiklon;
  • Crocus Nano Electronics;
  • Dalzavod Ship-Repair Center;
  • Elara;
  • Electronic Computing and Information Systems;
  • ELPROM;
  • Engineering Center Ltd.;
  • Forss Technology Ltd.;
  • Integral SPB;
  • JSC Element;
  • JSC Pella-Mash;
  • JSC Shipyard Vympel;
  • Kranark LLC;
  • Lev Anatolyevich Yershov (Ershov);
  • LLC Center;
  • MCST Lebedev;
  • Miass Machine-Building Factory;
  • Microelectronic Research and Development Center Novosibirsk;
  • MPI VOLNA;
  • N.A. Dollezhal Order of Lenin Research and Design Institute of Power Engineering;
  • Nerpa Shipyard;
  • NM-Tekh;
  • Novorossiysk Shipyard JSC;
  • NPO Electronic Systems;
  • NPP Istok;
  • NTC Metrotek;
  • OAO GosNIIkhimanalit;
  • OAO Svetlovskoye Predpriyatiye Era;
  • OJSC TSRY;
  • OOO Elkomtekh (Elkomtex);
  • OOO Planar;
  • OOO Sertal;
  • Photon Pro LLC;
  • PJSC Zvezda;
  • Production Association Strela;
  • Radioavtomatika;
  • Research Center Module;
  • Robin Trade Limited;
  • R.Ye. Alekseyev Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoil Ships;
  • Rubin Sever Design Bureau;
  • Russian Space Systems;
  • Rybinsk Shipyard Engineering;
  • Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry;
  • Scientific-Research Institute of Electronics;
  • Scientific Research Institute of Hypersonic Systems;
  • Scientific Research Institute NII Submikron;
  • Sergey IONOV;
  • Serniya Engineering;
  • Severnaya Verf Shipbuilding Factory;
  • Ship Maintenance Center Zvezdochka;
  • State Governmental Scientific Testing Area of Aircraft Systems (GkNIPAS);
  • State Machine Building Design Bureau Raduga Bereznya;
  • State Scientific Center AO GNTs RF—FEI A.I. Leypunskiy Physico-Energy Institute;
  • State Scientific Research Institute of Machine Building Bakhirev (GosNIImash);
  • Tomsk Microwave and Photonic Integrated Circuits and Modules Collective Design Center;
  • UAB Pella-Fjord;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation JSC “35th Shipyard”;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation JSC “Astrakhan Shipyard”;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation JSC “Aysberg Central Design Bureau”;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation JSC “Baltic Shipbuilding Factory”;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation JSC “Krasnoye Sormovo Plant OJSC”;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation JSC “SC “Zvyozdochka”;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation “Pribaltic Shipbuilding Factory Yantar”;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation “Scientific Research Design Technological Bureau Onega”;
  • United Shipbuilding Corporation “Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard”;
  • Ural Scientific Research Institute for Composite Materials;
  • Urals Project Design Bureau Detal;
  • Vega Pilot Plant;
  • Vertikal LLC;
  • Vladislav Vladimirovich Fedorenko;
  • VTK Ltd;
  • Yaroslavl Shipbuilding Factory;
  • ZAO Elmiks-VS;
  • ZAO Sparta; and
  • ZAO Svyaz Inzhiniring.

Singapore

  • Alexsong PTE LTD.

Slovakia

  • Incoff Aerospace S.R.O.

Spain

  • Invention Bridge SL; and
  • Majory LLP.

United Kingdom

  • Djeco Group LP.

 

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Commerce modifies The Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus and Adds Countries Excluded From the FDP Rule  

 March 10, 2022: The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in response to the Russian Federation’s (Russia’s) further invasion of Ukraine, and to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, the Department of Commerce has added new and highly restrictive license requirements and policies for certain transactions involving Russia and Belarus under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Refer to § 746.8. In order to recognize partner countries that have committed to implementing substantially similar new export controls on Russia and Belarus in their domestic laws, the Department of Commerce has published a list of countries (supplement No. 3 to §746) excluded from portions of these new U.S. export controls (§ 746.8(a)(5)).

file (doc.gov)

 

These exclusions apply specifically to certain requirements under the EAR related to foreign-produced items. In this rule, the Department of Commerce adds the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to the list of excluded countries. (See our February 2022 issue for details on the original actions taken against Russia and Belarus)

 

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Commerce Consolidates Russian Guidance On Its Webpage

 

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has created a webpage related to all of the changes that have taken place due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/country-guidance/russia-belarus

 

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The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology

 

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology issued guidance entitled, “Assessing Enhanced Security Requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information.” The purpose of this publication is to describe procedures for assessing the enhanced security requirements in [SP 800-172]. Compliance with the security requirements is addressed in CUI guidance and the CUI Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or as supplemented by federal agencies (e.g., Department of Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation). Organizations can use the assessment procedures to generate evidence to support the assertion that the enhanced security requirements have been satisfied. The assessment procedures are typically used as part of an assessment process. An assessment process is an information-gathering and evidence producing activity to determine the effectiveness of the safeguards implemented to meet the set of security requirements specified in [SP 800-172]

https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-172A.pdf

 

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U.S. Census Bureau

Census Updates HTS Codes Not Schedule B#S For 2022

March 1, 2022: Effective March 1, 2022, all recent updates and corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) are available for use in AES.

Note: There are no changes to Schedule B.

AES accepted shipments with outdated codes during a grace period of 30 days beyond the expiration date of February 28, 2022. Reporting an outdated code after the 30-day grace period will result in a fatal error.

The ACE AESDirect program is updated with the new HTS codes and accepted shipments with outdated codes during the grace period.

The full 2022 Schedule B and HTS tables are available for download at:

http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/documentlibrary/#concordance

The current list of HTS codes that are not valid for AES are available at:

https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/documentlibrary/concordance/hts-not-for-aes.txt

  

LATEST SANCTIONS FINES & PENALTIES

 This section of our newsletter provides information on the latest sanctions, fines, and penalties for export violations or matters of non-compliance with the ITAR or EAR issued by the US government enforcement agencies. It is provided as a service to exporters and associates of FD Associates to remind them of the importance of extreme due diligence in all international trade and export compliance matters, particularly those involving exports subject to the ITAR or the EAR. Don't let this happen to you or your company! Call us with questions or concerns at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net.

 

Sanctions

 

The President

 

March 3, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 12553: The President continued the National Emergency with respect to Zimbabwe. The actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes or institutions continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on March 6, 2003, and the measures adopted on that date, on November 22, 2005, and on July 25, 2008, to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond March 6, 2022. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/04/2022-04879/continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-zimbabwe

 

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March 8, 2022: The President signed Executive Order 14066 banning the import of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas, and coal to the United States – a significant action with widespread bipartisan support that  further deprives President Putin of the economic resources he uses to continue his needless war of choice -- the U.S. Treasury released one General License and several Frequently Asked Questions to aid in the wind-down of deliveries of existing purchases that have already been contracted for. The United States continues to take severe action to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its brutal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Treasury has targeted the infrastructure supporting President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, from his cronies to state-owned companies and even the Central Bank, restricting over 80% of the total banking assets in Russia. These actions, in coordination with partners and allies, have isolated Russia from the global financial system and degraded the Kremlin’s ability to project power. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/eo_14066.pdf

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March 11, 2022: The President Signed Executive Order 14068 prohibiting the following:

  • The importation into the United States of the following products of Russian Federation origin: fish, seafood, and preparations thereof; alcoholic beverages; non-industrial diamonds; and any other products of Russian Federation origin as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce;
  • The exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States, or by a United States person, wherever located, of luxury goods, and any other items as may be determined by the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, to any person located in the Russian Federation;
  • New investment in any sector of the Russian Federation economy as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, by a United States person, wherever located;
  • The exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States, or by a United States person, wherever located, of U.S. dollar-denominated banknotes to the Government of the Russian Federation or any person located in the Russian Federation; and
  • Any approval, financing, facilitation, or guarantee by a United States person, wherever located, of a transaction by a foreign person where the transaction by that foreign person would be prohibited by this section if performed by a United States person or within the United States.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/14068.pdf

 

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The U.S. Department of State:

 March 15, 2022: the Department of State has imposed sanctions on the following Russian military leaders.

Specifically, the following 11 individuals are designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 Section 1(a)(i), as persons who operate or have operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy:

  • ALEKSEY KRIVORUCHKO is a Russian Ministry of Defense Deputy Minister of Defense;
  • TIMUR IVANOV is a Russian Ministry of Defense Deputy Minister of Defense;
  • YUNUS-BEK EVKUROV is a Russian Ministry of Defense Deputy Minister of Defense;
  • DMITRY BULGAKOV is a Russian Deputy Minister of Defense and a General of the Army; Bulgakov is the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense’s senior-most officer responsible for logistics matters;
  • YURIY SADOVENKO is a Russian Ministry of Defense Deputy Minister of Defense;
  • NIKOLAY PANKOV is a Russian Ministry of Defense Deputy Minister of Defense;
  • RUSLAN TSALIKOV is a Russian Ministry of Defense Deputy Minister of Defense;
  • GENNADY ZHIDKO is a Russian Ministry of Defense Deputy Minister of Defense;
  • VIKTOR ZOLOTOV is a Russian General of the Army and Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s National Guard Troops. He is a member of Russia’s Security Council;
  • DMITRY SHUGAEV is a senior leader of the Russian Ministry of Defense who is the Director of the Russian Ministry of Defense’s Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation; and
  • ALEXANDER MIKHEEV is the Director-General of Rosoboronexport, which is Russia’s state-controlled intermediary that carries out foreign trade with respect to military goods. Mikheev has been involved in synchronizing the supplies of weapons and special equipment using the Russian Ministry of Defense’s capabilities; has served as a member of an organizing committee led by Russia’s Minister of Defense of a Russian Ministry of Defense-organized military-focused forum; and has served on a delegation led by Russia’s Minister of Defense.

https://www.state.gov/u-s-announces-sanctions-on-key-members-of-russias-defense-enterprise/

 

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 March 24, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 16819: On March 14, 2022, the U.S. Department of State applied the measures authorized in Section 3 of the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (Pub. L. 109-353) against the following foreign persons identified in the report submitted pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Act:

  • Zhengzhou Nanbei Instrument Equipment Co. Ltd (People's Republic of China) and any successor, sub-unit, or subsidiary thereof;
  • Second Academy of Natural Science Foreign Affairs Bureau (SANS FAB) (DPRK) and any successor, sub-unit, or subsidiary thereof;
  • Ri Sung Chol (aka Ri Su'ng-ch'o'l) (DPRK individual);
  • Ardis Group of Companies LLC (Russia) and any successor, sub-unit, or subsidiary thereof;
  • PFK Profpodshipnik, LLC (Russia) and any successor, sub-unit, or subsidiary thereof;
  • Igor Aleksandrovich Michurin (Russian individual).

Accordingly, pursuant to Section 3 of the Act, the following measures are imposed on these persons:

 

  1. No department or agency of the U.S. government may procure or enter into any contract for the procurement of any goods, technology, or services from these foreign persons, except to the extent that the Secretary of State otherwise may determine;
  2. No department or agency of the U.S. government may provide any assistance to these foreign persons, and these persons shall not be eligible to participate in any assistance program of the U.S. government, except to the extent that the Secretary of State otherwise may determine;
  3. No U.S. government sales to these foreign persons of any item on the United States Munitions List are permitted, and all sales to these persons of any defense articles, defense services, or design and construction services under the Arms Export Control Act are terminated; and
  4. No new individual licenses shall be granted for the transfer to these foreign persons of items the export of which is controlled under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 or the Export Administration Regulations, and any existing such licenses are suspended.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/24/2022-06200/imposition-of-nonproliferation-measures-against-foreign-persons-including-a-ban-on-us-government

 

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Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

March 8, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 13048: The Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added new license requirements and review policies for Belarus to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to render Belarus subject to the same sanctions that were imposed on Russia under the EAR effective February 24, 2022. These new sanctions impose new Commerce Control List (CCL)-based license requirements for Belarus; revise the two foreign “direct product” rules (FDP rules) that are specific to Russia and Russian `military end users' to make them also applicable to Belarus and Belarusian `military end-users;' specify a license review policy of denial applicable to all of the license requirements on Belarus that are being added in this rule, with certain limited exceptions; significantly restrict the use of EAR license exceptions; expand the existing `military end use' and `military end user' control scope to include Belarus for all items “subject to the EAR” other than food and medicine designated EAR99, and add two new Belarusian entities to the Entity List as `military end-users.' This rule also imposes a license requirement for nuclear nonproliferation items for exports and reexports to Belarus and removes Belarus from Country Group A:4 under the EAR. In addition, for Belarus and Russia, this rule amends the availability of License Exceptions AVS and ENC and includes clarifying guidance on the availability of CCD. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/08/2022-04819/imposition-of-sanctions-against-belarus-under-the-export-administration-regulations-ear

 

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March 11, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 14785: The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) imposed restrictions on the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of luxury goods to all end-users in the Russian Federation (Russia) and Belarus and to certain Russian and Belarusian oligarchs and malign actors located worldwide. For purposes of these new license requirements, a `luxury good' refers to any item that is identified in new supplement no. 5 to part 746 of the EAR. The license requirement specific to Russia and Belarus for `luxury goods' is added under new § 746.10(a)(1) of the EAR (`Luxury goods' license requirements for Russia and Belarus) (Embargoes and Other Special Controls). The license requirement specific to the designated Russian and Belarusian oligarchs and malign actors for `luxury goods' is added under new § 746.10(a)(2) of the EAR (Worldwide license requirement for `luxury goods' for designated Russian and Belarusian oligarch and malign actors). https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/03/16/2022-05604/imposition-of-sanctions-on-luxury-goods-destined-for-russia-and-belarus-and-for-russian-and

 

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March 18, 2022: the U.S. Commerce Department, through its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), publicly identified commercial and private aircraft that have flown into Russia in apparent violation of the EAR. In so doing, BIS is notifying the public that providing any form of service to these aircraft requires authorization. Absent such authorization, any person anywhere—including within Russia—risks violating the EAR and would be subject to BIS enforcement actions which could include substantial jail time, fines, loss of export privileges, or other restrictions. By preventing these aircraft from receiving any service, for example from abroad, international flights from Russia on these aircraft are effectively grounded. https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/03/commerce-department-identifies-commercial-and-private-aircraft-exported

 

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Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 

March 1, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 11297: On April 15, 2021, President Biden, invoking the authority of, inter alia, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. ) (IEEPA), issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, “Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation” (86 FR 20249, April 19, 2021).

 

In E.O. 14024, the President found that specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation—in particular, efforts to undermine the conduct of free and fair democratic elections and democratic institutions in the United States and its allies and partners; to engage in and facilitate malicious cyber-enabled activities against the United States and its allies and partners; to foster and use transnational corruption to influence foreign governments; to pursue extraterritorial activities targeting dissidents or journalists; to undermine security in countries and regions important to United States national security; and to violate well-established principles of international law, including respect for the territorial integrity of states—constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and declared a national emergency to deal with that threat.

 

OFAC is issuing the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (the “Regulations”), to implement E.O. 14024, pursuant to authorities delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury in E.O. 14024. A copy of E.O. 14024 appears in appendix A to this part.

 

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March 1, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and ISIS-Mozambique (ISIS-M) financial facilitators based in South Africa. ISIS members and associates in South Africa are playing an increasingly central role in facilitating the transfer of funds from the top of the ISIS hierarchy to branches across Africa. The South Africa-based ISIS members designated today pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, have provided support for the aforementioned transfers or served as leaders of ISIS cells in South Africa. The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • ABADIGGA, Abdella Hussein of South Africa;
  • HOOMER, Farhad of South Africa;
  • MBAGA, Peter Charles of South Africa; and
  • MILLER, Siraaj of South Africa.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220301 and

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0616

 

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March 2, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 9A, General License 10A, General License 13, and General License 14. In addition, OFAC has published new Frequently Asked Questions and updated several Frequently Asked Questions. OFAC issued this new public guidance to cut off avenues for potential sanctions evasion by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. This guidance makes clear that there should be no loopholes for Russia to evade the unprecedented prohibitions by the United States to lock up Russia’s war chest – Central Bank of the Russian Federation, National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation – that were imposed the week of March 2, 2022.

Russia has taken steps to use exporters to act as their agents and help them raise resources to prop up their currency and fund their priorities. OFAC’s guidance makes clear that such actions on behalf of Russia’s Central Bank are prohibited, closing off attempts to access the U.S. financial system. OFAC issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) for enhanced compliance with U.S. sanctions and further explains recent sanctions actions, including the prohibitions imposed pursuant to Directive 4 under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, “Prohibitions Related to Transactions Involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Finance of the

Russian Federation” (Russia-related Sovereign Transactions Directive). https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220302 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0624

 

General License 9A: All transactions prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to dealings in debt or equity of one or more of the following entities issued prior to February 24, 2022 (“covered debt or equity”) are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022, provided that any divestment or transfer of, or facilitation of divestment or transfer of, covered debt or equity must be to a non-U.S. person: (1) State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank; (2) Public Joint Stock Company Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie; (3) Sovcombank Open Joint Stock Company; (4) Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia; (5) VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company; or (6) Any entity in which one or more of the above entities own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl9a.pdf

 

General License 10A: All transactions prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the wind down of derivative contracts entered into prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern standard time, February 24, 2022, that (i) include one of the following entities (together, the “Covered Entities”) as a counterparty or (ii) are linked to debt or equity of a Covered Entity are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, May 25, 2022, provided that any payments to a blocked person are made into a blocked account: (i) State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank; (ii) Public Joint Stock Company Bank Financial Corporation Otkritie; (iii) Sovcombank Open Joint Stock Company; (iv) Public Joint Stock Company Sberbank of Russia; (v) VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company; or (vi) Any entity in which one or more of the above entities own, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl10a.pdf

 

General License 13: U.S. persons are authorized to pay taxes, fees, or import duties, and purchase or receive permits, licenses, registrations, or certifications, to the extent such transactions are prohibited by Directive 4 under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, Prohibitions Related to Transactions Involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, provided such transactions are ordinarily incident and necessary to such persons’ day-to-day operations in the Russian Federation, through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 24, 2022. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl13.pdf

 

General License 14: All transactions prohibited by Directive 4 under Executive Order (E.O). 14024, Prohibitions Related to Transactions Involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation (collectively, “Directive 4 entities”), where the Directive 4 entity’s sole function in the transaction is to act as an operator of a clearing and settlement system, are authorized, provided that: (i) there is no transfer of assets to or from any Directive 4 entity, unless separately authorized; and (ii) no Directive 4 entity is either a counterparty or a beneficiary to the transaction unless separately authorized. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl14.pdf

 

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March 3, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 15 which, authorizes all transactions prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), involving any entity owned 50 percent or more, directly or indirectly, by Alisher Burhanovich Usmanov that is not listed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (“blocked Usmanov entity”). All property and interests in property of the blocked Usmanov entities are unblocked, and debits to accounts on the books of a U.S. financial institution of the blocked Usmanov entities are authorized. This general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the RuHSR or involving any person blocked or otherwise sanctioned pursuant to the RuHSR, including Alisher Burhanovich Usmanov, or his property or interests in property, other than the blocked Usmanov entities unless separately authorized. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl15.pdf

In addition, the following names have been added to OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals List (SDN List):

  • ARESHEV, Andrey Grigoryevich of Russia;
  • BESPALOV, Anton Sergeyevich of Russia;
  • BUBNOVA, Irina Sergeyevna of Russia;
  • CHEMEZOV, Alexander Sergeevich of Russia;
  • CHEMEZOV, Stanislav Sergeyevich of Russia;
  • CHUGULEVA, Aleyona Anatolyevna of Russia;
  • DOROKHOVA, Nina Viktorovna of Russia;
  • DUGINA, Darya Aleksandrovna of Russia;
  • FEDIN, Yuriy Sergeyevich of the Ukraine and Russia;
  • GAFNER, Denis Yakovlevich of Russia;
  • GLOTOV, Yevgeniy Eduardovich of the Ukraine;
  • IGNATOVA, Anastasia of Russia;
  • IGNATOVA, Yekaterina Sergeyevna of Russia;
  • ILYASHENKO, Andrey Vitalyevich of Russia;
  • KALABAYEVA, Valeriya of Russia;
  • KAMYSHANOVA, Aleksandra Aleksandrovna of Russia;
  • KIRILLOVA, Anastasiya Sergeyevna of Russia;
  • KNYRIK, Konstantin Sergeyevich of Crimea, Ukraine and Russia;
  • KRANS, Maksim Iosifovich of Russia;
  • KRASOVSKIY, Maksim Borisovich of Russia;
  • MAKSIMENKO, Vladimir Ilich of Russia;
  • MAMAKOVA, Aelita Leonidovna of Russia;
  • NEZHDANOVA, Yevgeniya Vitalyevna of Russia;
  • PESKOV, Dmitriy Sergeevich of Russia;
  • POGREBENKOV, Valeriy Ivanovich of Russia;
  • PRIGOZHIN, Pavel Evgenyevich of Russia;
  • PRIGOZHINA, Lyubov Valentinovna of Russia;
  • PRIGOZHINA, Polina Evgenyevna of Russia;
  • PROKOFYEV, Yuriy Anatolyevich of Russia;
  • ROTENBERG, Boris Borisovich of Russia and Finland;
  • ROTENBERG, Karina Yurevna of Russia and France;
  • ROTENBERG, Liliya Arkadievna of Russia;
  • ROTENBERG, Pavel Arkadyevich of Russia;
  • SAENKO, Sergei Ivanovich of Russia;
  • SHUVALOV, Evgeny Igorevich of Russia;
  • SHUVALOV, Igor Ivanovich of Russia;
  • SHUVALOVA, Maria Igorevna of Russia;
  • SHUVALOVA, Olga Viktorovna of Russia;
  • SINELIN, Mikhail Anatolyevich of Russia;
  • SKOROKHODOVA, Natalya Petrovna of Russia;
  • TATARCHENKO, Denis Sergeyevich of Russia;
  • TOKAREV, Nikolay Petrovich of Russia and Kazakhstan;
  • TOKAREVA, Galina Alekseyevna of Russia;
  • TOKAREVA, Maiya Nikolaevna of Russia and Kazakhstan;
  • USMANOV, Alisher Burhanovich of Russia, Monaco and Uzbekistan; and
  • ZAMLELOVA, Svetlana Georgiyevna of Russia.

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • ALTITUDE X3 LTD of Bermuda;
  • AVANFORT OOO of Russia;
  • AVIASTAR-SP AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE of Russia;
  • DESIGN BUREAU OF SPECIAL MACHINE-BUILDING of Russia;
  • FIRMA VEARDON OOO of Russia;
  • GEOPOLITICA of Russia;
  • IRKUTSK AVIATION PLANT of Russia;
  • IZHEVSK UNMANNED SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION ASSOCIATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY AVANGARD of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY FEDERAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRODUCTION CENTER TITAN BARRIKADY of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY ODK-KLIMOV of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION CORPORATION of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY SALAVAT CHEMICAL PLANT of Russia;
  • JOURNAL KAMERTON of Russia;
  • JSC CENTRAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF AUTOMATION AND HYDRAULICS of Russia;
  • JSC NOVOSIBIRSK AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION PLANT NAMED AFTER V.P. CHKALOV of Russia;
  • JSC RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION KVANT of Russia;
  • KATINA DRUSTVO S OGRANICENOM ODGOVORNOSCU ZA NEKRETNINE I UGOSTITELJSTVO of Croatia;
  • KOMSOMOLSK-ON-AMUR AVIATION PLANT of Russia;
  • KURGANMASHZAVOD of Russia;
  • LAKHTA PARK PREMIUM, OOO of Russia;
  • LAKHTA PARK, OOO of Russia;
  • LAKHTA PLAZA, OOO of Russia;
  • LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEMCHINOVO INVESTMENTS of Russia;
  • LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY OSTOZHENKA 19 of Russia;
  • MAKEYEV STATE MISSILE CENTER of Russia;
  • NEW EASTERN OUTLOOK of Russia;
  • NIZHNIY NOVGOROD SOKOL AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING PLANT of Russia;
  • ODK-SATURN PUBLIC JOINT-STOCK COMPANY of Russia;
  • ODNA RODYNA of Russia;
  • ORIENTAL REVIEW of Russia;
  • OTKRYTYE AKTIVY OOO of Russia;
  • PUBLIC JOINT-STOCK COMPANY ODK-KUZNETSOV of Russia;
  • PUBLIC JOINT-STOCK COMPANY ODK-UFIMSKOYE MOTOROSTROITELNOYE PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION of Russia;
  • RADIOAVTOMATIKA LLC of Russia;
  • RHYTHM OF EURASIA of Russia;
  • SOVA NEDVIZHIMOST OOO of Russia;
  • G.A. D.O.O. ZA TRGOVINU I USLUGE of Russia;
  • THE PLANAR COMPANY of Russia;
  • UNITED WORLD INTERNATIONAL of Russia;
  • VSEROSSISKIY INSTITUT AVIATSIONNYKH MATERIALOV of Russia; and
  • ZARECHE-4 OOO of Russia.

The following vessel has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • DILBAR (ZGFO) Yacht 15,917GRT Cayman Islands flag.

The following aircraft have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • LX-MOW; Aircraft Model GVI G650; and
  • M-IABU Aircraft Model Airbus A340-300; Aircraft Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) 955; Aircraft Tail Number M-IABU.

 

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March 4, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued the following three new Frequently Asked Questions regarding Russian sanctions:

 

  • Do I have to wind down energy-related transactions by the expiration date of the Russia-related General License (GL) 8A?
  • My U.S. bank refused to process a requested payment related to energy despite the authorization in Russia-related General License (GL) 8A under Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. What can I do?
  • My company transports Russian oil for sale to the United States and third countries. Can I continue to transport or sell Russian-origin oil without violating sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024?

 

For answers to these FAQs see the following link: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/added/2022-03-04

 

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March 4, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two key Hizballah financiers operating in Guinea pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. This action is aimed at disrupting Hizballah’s business network in West Africa, which relies on bribery and influence to circumvent the rule of law. In addition to other sources of funding, Hizballah generates revenue from commercial activities across the world to sponsor acts of terrorism. The designation of these financiers demonstrates the Treasury’s ongoing efforts to target the terrorist group’s international commercial activities and its global network of financiers, supporters, donors, and facilitators, which enable Hizballah to persistently threaten the security, stability, and prosperity of Lebanon and other jurisdictions. The Hizballah financiers added to the SDN list are:

 

  • SAADE, Ali of Guinea, Lebanon, and France;
  • TAHER, Ibrahim of Guinea, Lebanon, and the United Kingdom.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0631 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220304

 

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March 7, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added the following entity to the SDN list:

 

  • KATIBAT AL TAWHID WAL JIHAD (a.k.a. JANNAT OSHIKLARI; a.k.a. KHATIBA AL-TAWHID WAL-JIHAD; a.k.a. TAWHID AND JIHAD BRIGADE; a.k.a. "KTJ") of Syria; Kyrgyzstan; Russia.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220307

 

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March 8, 2022: As a result of Executive Order 14066, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 16. In addition, OFAC has published new Frequently Asked Questions and updated several Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Russia-related General License 16: Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this general license, all transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the importation into the United States of crude oil; petroleum; petroleum fuels, oils, and products of their distillation; liquefied natural gas; coal; and coal products of Russian Federation origin pursuant to written contracts or written agreements entered prior to March 8, 2022 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 22, 2022. (b) This general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), including involving any person blocked pursuant to the RuHSR, unless separately authorized.

 

OFAC added the following Frequently Asked Questions:

 

·       Does Executive Order (E.O.) 14066 prohibit dealing in Kazakh-origin crude oil of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (“CPC”)?

 

·       For the purposes of Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine,” what is meant by the terms “Russian Federation origin” and “new investment in the energy sector in the Russian Federation”?

 

·       Are non-U.S. persons exposed to sanctions if they continue to import to non-U.S. jurisdictions certain products of Russian Federation origin that are banned from the United States pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine”?

 

·       Does Russia-related General License (GL) 8A remain valid following the issuance of Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine”?

 

·       I have a shipment of a product or products listed in Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine,” en route to the United States that was contracted prior to March 8, 2022. Can I find a new buyer for this shipment, re-direct the shipment to a country other than the United States, or import the product and comply with the import ban?

 

·       Is there a period for U.S. persons to continue imports prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine”?

 

·       Are non-U.S. persons exposed to sanctions if they continue to import to non-U.S. jurisdictions certain products of Russian Federation origin that are banned from the United States pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine”?

 

·       What does Executive Order (E.O.) of March 8, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts to Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine,” do?

 

OFAC also updated the following two Frequently Asked Questions:

 

·       My company transports Russian oil for sale to the United States and third countries. Can I continue to transport or sell Russian-origin oil without violating sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024?

·       Can a U.S. financial institution process transactions related to energy where a Russian financial institution sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 is involved?

 

Answers to the FAQs can be found at the links below.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220308 and https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl16.pdf and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/added/2022-03-08 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/976

 

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March 11, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two individuals and three entities for supporting North Korea’s defense industry ongoing development of its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). North Korea’s defense industry has conducted 11 ballistic missile launches since the beginning of the year, most recently on March 4, 2022 (EST). This action targets a group of foreign individuals and companies that aid a North Korean defense industry-related procurement agent in Russia; much of this activity also violates UN prohibitions with respect to North Korea. The two individuals are:

 

  • Andreyevich Gayevoy (Gayevoy) of Russia; and
  • Pak Kwang Hun of North Korea.

The three entities are:

 

  • Apollon OOO of Russia;
  • Zeel – M Co., Ltd of Russia; and
  • RK Briz, OOO of Russia.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • AFONIN, Yuriy Vyacheslavovich of Russia;
  • ANDRESOV, Yuriy Nikolaevich of Russia;
  • BELOUS, German Valentinovich of Russia;
  • BESSONOV, Yevgeniy Ivanovich of Russia;
  • CHASOVNIKOV, Aleksandr Aleksandrovich, of Russia;
  • DERGUNOVA, Olga Konstantinovna of Russia;
  • DIRKS, Natalia Germanova of Russia;
  • GAYEVOY, Aleksandr Andreyevich of Russia;
  • GEORGIEVA, Elena Aleksandrovna of Russia;
  • KALASHNIKOV, Leonid Ivanovich of Russia;
  • KASHIN, Vladimir Ivanovich of Russia;
  • KNYAGININ, Vladimir Nikolaevich of Russia;
  • KOLOMEITSEV, Nikolay Vasilievich of Russia;
  • KONDRATENKO, Maxim Dmitrievich, of Russia;
  • KOVALCHUK, Boris Yurievich of Russia;
  • KOVALCHUK, Kira Valentinovna of Russia;
  • KOVALCHUK, Stepan Kirillovich of Russia;
  • KOVALCHUK, Tatyana Aleksandrovna of Russia;
  • KULIK, Vadim Valerievich of Russia;
  • KURINNIY, Aleksey Vladimirovich of Russia;
  • LUKYANENKO, Valerii Vasilyevich of Russia;
  • MELNIKOV, Ivan Ivanovich of Russia;
  • NAVKA, Tatiana Aleksandrovna of Russia;
  • NOROV, Erkin Rakhmatovich of Russia;
  • NOVIKOV, Dmitriy Georgievich of Russia;
  • OSADCHIY, Nikolay Ivanovich of Russia;
  • OSTROVSKY, Svyatoslav Evgenievich of Russia;
  • PECHATNIKOV, Anatolii Yuryevich of Russia;
  • PESKOV, Nikolay of Russia;
  • PESKOVA, Elizaveta Dmitriyevna of Russia;
  • PYANOV, Dmitrii Vasilyevich of Russia;
  • SAPELIN, Andrey Yurievich of Russia;
  • TAYSAEV, Kazbek Kutsukovich of Russia;
  • VAVULIN, Dmitri Nikolaevich of Russia;  and
  • ZYUGANOV, Gennady Andreyevich of Russia.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • APOLLON OOO of Russia;
  • RK BRIZ, OOO of Russia; and
  • ZEEL - M CO., LTD. of Russia.

The following vessel has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • TANGO (E5U3540) Yacht 2,083GRT Cook Islands flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 1010703; MMSI 518100626 (vessel).

The following aircraft have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • P4-MIS; Aircraft Manufacture Date 31 May 2007; Aircraft Model Airbus A319-115.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0651 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220311

 

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March 11, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 17, General License 18, and General License 19 and Ukraine-related General License 23. OFAC has also published new Frequently Asked Questions and amended one Frequently Asked Question.

 

General License 17: All transactions prohibited by section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order of March 11, 2022, Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the importation into the United States of fish, seafood, and preparations thereof; alcoholic beverages; or non-industrial diamonds of Russian Federation origin pursuant to written contracts or written agreements entered into prior to March 11, 2022, were authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, March 25, 2022. The general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), including involving any person blocked pursuant to the RuHSR, unless separately authorized. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl17.pdf

 

General License 18: All transactions prohibited by section (1)(a)(iv) of Executive Order of March 11, 2022, Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the transfer of U.S. dollar-denominated banknote noncommercial, personal remittances from: (i) the United States or a U.S. person, wherever located, to an individual located in the Russian Federation; or (ii) a U.S. person who is an individual located in the Russian Federation, are authorized.

 

Note to paragraph (a)(1). Noncommercial, personal remittances do not include charitable donations to or for the benefit of an entity or funds transfers for use in supporting or operating a business, including a family-owned business. (2) Transferring institutions may rely on the originator of a funds transfer with regard to compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of this general license, provided that the transferring institution does not know or have reason to know that the funds transfer is not in compliance with paragraph (a)(1). (b) This general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), or involving any person blocked pursuant to RuHSR, unless separately authorized. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl18.pdf

 

General License 19: Individuals who are U.S. persons located in the Russian Federation are authorized to engage in all transactions prohibited by section 1(a)(iv) of Executive Order of March 11, 2022, Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression, that are ordinarily incident and necessary to their personal maintenance within the Russian Federation, including payment of housing expenses, acquisition of goods or services for personal use, payment of taxes or fees, and purchase or receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services. This general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), including involving any person blocked pursuant to the RuHSR, unless separately authorized. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl19.pdf

 

Ukraine-related General License 23: All transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14065 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the activities described in paragraph (b) by nongovernmental organizations are authorized, including the processing and transfer of funds, payment of taxes, fees, and import duties, and purchase or receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services. This general license does not authorize any transactions involving any person blocked pursuant to E.O. 14065, unless otherwise authorized. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/ukraine_gl23.pdf

 

New Frequently Asked Questions:

 

·       Does the U.S. dollar-denominated banknote export ban imposed by Executive Order (E.O.) of March 11, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression,” prohibit sending noncommercial, personal remittances denominated in U.S. dollars to the Russia Federation (or to individuals ordinarily resident in the Russia Federation)?

 

·       For the purposes of Executive Order (E.O.) of March 11, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression,” what is meant by the terms “Russian Federation origin,” “fish, seafood, and preparations thereof,” “alcoholic beverages,” and “non-industrial diamonds”?

 

·       Are non-U.S. persons exposed to sanctions if they continue to import to non-U.S. jurisdictions certain products of Russian Federation origin that are banned from the United States pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) of March 11, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression”?

 

·       Executive Order (E.O.) of March 11, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression” prohibits the importation into the United States of fish, seafood, and preparations thereof of Russian Federation origin. How does this affect Russia-related General License (GL) 6?

 

·       I have a shipment of a certain product(s) listed in Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 en route to the United States that were contracted prior to March 11, 2022. Can I find a new buyer for this shipment, re-direct the shipment to a country other than the United States, or import the product(s) and comply with the import ban?

 

·       Is there a period of time for U.S. persons to continue importing products prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14068?

 

·       What does Executive Order (E.O.) of March 11, 2022, “Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression,” do?

 

·       Do the prohibitions of Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 and other Russia-related sanctions extend to virtual currency?

 

For answers to these Frequently Asked Questions, see the following link: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/added/2022-03-11

 

The following Frequently Asked Question was amended:

 

  • Are U.S. persons authorized to engage in certain activity with the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic regions of Ukraine or such other regions of Ukraine as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State (collectively, the “Covered Regions")?

 

For the answer to this Frequently Asked Questions, see the following link: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/updated/2022-03-11

 

*******

 

March 15, 2022: The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added the following individuals to the OFAC SDN List:

 

  • AKHMATOV, Dzhabrail Alkhazurovich of Russia;
  • BULGAKOV, Dmitry of Russia;
  • EVKUROV, Yunus-Bek of Russia;
  • IVANOV, Timur of Russia;
  • KHUTAEV, Khusein Merlovich of Russia;
  • KRIVORUCHKO, Aleksey of Russia;
  • LUKASHENKA, Halina Radzivonawna of Belarus;
  • MIKHEEV, Aleksander Aleksandrovich of Russia;
  • MUSHNIKOVA, Natalia Evgenievna of Russia;
  • PANKOV, Nikolay of Russia;
  • SADOVENKO, Yuriy of Russia;
  • SALAMOV, Nurid Denilbekovich of Russia;
  • SHUGAYEV, Dmitry of Russia;
  • TSALIKOV, Ruslan, of Russia; and
  • ZHIDKO, Gennady of Russia and Uzbekistan.

The following entity has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

  • Kurchaloi District Of The Chechen Republic Branch Of The Ministry Of Internal Affairs Of The Russian Federation.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220315

 

*******

 

March 15, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated four individuals and one entity pursuant to the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (the Russia Magnitsky Act). These Russia Magnitsky Act targets were involved in concealing events surrounding the death of renowned Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky, or were connected to gross violations of human rights against Russian human rights defender Oyub Titiev. Treasury is also re-designating Alyaksandr Lukashenka of Belarus, the head of a corrupt government in Belarus whose patronage network benefits his inner circle and regime, and newly designating his wife pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13405.

 

  • The four individuals that were sanctioned on March 15th are:
  • Alyaksandr Lukashenka of Belarus;
  • Halina Radzivonawna Lukashenka of Belarus;
  • Natalia Mushnikova or Russia;
  • Dzhabrail Alkhazurovich Akhmatov of Chechnya.

 

The entity sanctioned on March 15th is:

 

  • Kurchaloi District of the Chechen Republic Branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation of Chechnya.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0654 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220315

 

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March 17, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), sanctioned Alain Goetz, the African Gold Refinery in Uganda, and a network of companies involved in the illicit movement of gold valued at hundreds of millions of dollars per year from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 

The following individual has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • GOETZ, Alain Francois Viviane of the United Arab Emirates, Belgium and Turkey

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • AFRICAN GOLD REFINERY LIMITED of Uganda;
  • AGOR DMCC of the United Arab Emirates;
  • AGR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED of the Seychelles;
  • ALAXY of Belgium;
  • CG - VASTGOED INVEST of Belgium;
  • GOETZ GOLD LLC of the United Arab Emirates;
  • OROFINO NV of Belgium;
  • PREMIER GOLD REFINERY LLC of the United Arab Emirates; and
  • WWG DIAMONDS of Belgium.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220317 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0664

 

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March 18, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Ukraine-/Russia-related General License 24. Under the General License all transactions prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14065 related to the provision or receipt of civil maritime services performed by individuals who are ordinarily resident in the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) or Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) regions of Ukraine, or such other regions of Ukraine as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State (collectively, the “Covered Regions”), are authorized, provided that:

(1) Such services are performed outside the Covered Regions; and

(2) Such services are not performed on behalf of any entity located in, or organized under the laws of, the Covered Regions.

 

This general license does not authorize:

(1) Any new investment in the Covered Regions prohibited by E.O. 14065 unless separately authorized; or

(2) Any transactions involving any person blocked pursuant to E.O. 14065 unless separately authorized.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/ukraine_gl24.pdf

 

OFAC also issued the following additional Frequently Asked Question:

  • Does Executive Order (E.O.) 14066 prohibit dealing in Kazakh-origin crude oil of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (“CPC”)?

 

The answer to this Frequently Asked Question can be found at: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/updated/2022-03-18

 

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March 18, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Los Huistas Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) and its leaders pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 for drug trafficking that threatens the people and security of the United States and Guatemala. The Los Huistas DTO is the dominant criminal structure in the Guatemalan department of Huehuetenango (along the border of Guatemala and Mexico).

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • MOLINA LOPEZ of Guatemala;
  • MOLINA MONTEJO of Guatemala;
  • MONTEJO SAENZ of Guatemala;
  • MORENO LOPEZ of Guatemala;
  • SALAZAR FLORES of Guatemala;
  • SAMAYOA MONTEJO of Guatemala; and
  • SAMAYOA RECINOS of Guatemala.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • COMPRADORES Y EXPORTADORES DE CAFE CAPTZIN, SOCIEDAD ANONIMA of Guatemala; LOS HUISTAS DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION of Guatemala.

 

The following deletion has been made to OFAC's SDN List:

  • ROSENTHAL HIDALGO, of Honduras.

 

 

 

March 21, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added the following entity to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • CENTRAL RESERVE POLICE of Sudan.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220321 and

 

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March 24, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 6A, General License 17A, General License 20, and Ukraine-/Russia-related General License 25. In addition, OFAC has updated two Frequently Asked Questions.

 

General License 6A: All transactions prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to: (1) the exportation or reexportation of agricultural commodities, medicine, medical devices, replacement parts and components for medical devices, or software updates for medical devices to, from, or transiting the Russian Federation; (2) the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of COVID-19 (including research or clinical studies relating to COVID-19); or (3) ongoing clinical trials and other medical research activities that were in effect prior to March 24, 2022, are authorized. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl6a.pdf

 

General License 17A: All transactions prohibited by section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the importation into the United States of alcoholic beverages or non-industrial diamonds of Russian Federation origin pursuant to written contracts or written agreements entered into prior to March 11, 2022, are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, March 25, 2022. All transactions prohibited by section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14068 that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the importation into the United States of fish, seafood, and preparations thereof of Russian Federation origin pursuant to written contracts or written agreements entered into prior to March 11, 2022 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 23, 2022. This general license does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587 (RuHSR), including involving any person blocked pursuant to the RuHSR, unless separately authorized. Effective March 24, 2022, General License No. 17, dated March 11, 2022, is replaced and superseded in its entirety by this General License No. 17A. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl17a.pdf

 

General License 20: U.S. persons are authorized to engage in all transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the official business of third-country diplomatic or consular missions located in the Russian Federation that are prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 or section 1(a)(iv) of E.O. 14068. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/russia_gl20.pdf

 

Ukraine Russia Related General License 25: News reporting organizations that are United States persons, and individuals who are United States persons regularly employed by a news reporting organization, either as journalists (including photojournalists) or as supporting broadcast or technical personnel, are authorized to engage in the following transactions in the Crimea region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) or Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) regions of Ukraine, or such other regions of Ukraine as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State (collectively, the “Covered Regions”), to the extent such transactions are ordinarily incident and necessary to their journalistic activities in the Covered Regions. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/ukraine_gl25.pdf

 

Updated Frequently Asked Questions:

I have a shipment of a certain product(s) listed in Executive Order (E.O.) 14068 en route to the United States that was contracted prior to March 11, 2022. Can I find a new buyer for this shipment, re-direct the shipment to a country other than the United States, or import the product(s) and comply with the import ban?

 

Is there a period of time for U.S. persons to continue importing products prohibited by Executive Order (E.O.) 14068?

 

Answers to these updated Frequently Asked Questions can be found at: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/updated/2022-03-24

 

*******

 

March 24, 2022: In its latest action to impose severe costs on the Russian Federation for its illegal, unwarranted, and baseless war against Ukraine, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated key enablers of the invasion. This includes dozens of Russian defense companies, 328 members of the Russian State Duma, and the head of Russia’s largest financial institution. See the following link for the extensive list of individuals added to OFAC’s SDN List: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0677

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO ELEKTROTYAGA of Russia;
  • AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO GOSUDARSTVENNOE NAUCHNO PROIZVODSTVENNOE PREDPRIYATIE REGION of Russia;
  • AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO PETROVSKII ELEKTROMEKHANICHESKII ZAVOD MOLOT of Russia;
  • AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO RAVENSTVO-SERVICE of Russia;
  • AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO SARATOVSKI RADIOPRIBORNYI ZAVOD of Russia;
  • AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO TURAEVSKOE MASHINOSTROITELNOE KONSTRUKTORSKOE BYURO SOYUZ of Russia;
  • AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO VERKHNEUFALEISKII ZAVOD URALELEMENT of Russia;
  • INTERNATIONAL HELICOPTERS PROGRAMS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY 150 AIRCRAFT REPAIR PLANT of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY 356 AIRCRAFT REPAIR PLANT of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY 711 AIRCRAFT REPAIR PLANT of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY 810 AIRCRAFT REPAIR PLANT of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY AZOVSKI OPTIKO MECHANICHESKY ZAVOD of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY CENTRAL DESIGN BUREAU OF AUTOMATICS of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY CONCERN GRANIT-ELECTRON of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY CONCERN SEA UNDERWATER WEAPON GIDROPRIBOR of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY DAGDIZEL PLANT of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY HELICOPTER SERVICE COMPANY of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY KAZAN HELICOPTERS of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY KRONSHTADT of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY KUMERTAU AVIATION PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY MACHINE BUILDING DESIGN BUREAU of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY NATIONAL HELICOPTER CENTER MIL AND KAMOV of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY PROGRESS ARSENYEV AVIATION COMPANY of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY REDUCTOR of Russia;
    JOINT STOCK COMPANY RESEARCH AND DESIGN INSTITUTE SEA THERMAL ENGINEERING of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY RYAZANSKOE KONSTRUKTORSKOE BJURO GLOBUS of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY SALUTE of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY SEVERNIY PRESS of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY SMOLENSK AIRCRAFT PLANT of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY STATE MACHINE BUILDING DESIGN BUREAU VYMPEL BY NAME I.I. TOROPOV of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY STUPINO ENGINEERING PRODUCTIVE ENTERPRISE of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY ULAN-UDE AVIATION PLANT of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY URAL DESIGN BUREAU DETAL of Russia;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY ZAVOD KULAKOVA of Russia;
  • JSC MBDB ISKRA of Russia;
  • JSC NPO HIGH PRECISION SYSTEMS of Russia;
  • JSC RAWENSTVO of Russia;
  • LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY CENTER OF PURCHASES AND LOGISTICS OF THE HELICOPTER INDUSTRY of Russia;
  • NPK TEKHMASH OAO of Russia;
  • OBSHCHESTVO S OGRANICHENNOI OTVETSVENNOSTYU VR-RESURS of Russia;
  • PUBLIC JOINT STOCK COMPANY ARZAMASSKOE NAUCHNO PROIZVODSTVENNOE PREDPRIYATIE TEMP-AVIA of Russia;
  • RADUGA STATE MACHINE BUILDING DESIGN BUREAU JOINT STOCK COMPANY of Russia;
  • ROSTOV HELICOPTER PRODUCTION COMPLEX of Russia;
  • STATE DUMA OF THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION of Russia;
  • STATE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IMENI V.V. BAKHIREVA of Russia;
  • TACTICAL MISSILES CORPORATION JSC of Russia;
  • TRV AUTO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY of Russia;
  • VERTOLETY ROSSII AO of Russia.

The following vessel has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • LENA (ZJL8309) Yacht British Virgin Islands flag; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9594339.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0677

 

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March 25, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated five individuals and five entities connected to Burma’s military regime pursuant to Executive Order (E.O) 14014. OFAC also designated six individuals connected to the Nigeria-based terrorist group, Boko Haram. All six were found guilty of establishing a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to raise funds for and provide material assistance to Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria.

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • ADAMU, Salihu Yusuf of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates;
  • ALHASSAN, Ibrahim Ali of Nigeria;
  • AUNG, Naing Htut of Burma;
  • AUNG, Sit Taing of Burma;
  • HEIN, Zaw of Burma;
  • ISA, Muhammed Ibrahim of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates;
  • MUHAMMAD, Surajo Abubakar of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates;
    MUSA, Abdurrahman Ado of Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates;
  • OO, Aung Hlaing of Burma;
  • OO, Ko Ko, Zayyarthiri, Nay Pyi Taw of Burma; and
  • YUSUF, Bashir Ali of Nigeria.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • 66TH LIGHT INFANTRY DIVISION of Burma;
  • ASIA GREEN DEVELOPMENT BANK LTD of Burma;
  • HTOO GROUP OF COMPANIES of Burma;
  • INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS GROUP OF COMPANY LIMITED of Burma; and
    MYANMAR CHEMICAL AND MACHINERY COMPANY LIMITED of Burma.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0679  and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0678 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220325

 

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March 30, 2022: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned an Iran-based procurement agent and his network of companies that procured ballistic missile propellant-related materials for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC RSSJO), the IRGC unit responsible for the research and development of ballistic missiles, as well as Iran’s Parchin Chemical Industries (PCI), an element of Iran’s Defense Industries Organization (DIO). OFAC is also taking action against a key Iranian intermediary involved in the procurement of parts used to develop missile propellant on behalf of PCI.

 

The following individual has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • HOSSEINI, Mohammad Ali of Iran.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

 

  • JESTAR SANAT DELIJAN of Iran;
    B. SADR CO. of Iran;
  • SAYEHBAN SEPEHR DELIJAN of Iran; and
  • SINA COMPOSITE DELIJAN COMPANY of Iran.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0689 and https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220330

 

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March 31, 2022: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is continuing to impose severe costs on the Russian Federation for its unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine by targeting operators in the Russian technology sector to prevent it from evading unprecedented multilateral sanctions and procure critical western technology. OFAC designated 21 entities and 13 individuals as part of its crackdown on the Kremlin’s sanctions evasion networks and technology companies, which are instrumental to the Russian Federation’s war machine. Treasury has also determined that three new sectors of the Russian Federation economy are subject to sanctions pursuant to Executive Order 14024 (E.O. 14024).

 

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • BERNOVA, Evgeniya Vladimirovna of Germany and Russia;
  • BOBKOV, Sergei Alekseevich of Russia;
  • DUBROVINSKIY, Viacheslav Yuryevich of Russia;
  • GLADKIKH, Evgeny Viktorovich of Russia;
  • GRININ, Yevgeniy Aleksandrovich of Russia;
  • KRUGOVOV, Anton Alekseevich of Russia;
  • MALEVANYY, Konstantin Vasilyevich of Russia;
  • NIKOLAEVA, Irina Viktorovna of Russia;
  • PODGORNOVA, Yevgeniya Aleksandrovna of Russia;
  • SOBOLEV, Nikita Aleksandrovich of Russia;
  • TOPCHI, Tamara Aleksandrovna of Russia;
  • YERSHOV, Sergey Aleksandrovich of Russia; and
  • ZAKHAROV, Andrey Georgiyevich of Russia.

 

The following entities have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • ALEXSONG PTE LTD of Singapore;
  • AO NII VEKTOR of Russia;
  • DJECO GROUP HOLDING LTD of Malta;
  • DJECO GROUP LP of the United Kingdom;
  • INVENTION BRIDGE SL of Spain;
  • JOINT STOCK COMPANY MIKRON of Russia;
  • MAJORY LLP of the United Kingdom;
  • MALBERG LIMITED, of Malta;
  • MALTARENT LTD of Malta;
  • MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, JOINT STOCK COMPANY of Russia;
  • OOO FOTON PRO of Russia;
  • OOO NAUCHNO-TEKHNICHESKII TSENTR METROTEK of Russia;
  • OOO PAMKIN KHAUS of Russia;
  • OOO ROBIN TREID of Russia;
  • OOO SERNIYA INZHINIRING of Russia;
  • OOO SERTAL of Russia;
  • PHOTON PRO LLP of the United Kingdom;
  • QUANTLOG OY of Finland;
  • SCI GRIBER of France;
  • SERNIA-FILM CO, LTD of Russia; and
  • T-PLATFORMS of Russia.

 

The following deletions have been made to OFAC's SDN List:

 

  • LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY OZON BANK of Russia; and
  • LLC OZON BANK of Russia.

 https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220331 and https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0692

 

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U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury

 

March 16, 2022: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen met virtually with representatives from Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission, to launch the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) multilateral task force. The task force was first announced by leaders on Feb. 26. The task force, consisting of Finance Ministry and Justice or Home Ministry in each member jurisdiction, each committed to using their respective authorities in concert with other appropriate ministries to collect and share information to take concrete actions, including sanctions, asset freezing, civil and criminal asset seizure, and criminal prosecution.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-departments-justice-and-treasury-launch-multilateral-russian-oligarch-task-force

 

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Fines and Penalties

 

March 1, 2022: Thomas Harris Jr., 29, of Croydon, PA, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison, and three years of supervised release for multiple firearms trafficking offenses stemming from his scheme to sell almost 40 guns to a buyer on the island of St. Lucia. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/bucks-county-man-sentenced-nearly-four-years-trafficking-firearms-st-lucia

 

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March 4, 2022: Joe Sery, former owner and chief executive officer of Tungsten Heavy Powder & Parts, and his brother, Dror Sery, were charged in a federal grand jury indictment with violations of federal export laws pursuant to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Tungsten Heavy Powder & Parts, or THPP, is a San Diego-based company that provides tungsten fragments, sub-assemblies, and other weapon grade components for United States military contracts. According to the indictment, between January 1, 2016, and December 12, 2019, Joe Sery entered into contracts with various aerospace and defense companies on behalf of THPP. Joe Sery then obtained  ITAR- controlled technical data and drawings from these companies to allow THPP to fulfill the contracted order. Some of THPP’s projects included the construction of an Advanced Rapid Response Weapon, a 155-millimeter Bi-Modal Warhead, a R9E Warhead, and an 81-millimeter Cowling Cone. These drawings contained information, which is required for the design, development, production, manufacture, assembly, operation, repair, testing, maintenance, or modification of defense articles. Despite being educated and trained regarding the requirements of ITAR, Joe Sery and his brother Dror Sery – a foreign national and dual citizen of Israel and South Africa – knowingly and willfully exported from the United States to the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India and elsewhere overseas, defense articles covered by the United States Munitions List without first obtaining permission from the United States Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Joe Sery is expected to be arraigned in federal court on Monday; an arrest warrant has been issued for fugitive Dror Sery. He is believed to be residing in Israel. https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/former-tungsten-heavy-powder-parts-ceo-arrested-and-charged-unlawful-exportation

 

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March 8, 2022: Two former senior Venezuelan prosecutors have been charged with money laundering for their receipt of bribes in exchange for agreeing not to pursue criminal charges against certain individuals in Venezuela. According to the indictment, Daniel D’Andrea Golindano (D’Andrea), 43, and Luis Javier Sanchez Rangel (Sanchez), 35, both of Venezuela, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in the criminally derived property.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-former-senior-venezuelan-prosecutors-charged-receiving-over-1-million-bribes

 

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March 29, 2022: The former Comptroller General of Ecuador made his initial appearance in a Miami, Florida courtroom, for allegedly engaging in a scheme to use the U.S. financial system to launder money to promote and conceal an illegal bribery scheme in Ecuador. According to the March 24 indictment, between approximately 2010 and 2016, Carlos Ramon Polit Faggioni (Polit), allegedly solicited and received over $10 million in bribe payments from Odebrecht S.A., the Brazil-based construction conglomerate, in exchange for using his official position as Comptroller General of Ecuador to influence official actions by the comptroller’s office in order to benefit Odebrecht and its business in Ecuador. Additionally, Polit is alleged to have received a bribe from an Ecuadorian businessman in or around 2015 in exchange for assisting the businessman and his company in connection with certain contracts from the state-owned insurance company of Ecuador. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-comptroller-general-ecuador-indicted-alleged-bribery-and-money-laundering-scheme

MARCH 2022 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATION UPDATES Read More »

JANUARY 2022 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATION UPDATES

This newsletter is a listing of the latest changes in export control regulations through January 31, 2022. The newsletter is provided as a complimentary service to assist exporters with their ITAR and EAR export compliance responsibilities. It provides a summary of recent changes to export control regulations or other regulatory matters of interest that may impact your company's international trade and export compliance functions. Call us at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net with questions or comments.

 See also our "Latest Sanctions Fines & Penalties" section below for an update on companies and persons denied export privileges by the United States Government.

 

REGULATORY UPDATES

 

Editors Notes Regarding Potential Policy Changes Regarding Russia

 

An astute reader will be aware of the conjecture regarding Russia's potential invasion of the Ukraine and the potential U.S. sanctions on Russia should such an invasion occur, notwithstanding that both countries have been involved in a conflict since Russia's annexation of the Crimea Region of the Ukraine. The potential sanctions would target major Russian banks, savings, and pensions and limit the market for Russia's sovereign debt. The proposed sanctions would also change the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Direct Product Rule making it difficult for Russia to purchase certain U.S. goods, such as semiconductors, or the machines that make such U.S. goods or for others to sell such goods to them where U.S. manufacturing equipment was used for the production of such items.

 

Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

BIS Adjusts Civil Monetary Penalty For Inflation

 

Jan. 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 157: The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a civil monetary penalty adjustment for inflation resulting in an increase for certain export violations described in the Export Administration Regulations:

 

  • 50 U.S.C. 4819, Export Controls Act of 2018 (ECRA) violation increases the maximum per violation from $308,901 to $328,121.

 

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BIS Adds Software Specially Designed to Automate the Analysis of Geospatial Imagery to A Highly Controlled ECCN

 

Jan. 6, 2022: 85 Fed. Reg. 459: BIS amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to formally add Software Specially Designed to Automate the Analysis of Geospatial Imagery to the ECCN 0Y521 Temporary Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN) Series as ECCN 0D521. BIS initially added this software to EAR as ECCN 0D521 on January 6, 2020, and extended the control for a year on January 6, 2021. The U.S. Government submitted a proposal for multilateral controls on this software, but due to the pandemic, the Wassenaar Arrangement did not formally convene in 2020 and, therefore, was unable to consider acceptance of the proposal. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/06/2019-27649/addition-of-software-specially-designed-to-automate-the-analysis-of-geospatial-imagery-to-the-export

 

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Department of Commerce – Census Bureau

 

Census Adjust Civil Monetary Penalty For Inflation

 

Jan. 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 157: The U.S. Department of Commerce has adjusted the civil monetary penalty  for inflation for, among other things:

 

  • 13 U.S.C. 304, Collection of Foreign Trade Statistics (2002), each day's delinquency of a violation; total of not to exceed maximum per violation, from $1,436 to $1,525; maximum per violation, from $14,362 to $15,256; and
  • 13 U.S.C. 305(b), Collection of Foreign Trade Statistics (2002), violation, maximum from $14,362 to $15,256

 

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Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

 

DDTC Name And Address Changes Posted To Website

 

Jan. 5 through Jan. 31, 2022: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) posted the following name and/or address changes on its website:

https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=bd72ca0adbf8d30044f9ff621f961981:

 

  • Change in Name, Address and Ownership of the following Raytheon companies due to their acquisition by Vertex Aerospace LLC:

 

Former Legal Name And Address New Legal Name And Address
Raytheon Technical Services International Company

22265 Pacific Blvd.

Dulles, VA 20166

Vertex Technical Services International Company

555 Industrial Drive South

Madison, MS 39110-9073

 

 

Raytheon Professional Services LLC

1717 E. Cityline Dr.

Richardson, TX 75082

 

 

Vertex Professional Services LLC

555 Industrial Drive South

Madison, MS 39110-9073

Raytheon Systems Israel Company

1801 Hughes Dr.

Fullerton, CA 92834

Vertex Systems Israel Company

555 Industrial Drive South

Madison, MS 39110-9073

 

  • Change in Name from SEAKR Engineering, Inc. to SEAKR Engineering, LLC due to Raytheon Technologies Corporation's acquisition of SEAKR Engineering, Inc.;
  • Change in Address for K Line Logistics, Ltd from 1-8-16, Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0023 Japan to Harumi Island Triton Square Office Tower X 30th Fl., 1-8-10 Harumi Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-6030 Japan.
  • Change in Name of the following Babcock Aviation Nordic Region entities due to corporate rebranding:

 

Previous Name Amended Name
Bond Aviation Group Limited Babcock Mission Critical Services UK Limited
World Helicopters Norway AS Babcock Norway AS
Scandinavian Air Ambulance Holding AB Babcock Scandinavia Holding AB
Avincis Mission Critical Services Scandinavia AB Babcock Mission Critical Services Scandinavia AB
Scandinavian Air Ambulance Norge AS Babcock Scandinavian AirAmbulance AS
Scandinavian AirAmbulance AB Babcock SAA FW AB
Scandinavian Medicopter AB (Sweden) Babcock Scandinavian AirAmbulance AB
Scandinavian Medicopter AB (Finland) Babcock Scandinavian AirAmbulance AB Filial I Finland

 

  • Change in Name from Altran UK Limited to Capgemini UK plc due to merger;
  • Change in Name from Peraton Canada Corp. to Arcfield Canada Corp. due to divestiture;
  • Northrop Grumman Integrated Defence Services Pty Limited and Northrop Grumman M5 Network Security Pty Limited are integrated into Northrop Grumman Australia Pty Limited due to corporate restructuring;
  • Change in Address for AECOM from 300 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071 to 13344 Noel Rd., #400, Dallas, TX 75204;
  • Change in names of the following L3 Harris Technologies, Inc., subsidiaries due to corporate rebranding:

 

Previous Name Amended Name
Power Paragon, Inc. L3Harris Maritime & Energy Solutions, Inc
Aerosim Flight Academy L3Harris Aerosim Academy, Inc.
Applied Defense Solutions, Inc. L3Harris Applied Defense Solutions, Inc.
Electrodynamics, Inc. L3Harris Electrodynamics, Inc.
ForceX, Inc. L3Harris ForceX, Inc.
Interstate Electronics Corporation L3Harris Interstate Electronics Corporation
L3 Applied Technologies, Inc. L3Harris Applied Technologies, Inc.
L-3 Communications Flight Capital LLC L3Harris Technologies Flight Capital LLC
 

L3 Fuzing and Ordnance Systems, Inc.

 

L3Harris Fuzing and Ordnance Systems, Inc.

L3 Kigre, Inc. L3Harris Kigre, Inc.
L3 Latitude, LLC L3Harris Latitude, LLC
L3 Unmanned Systems, Inc. L3Harris Unmanned Systems, Inc.
L3 Mustang Technology, L.P. L3Harris Mustang Technology Group, L.P.
NexGen Communications LLC L3Harris NexGen Communications LLC

 

 

Each announcement includes a link to a notice detailing the change and its effects on pending and currently approved authorizations involving the listed entity.

 

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The Department of State Adjusts Civil Monetary Penalty For Inflation

 

Jan. 10, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 107: The Department of State adjusts the civil penalty for export violations for inflation, as follows:

  • 22 CFR 127.10(a)(1)(i)) is adjusted from $1,197,728 to $1,272,251; and
  • 22 CFR 127.10(a)(1)(ii)) is adjusted from $870,856 to $925,041, or five times the amount of the prohibited incentive payment, whichever is greater.

 

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Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 

OFAC Issues New Belarus, Ukraine-Russia Related And Venezuela Related Frequently Asked Question

 

Jan. 7, 2022: OFAC published new guidance related to Belarus, Ukraine-Russia, and Venezuela in its Frequently Asked Questions related to the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), a  benchmark reference rate, OFAC is issuing additional guidance.

 

The Belarus, Ukraine-/Russia-related, and Venezuela-related sanctions programs prohibit U.S. persons from dealing in certain new debt of persons identified as subject to these prohibitions. In various FAQs, OFAC provides examples of new debt, such as "bonds, loans, extensions of credit, loan guarantees, letters of credit, drafts, bankers acceptances, discount notes or bills, or commercial paper" issued on or after various specified dates. For the Belarus, Ukraine-/Russia-related, and Venezuela-related sanctions programs, OFAC has indicated that certain changes to contractual terms of loans, contracts, or other agreements that were entered into prior to the effective date of the relevant sanctions prohibitions could convert pre-existing debt that was not subject to the sanctions prohibitions into new debt that is subject to the sanctions prohibitions. Loans, contracts, or other agreements that use LIBOR as a reference rate that are modified to replace such benchmark reference rate will not be treated as new debt for OFAC sanctions

purposes, so long as no other material terms of the loan, contract, or agreement are modified.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faqs/956  

 

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OFAC Issues Venezuela-related General License 51

 

Jan. 20, 2022: OFAC issues Venezuela-related General License 51, "Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to the Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. 2020 8.5 Percent Bond on or After January 20, 2023." This General License prevents creditors from seizing US-based petroleum refiner CITGO. As a result, during such period, transactions related to the sale or transfer of CITGO shares in connection with the PdVSA 2020 8.5 percent bond are prohibited unless specifically authorized by OFAC. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220120_33

 

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OFAC Issues Ukraine Related Sanctions General License 13Q

 

Jan. 24, 2022: OFAC issues Ukraine-related sanctions General License 13Q authorizing certain transactions necessary to divest or transfer debt, equity, or other holdings in GAZ Group. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220124#:~:text=U.S.%20Department%20of%20the%20Treasury,-Search&text=OFAC%20is%20issuing%20Ukraine%2Drelated,Certain%20Activities%20Involving%20GAZ%20Group.%22

 

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OFAC Issues Ukraine Related Sanctions General License 15K

 

Jan. 24, 2022: OFAC issues Ukraine related sanctions General License 15K authorizing certain activities involving GAZ Group to include:

  • Research, design, development, production, modification, upgrade, certification, distribution, and marketing;
  • Provision or receipt of services, including warranty, maintenance, logistics, storage, shipping, insurance, security, brokerage, legal, banking and financial (including financing and renegotiation of debt), technical and engineering, advertising, and customer services;
  • Entry into joint ventures, contract manufacturing agreements, supplier contracts, and other new contracts associated with activities authorized by paragraph (a);
  • Payment and receipt of dividends and other funds owed by or to GAZ Group relating to activities authorized by paragraph (a);
  • The conduct of financial transactions associated with activities authorized by paragraph (a); and Activities necessary for compliance with paragraph (f)(1)(i), including financial auditing services.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/ukraine_gl15k.pdf

 

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OFAC Updated Its Ukraine Related Frequently Asked Questions

 

Jan. 24, 2022: Due to the issuance of Ukraine-related sanctions General Licenses 13Q and 15K referenced above, OFAC has updated it's Ukraine-related Frequently Asked Questions. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/faq/updated/2022-01-24

 

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Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

 

IRS Published The Current List Of Countries That Require Or May Require Participation In, Or Cooperation With, An International Boycott

 

Jan. 3, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 145: In accordance with section 999(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has published a current list of countries that require or may require participation in, or cooperation with, an international boycott (within the meaning of section 999(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986):

  • Iraq;
  • Kuwait;
  • Lebanon;
  • Libya;
  • Qatar;
  • Saudi Arabia;
  • Syria; and
  • Yemen.

 

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Department of Treasury, as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)

 

CFIUS Identifies New Zealand As An Excepted Foreign State And Excepted Real Estate Foreign State

 

Jan. 5, 2022, CFIUS identified New Zealand as an eligible foreign state under the "excepted foreign state" and "excepted real estate foreign state" regulations (at 31 C.F.R. §§ 800.218 and 802.214, respectively). CFIUS identified New Zealand as eligible based "on its intelligence-sharing relationship with the United States and its collective defense arrangement and cooperation with the United States." https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/international/the-committee-on-foreign-investment-in-the-united-states-cfius/cfius-excepted-foreign-states

 

CFIUS Publishes Its Determination Related to Australia And Canada Remaining Excepted Foreign States

 

Jan. 7, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 875: CFIUS published the Committee's determination that Australia and Canada have made significant progress toward establishing and effectively utilizing a robust process to analyze foreign investments for national security risks and to facilitate coordination with the United States on matters relating to investment security. This determination satisfies the second criterion in the definition of excepted real estate foreign state under 31 CFR § 802.214 with respect to Australia and Canada. Therefore, Australia and Canada are and will remain excepted real estate foreign states absent further Committee action and notice in the Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/07/2022-00234/determination-regarding-excepted-real-estate-foreign-states

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Department of Justice / Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

 

ATF Codifies Certain Provisions Of The Omnibus Consolidated And Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999

 

Jan. 4, 2022: 87 Fed. Reg. 182: The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has amended 27 CFR Part 478 to codify into regulation certain provisions of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999. This rule amends ATF's regulations to account for the existing statutory requirement that applicants for Federal firearms dealer

 

Licenses certify that secure gun storage or safety devices will be available at any place where firearms are sold under the license to non-licensed individuals. This certification is already included in the Application for Federal Firearms License, ATF Form 7/7CR ("Form 7/7CR"). The regulation also requires applicants for manufacturer or importer licenses to complete the certification if the licensee will have premises where firearms are sold to non-licensees. Moreover, the regulation requires that the secure gun storage or safety devices be compatible with the firearms offered for sale by the licensee. Finally, it conforms the regulatory definitions of certain terms to the statutory language, including the definition of "antique firearm," which is amended to include certain modern muzzleloading firearms. These changes are effective Feb. 3, 2022.

 

ATF has also published the "Best Practices Guide for FFLs" as a resource and reference guide about federal gun laws and regulations. The Best Practices Guide encourages FFLs to provide customers with ATF publications to help firearms owners better understand their legal obligations, as well as practical steps they can take to help keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited persons and facilitate safe storage of firearms. Links to ATF publications addressing the following topics are included in the Best Practices Guide: procedures for FFLs to assist unlicensed firearms owners in conducting background checks for private party transfers; compliance with the Youth Handgun Safety Act; records firearms owners should maintain that can assist law enforcement if the owner's firearms are ever lost or stolen; and the legal consequences and public safety dangers of straw purchasing – which involves purchasing a gun for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one or for someone who does not want his or her name associated with the transaction. https://www.atf.gov/firearms/federal-firearms-licensee-quick-reference-and-best-practices-guide

 

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U.S. Census Bureau

 

Census Publishes Interim Final Rule On New Control On Cyber Security Items And A New License Exception "Authorized Cybersecurity Exports" (ACE)

 

Jan. 7, 2022: On Thursday, October 21, 2021, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an interim final rule that became effective January 19, 2022. This interim final rule establishes a new control on cyber security items and a new License Exception "Authorized Cybersecurity Exports" (ACE) that authorizes exports of these items to most destinations except in the circumstances described in the rule. As a result of this rule, the following changes will be made to the Automated Export System (AES) in order for exporters and authorized agents to successfully report Electronic Export Information (EEI) in the AES.

Three Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN): ECCNs 4A005, 4D004 and 4E001.c are added to the AES ECCN reference table.

 

A new License Code (C64) has been added to the AES: An update has been made to AES to create a new License Code C64 - Authorized Cybersecurity Exports (ACE) that authorizes exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of cybersecurity items and certain IP network surveillance products, which are not also controlled in Category 5—Part 2 of the Commerce Control List (CCL) or for Surreptitious Listening (SL) reasons. License Exception ACE allows the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of 'cybersecurity items' to most destinations, except to destinations listed in Country Groups E:1 and E:2 of supplement no. 1 to part 740 of the EAR).

AES filers must adhere to the following new reporting requirements when using C64 (ACE) to prevent the return of fatal errors from AES.

  • Report License Code: C64 Authorized Cybersecurity Exports (ACE)
  • Allowable ECCN's: The following ECCNs are eligible 4A005, 4D001, 4D004, 4E001, 5A001, 5B001, 5D001, and 5E001 to the extent permitted under part 740 of the EAR and the respective ECCN entry.
  • Allowable Export Information Codes: All except UG
  • Allowable Modes of Transportation: All except '70' (Fixed Transport)

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-10-21/pdf/2021-22774.pdf

 

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Other

 

The FBI Investigates A Chinese Investment In An Aircraft Startup Following Allegations Of Improper Technology Transfer To China

 

Jan. 18, 2022: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and a U.S. investment-screening panel are investigating Chinese investment in an aircraft startup following allegations of improper technology transfer to China. Under review is a Chinese government-backed investment company's nearly 47% stake—the largest of any shareholder—in Icon Aircraft Inc., a California-based maker of small recreational, amphibious planes. A group of U.S. shareholders has accused the Chinese firm of hollowing out Icon and moving its technology, which the Americans say has possible military applications, to China. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CIFIUS), an interagency panel that can recommend that the president block or unwind deals on national-security grounds, began its review in late November after the American shareholders urged it to intervene. The FBI has also initiated a separate probe into possible criminal violations related to the deal and the alleged transfer of technology. https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-investment-in-u-s-plane-maker-draws-fbi-national-security-reviews-11642507206?mod=hp_lead_pos4

 

LATEST SANCTIONS FINES & PENALTIES

 

This section of our newsletter provides information on the latest sanctions, fines, and penalties for export violations or matters of non-compliance with the ITAR or EAR issued by the US government enforcement agencies. It is provided as a service to exporters and associates of FD Associates to remind them of the importance of extreme due diligence in all international trade and export compliance matters, particularly those involving exports subject to the ITAR or the EAR. Don't let this happen to you or your company! Call us with questions or concerns at 703-847-5801 or email info@fdassociates.net.

 

Sanctions

 

Department of State

 

Jan. 21, 2022: 87 Fed Reg 3376: The Department of State has determined that the following three People's Republic of China entities have engaged in activities that require the imposition of measures pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, and the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended:

  • China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) First Academy, and its sub-units and successors;
  • China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) Fourth Academy, and its sub-units and successors; and
  • Poly Technologies Incorporated (PTI) and its sub-units and successors.

 

Accordingly, the following sanctions are being imposed on these entities for two years:

  • Denial of all new individual licenses for the transfer to the sanctioned entities of all items on the U.S. Munitions List and all items the export of which is controlled under the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) of 2018;
  • Denial of all U.S. Government contracts with the sanctioned entities; and
  • Prohibition on the importation into the United States of all products produced by the sanctioned entities.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/21/2022-01117/imposition-of-missile-proliferation-sanctions-on-three-entities-in-the-peoples-republic-of-china-prc

 

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Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

 

Jan. 12, 2022: BIS has issued Orders Denying Export Privileges of the following four individuals:

  • Until June 25, 2029 - On June 25, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ernestina Hernandez-Juarez ("Hernandez-Juarez") was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 554(a). Specifically, Hernandez-Juarez was convicted of fraudulently and knowingly exporting and sending or attempting to export and send from the United States to Mexico 40 Level III AR500 steel body armor plates. Hernandez-Juarez was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a $100 assessment. https://efoia.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/export-violations/export-violations-2022/1349-e2701/file
  • Until September 25, 2026 - On September 25, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Edna Yaritza Zamarripa ("Edna Zamarripa") was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 554(a). Specifically, Edna Zamarripa was convicted of fraudulently and knowingly exporting and sending 2000 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm caliber ammunition from the United States to Mexico, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554. As a result of her conviction, the Court sentenced Edna Zamarripa to 46 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment. https://efoia.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/export-violations/export-violations-2022/1350-e2702/file
  • Until September 25, 2024 - On September 25, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Consuelo Teresita Zamarripa, a/k/a Consuelo Teresita Ramirez ("Consuelo Zamarripa"), was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 554(a). Specifically, Consuelo Zamarripa was convicted of fraudulently and knowingly exporting and sending 2,000 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm caliber ammunition from the United States to Mexico, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554. As a result of her conviction, the Court sentenced Consuelo Zamarripa to 37 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment. https://efoia.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/export-violations/export-violations-2022/1351-e2703/file
  • Until October 17, 2024 - On October 17, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Irving Aaron Rodriguez-Solis ("Rodriguez-Solis") was convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 554(a). Specifically, Rodriguez-Solis was convicted of fraudulently and knowingly exporting and sending or attempting to export and send from the United States to Mexico 3,000 rounds of 7.62x39 caliber ammunition contrary to 22 U.S.C. § 2778 (b)(2) and (c), and Title 22 C.F.R. §§ 121.1, 123.1, 127.1, and 127.3, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554(a) and 2. Rodriguez-Solis pled guilty to this offense on August 2, 2019. As a result of his conviction, on October 17, 2019, the Court sentenced Rodriguez-Solis to 30 months in prison and a $100 assessment. https://efoia.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/export-violations/export-violations-2022/1352-e2704/file

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Jan. 20, 2022: BIS issued Orders Denying Export Privileges of Khaldoun Hejazi. On March 3, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Khaldoun Hejazi ("Hejazi") was convicted of violating Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C § 2778) ("AECA"). Specifically, Hejazi was convicted of knowingly and willfully conspiring to export, and causing to be exported, firearms from the United States, which were designated as defense articles on the United States Munitions List, without having first obtained the required licenses or written approval from the U.S. Department of State. BIS has denied Hejazi's export privileges under the Export Administration Regulations for a period of five years from the date of Hejazi's conviction. The Office of Exporter Services has also revoked any BIS-issued licenses in which Hejazi had an interest at the time of his conviction. As a result of his conviction, the Court sentenced Hejazi to 30 months in prison, three years of supervised release, a $30,000 criminal fine, and a $100 court assessment. https://efoia.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/export-violations/export-violations-2022/1353-e2705/file

 

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Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

 

Jan. 5, 2022:  OFAC sanctioned Milorad Dodik (Dodik), who is a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as well as one entity under his control, Alternativna Televizija d.o.o. Banja Luka, in response to Dodik's corrupt activities and continued threats to the stability and territorial integrity of BiH. Dodik has used his official BiH position to accumulate personal wealth through graft, bribery, and other forms of corruption. His divisive ethno-nationalistic rhetoric reflects his efforts to advance these political goals and distract attention from his corrupt activities. Cumulatively, these actions threaten the stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of BiH and undermine the Dayton Peace Accords, thereby risking wider regional instability. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0549

 

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Jan. 10, 2022: OFAC designates six officials of the Government of Nicaragua pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13851. President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo were inaugurated following fraudulent national elections orchestrated by their regime in November 2021, further consolidating their control of power to the detriment of the Nicaraguan people. This designation targets officials of the Nicaraguan military, the Nicaraguan Minister of Defense, the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Mail (TELCOR), and the state-owned Nicaraguan Mining Company (ENIMINAS). The six officials that have been designated and added to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list are:

 

  • Bayardo De Jesus Pulido Ortiz;
  • Bayardo Ramon Rodriguez Ruiz;
  • Rosa Adelina Barahona De Rivas;
  • Celina Delgado Castellon;
  • Nahima Janett Diaz Flores; and
  • Ramon Humberto Calderon Vindell.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0552

 

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Jan. 12, 2022: OFAC designated five Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) individuals and one Russian individual responsible for procuring goods for the DPRK's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile-related programs. These actions are in line with U.S. efforts to prevent the advancement of the DPRK's WMD and ballistic missile programs and impede attempts by Pyongyang to proliferate related technologies. They also follow the DPRK's six ballistic missile launches since September 2021, each of which violated multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs). The individuals designated to the SDN list are:

  • ALAR, Roman Anatolyevich of Russia;
  • CHOE, Myong Hyon of North Korea;
  • KANG, Chol Hak of North Korea;
  • KIM, Song Hun of North Korea;
  • O, Yong Ho of North Korea;
  • PYON, Kwang Chol of North Korea; and
  • SIM, Kwang Sok of North Korea.

 

OFAC also added PARSEK LLC of Russia to the SDN list.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0555

 

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Jan. 18, 2022: OFAC added the following three Hizballah-linked financial facilitators and their Lebanon-based travel company to the SDN list:

 

  • ALAMAH, Jihad Salim of Lebanon;
  • DAOUN, Ali Mohamad of Lebanon;
  • DIAB, Adel of Lebanon; and
  • DAR AL SALAM FOR TRAVEL & TOURISM of Lebanon.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220118

 

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Jan. 20, 2022: OFAC sanctioned four individuals engaged in Russian government-directed influence activities to destabilize Ukraine. This is the latest action OFAC has taken to target purveyors of Russian disinformation. The four individuals are:

  • Taras Romanovych Kozak;
  • Volodymyr Mykolayovych Oliynyk;
  • VladimirLeonidovich Sivkovich; and
  • Oleh Voloshyn.

 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0562

 

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Jan. 21, 2022: OFAC designated Hizballah-affiliated financial facilitator Adnan Ayad, as well as members of an international network of facilitators and companies connected to him and to Adel Diab,

 

Adnan Ayad's business partner and fellow Hizballah financier who was designated by OFAC. The three individuals added to the SDN list are:

  • Adnan Ayad;
  • Jihad Adnan Ayad; and
  • Ali Adel Diab.

 

The ten entities added to the SDN list are:

  • Al Amir Co. for EngineeringConstruction and General Trading SARL;
  • Golden Group SAL Offshore;
  • Golden Group Trading SARL;
  • Hammer and Nail Construction Limited;
  • Hamidco Investment Limited;
  • Inshaat Co SARL;
  • Jammoul and Ayad for Industry and Trade;
  • Land Metics SARL;
  • Landmetics SAL Off-Shore; and
  • Top Fashion Gmbh Konfektionsbügelei.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0564

 

Jan. 31, 2022: OFAC designated 7 Burmese individuals and 2 Burmese entities. The seven individuals added to the SDN list are:

  • OO, Thida;
  • OO, Tin;
  • OO, Tun Tun;
  • TAY ZA, Htoo Htet;
  • TAY ZA, Pye Phyo;
  • THAUNG, Jonathan Myo Kyaw; and
  • ZA, Tay of Burma and Singapore.

 

The two entities added to the SDN list are:

  • Directorate Of Procurement Of The Commander-In-Chief Of Defense Services Army; and
  • KT Services & Logistics KTSL Company Limited.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220131

 

Fines and Penalties

 

Jan. 3, 2022: The U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) reached a settlement agreement with a unit of home rental firm Airbnb, Inc. for violations of U.S. sanctions on Cuba. Airbnb Payments, Inc. agreed to remit $91,172.29 to settle its potential civil liability for apparent violations of sanctions against Cuba. The apparent violations included payments related to guests traveling for reasons outside of OFAC's authorized categories, as well as a failure to keep certain required records associated with Cuba-related transactions, the Treasury Department said. Airbnb Payments' apparent violations were voluntarily self-disclosed and were non-egregious. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220103

 

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Jan. 6, 2022: Robert Alcantara was charged in a criminal complaint with conspiring to traffic firearms and with making false statements. According to the allegations in the Complaint: From September 2019 up to November 2021, Alcantara and others entered an agreement in which Alcantara purchased the parts for more than 100 "ghost guns," machined the ghost guns at his house in Providence, Rhode Island, and then illegally sold the working and completed ghost guns. On November 20, 2021, law enforcement recovered parts for 45 ghost guns from Alcantara's car. When interviewed by law enforcement, Alcantara falsely told them that he had never sold or transferred ownership of a firearm to any other individual and that he had never transported a firearm to the Dominican Republic. https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/rhode-island-man-charged-manhattan-trafficking-ghost-guns

 

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Jan. 6, 2022: Xiang Haitao, 44, a Chinese national formerly residing in Chesterfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit economic espionage. According to court documents, Xiang conspired to steal a trade secret from Monsanto, an international company based in St. Louis, for the purpose of benefitting a foreign government, namely the People's Republic of China. According to court documents, Xiang was employed by Monsanto and its subsidiary, The Climate Corporation, from 2008 to 2017, where he worked as an imaging scientist. Monsanto and The Climate Corporation developed a digital, online farming software platform that was used by farmers to collect, store and visualize critical agricultural field data and increase and improve agricultural productivity for farmers. A critical component to the platform was a proprietary predictive algorithm referred to as the Nutrient Optimizer. Monsanto and The Climate Corporation considered the Nutrient Optimizer a valuable trade secret and their intellectual property. In June 2017, the day after leaving employment with Monsanto and The Climate Corporation, Xiang attempted to travel to China on a one-way airplane ticket. While he was waiting to board his flight, Federal officials conducted a search of Xiang's person and baggage. Investigators later determined that one of Xiang's electronic devices contained copies of the Nutrient Optimizer. Xiang continued on to China, where he worked for the Chinese Academy of Science's Institute of Soil Science. Xiang was arrested when he returned to the United States. Xiang pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit economic espionage and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a potential fine of $5 million, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-national-pleads-guilty-economic-espionage-conspiracy

 

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Jan. 11, 2022: OFAC Settles with Sojitz (Hong Kong) Limited ("Sojitz HK") for $5,228,298 related to apparent violations of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. Sojitz HK, a Hong Kong, China-based company that engages in offshore trading and cross-border trade financing, has agreed to pay $5,228,298 to settle its potential civil liability for apparent violations of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR). The apparent violations occurred when Sojitz HK made U.S. dollar payments through U.S. financial institutions for Iranian-origin high-density polyethylene resin (HDPE) from its bank in Hong Kong to the HDPE supplier's banks in Thailand. In doing so, Sojitz HK caused the U.S. financial institutions that processed the funds to engage in and facilitate prohibited financial transactions related to goods of Iranian origin. The settlement amount reflects OFAC's determination that Sojitz HK's apparent violations were non-egregious and voluntarily self-disclosed and accounts for Sojitz HK's remedial response and cooperation with OFAC. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/20220111_sojitz.pdf

 

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Jan. 13, 2022: Peter Sotis, 57, of Delray Beach, and Emilie Voissem of Sunrise, FL, were convicted in October 2021 following a one-week jury trial in Miami. Sotis was sentenced to 57 months in prison, and Voissem was sentenced to a split sentence of five months in prison and five months of home confinement. According to court documents, the charges stemmed from the defendants' scheme to cause the illegal export of rebreather diving equipment to Libya in August 2016. Rebreathers enable a diver to operate undetected for long periods of time underwater by producing little to no bubbles and by efficiently re-circulating the diver's own breath after replacing its carbon dioxide with oxygen. Because of these enhanced capabilities, rebreathers have dual-use, with both civilian and military applications, and are specifically included on the EAR Commerce Control List, which is the list of dual-use items that are export controlled and licensed by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). Such restricted items require a Commerce Department license if the rebreathers are to be exported to any countries with national security concerns, such as Libya. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south-florida-residents-sentenced-illegally-exporting-controlled-items-libya

 

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Jan. 14, 2022: A criminal complaint has been unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Kambiz Attar Kashani, a dual citizen of the United States and Iran, with conspiring to illegally export U.S. goods, technology, and services to end-users in Iran, including the Government of Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Kashani was arrested in Chicago, Illinois. The defendant was remanded pending a detention hearing. As alleged, Kashani orchestrated an elaborate scheme to evade U.S. export laws and use the U.S. financial system in procuring U.S. electronic equipment and technology for the Central Bank of Iran, which has been designated by the United States government as acting for or on behalf of terrorist organizations. The defendant allegedly used two United Arab Emirates companies as fronts to procure items from multiple U.S. technology companies, including a company in Brooklyn. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/us-citizen-charged-conspiring-provide-electronic-equipment-and-technology-government

 

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Jan 21, 2022: The Department of State entered into a three-year consent agreement with Torrey Pines Logic, Inc. (TPL) of San Diego, California, and Dr. Leonid B. Volfson (Dr. Volfson) regarding violations of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) with a fine of $840,000. TPL and Dr. Volfson voluntarily disclosed portions of the export violations. The AECA and ITAR violations related to unauthorized export of defense articles, unauthorized exports of defense articles to include the People's Republic of China and Lebanon (both prescribed countries pursuant to 22 CFR § 126.1 of the ITAR), engaging in ITAR controlled activities while ineligible, exporting articles without authorization from the Department of State during the CJ review process, making false statements on a CJ request, and failure to maintain and produce records. TPL and Dr. Volfson are debarred from engaging in ITAR controlled activities for 36 months. https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/sys_attachment.do?sysparm_referring_url=tear_off&view=true&sys_id=9a8529c31b5dcd90c6c3866ae54bcb32

 

 

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Jan. 27, 2022: Saber Fakih, 46, of the United Kingdom, plead guilty in federal court in the District of Columbia to violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. According to his plea, Saber Fakih conspired with Bader Fakih, 41, of Canada, Altaf Faquih, 70, of the United Arab Emirates, and Alireza Taghavi, 46, of Iran, to export and attempt to export an Industrial Microwave System (IMS) and counter-drone system from the United States to Iran, without first obtaining the requisite license from the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Fakih pleaded guilty to count two of the indictment.

In addition, a related indictment was unsealed in the District of Columbia, charging Iranian national Jalal Rohollahnejad, 44, with smuggling, wire fraud, and related offenses arising from the same scheme. Rohollahnejad was previously added to the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List in March 2020 for acting contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests by procuring goods on behalf of a Specially Designated National (SDN). https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/indictment-and-guilty-plea-entered-iranian-export-case

 

 

 

 

JANUARY 2022 EXPORT CONTROL REGULATION UPDATES Read More »

The President Signs Executive Order To Treat Hong Kong As China

By: Carlos Bentancor, Junior Associate & Jenny Hahn, President

Hong Kong Now an Arms Embargoed Destination Announced 7.14.2020 and License Exceptions for EAR Items are Suspended

The President signed an Executive Order (EO) on July 14, 2020, which requires the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) to be treated as the People's Republic of China (PRC). The EO states pursuant to section 202 of the United States - Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 that the U.S. Government no longer considers Hong Kong to be autonomous from China and no longer warrants treatment as an entity separate from China. The President directed the heads of various agencies to begin eliminating policy exemptions for Hong Kong. As a result, Hong Kong is now an arms embargoed destination included in the entry for China under section 126.1(d)(1) of the ITAR, and thus subject to a policy of denial for all transfers subject to the ITAR. This action includes all end-users in Hong Kong.

The Department of Commerce separately announced on June 30 the suspension of License Exceptions for Hong Kong.

Background

In May 2020, China announced its plans to impose national security legislation unilaterally and arbitrarily on Hong Kong, and on May 27th, 2020 the U.S. Secretary of State declared the PRC had undermined Hong Kong's autonomy and reported this to the U.S. Congress. China has through a series of ongoing actions continued to follow through imposing national security legislation on Hong Kong undermining Hong Kong's autonomy, leading the U.S. government to take action intended to prevent any sensitive U.S. items from illegal diversion to the PRC or North Korea.

Government Agency Actions

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has announced two actions in response to the EO. First, there will be an exception made in favor of Hong Kong persons who reside outside Hong Kong or PRC, who have been previously authorized access to defense articles subject to ITAR, in future licensing; and second, any current, valid, non - exhausted ITAR licenses with Hong Kong as the transferred territory are not affected by the EO, DDTC is not revoking or rescinding previously approved licenses for defense articles or services to Hong Kong.

Prior to the publication of the EO, on June 30, 2020, BIS suspended any License Exception for exports, re-exports, or transfers (in-country) to Hong Kong of items subject to the EAR that would provide Hong Kong with differential treatment than those available to the PRC. On July 14, President Trump signed an Executive Order officially revoking the use of EAR License Exceptions for Hong Kong that will provide differential treatment compared to those applicable to exports to China.

The actions listed above under the ITAR and EAR are just two of the approximately twenty actions to be taken by various government agencies with respect to Hong Kong within 15 days of the Executive Order (i.e., by July 29, 2020).

The President's Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidents-executive-order-hong-kong-normalization/

Recommendations for Exporters:
FD Associates, Inc. strongly encourages all exporters who export products, provide services, or transmit technical data to foreign nationals or entities from Hong Kong, to evaluate these transactions before making any further exports.

To speak to FD Associates, Inc. about the new rules for exports to Hong Kong, please call (703) 847-5801 or send an email to info@fdassociates.net.

The President Signs Executive Order To Treat Hong Kong As China Read More »

US Department Of Commerce Publishes Rules That Greatly Expand The Requirement For Obtaining EAR Licenses

By:  Keil J. Ritterpusch, Senior Compliance Associate, and Jenny Hahn, President

On April 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security (“BIS”) published two new final rules and one proposed rule to the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) which substantially affect U.S. exporters of goods to China, Russia, and Venezuela.  In general, the rule:

  • Broadens license requirements in EAR Section 744.21 to apply to military end users in China and expands the scope of items in the List of Items Subject to the Military End-Use License Requirement of Section 744.21 (Supplement No. 2 to Part 744);
  • Adopts a license review presumption of denial in Section 744.21(e);
  • Broadens the definition of “military end use” by expanding the definition to include any item that supports or contributes to the operation, installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul, refurbishing, “development,” or [emphasis added] “production” of military items;
  • Clarifies the controls on exports of “600 series” .y and 9x515.y Export Control Classification Numbers (“ECCNs”) to China, Russia, or Venezuela by relocating them from Section 744.21 to the License Requirements sections of each ECCN;
  • Designates regional stability (“RS”) as the reason for control of these items; and
  • Expands Electronic Export Information (“EEI”) filing requirements for exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela.

The regulatory changes that will affect the greatest number of exporters is the requirement to file EEI for all exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela regardless of value (or end use or end user) of products on the EAR’s Commerce Control List (“CCL”) and to provide the correct export classification on such EEI submissions.  The EEI filing requirement for EAR99 items, which are by definition not included on the CCL, remains the same:  EEI submissions are required for exports of EAR99 items only when the value of the export is $2,500 or more per Harmonized Tariff Schedule (“HTS”) code on the EEI.  We believe the consequence of this regulatory revision is even more widespread than the expanded requirements for obtaining export licenses (and the presumption of denial) for exports to military end uses and military end users in China, Russia, and Venezuela.

The following are some of the key points for exporters related to the regulatory changes:

EEI Submissions for ALL Exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela (Except EAR99 Items):

Effective June 29, 2020, exporters will need to file EEI submissions in the Automated Export System (“AES”) portal within the Automated Commerce Environment (“ACE”) website – ace.cbp.dhs.gov – for ALL exports of items listed on the CCL to China, Russia, or Venezuelaregardless of value, end use, or end user.  Prior to this final rule being published (82 FR 23459), exports that were designated as No License Required (“NLR”) did not require the filing of EEI unless the value of the export transaction was $2,500 or more per HTS code.  Now, only EAR99 items below the $2,500 threshold do not require EEI submissions, per FTR Section 30.37(a).

Correct Export Classification is Required for ALL Exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela:

In addition to requiring EEI submissions for ALL exports of items on the CCL to China, Russia, or Venezuela, the new rule provides that exporters must include the correct Export Control Classification Number (“ECCN”) for each item listed on EEI for exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela.  This new requirement underscores the responsibility U.S. exporters have to correctly classify the products they export.

Currently, for exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela, exporters may state on export documents and in the EEI filing (when required by the EAR) that their products are No License Required (“NLR”) – citing license code “C33” on the EEI.  These exporters were not required, by either the EAR or the Foreign Trade Regulations (“FTR”), to provide the exact export classification of the items being exported if the products do not require a license.

Going forward, exporters should not assume that their products that were classified as “NLR” are classified as EAR99 items.  Over the years we have encountered many instances where exporters have believed that “NLR” means “EAR99”.  While all EAR99 products are, in fact, NLR to all worldwide end users, except prohibited end users and sanctioned countries, “”NLR” is not an export classification.  “NLR” is a conclusion under the EAR that results from first determining the export classification, then reviewing the reasons for control for export of products under the ECCN, and, then, determining that No License is Required for the export.  Only after establishing the proper ECCN can one arrive at a conclusion of “NLR”.

It would be a grave mistake for a U.S. exporter to unilaterally state that its products are EAR99 after June 29, without first revalidating the export classification for any export to China, Russia, or Venezuela, because misstatements of export classification on an EEI and failure to file EEI each subject the exporter to a $10,000 fine per violation under the FTR.  Exporters must perform appropriate export classification analysis to avoid substantial risk of misclassification.

Export Licensing is Required for Exports of Most Commodities to China, Russia, or Venezuela Where The End Use is Military or End User is Military … With Presumption of Denial of Said Licenses:

The EAR now requires an export license to be obtained prior to exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela of items that are currently only restricted to terrorism supporting countries under Anti-Terrorism (“AT”) controls of the EAR, when the export is to a military end user or for a military end use.  Moreover, there is an express policy of denial for such export license applications.

Products falling under the following ECCNs will require licenses for export to military end users and military end uses in China, Russia, and Venezuela beginning June 29, 2020:

  • 3A991,
  • 3A992,
  • 3A999,
  • 4A994,
  • 4D994,
  • 5A991,
  • 5B991,
  • 5A992,
  • 5D992,
  • 6A991,
  • 6A993,
  • 6A995,
  • 6A996,
  • 7A994,
  • 8A992, and
  • 9A991.

Beyond the broad expansion of the products that require a license for export to military end uses and military end users in China, Russia, and Venezuela, the new rules also greatly expand the definition of what is a “military end use”.  The new definition is so open-ended that FD Associates would not be surprised to see BIS issue clarifying Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) or narrow the definition before the new rule goes into effect on June 29, 2020.  Under the new rule, any product that is exported that “supports or contributes to the operation, installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul, refurbishing, “development,” or [emphasis added] “production” of any military item is a “military end use”.  There is no limitation for products that are for use both for non-military end uses and military uses.  So, for example, if software that is controlled under ECCN 5D992 – having encryption built-in, but being available for export on a “mass market” basis – is used in China to aid a Chinese company that manufactures both military aircraft parts and commercial aircraft parts, it is arguable that the software would be for a “military end use” under the revised rule.

Recommendations for Exporters:

Potential concerns for exporters arise in product misclassification and failure to conduct appropriate due diligence when conducting business with China, Russia and Venezuela.  While both product classification and transactional due diligence are core tenets of a company compliance program, exporters are on notice that the government is watching and the risks of export violations, government queries, inspections, detentions, seizures, and fines are substantially magnified for transactions involving China, Russia and Venezuela.

In light of the substantial increase in potential liability for exporters, FD Associates, Inc. strongly encourages all exporters who export products to China, Russia and/or Venezuela to evaluate all products that they have self-classified as EAR99 and revalidate the export classification per the Order of Review in the EAR, before exporting to China, Russia and/or Venezuela.

FD Associates, Inc. also recommends that exporters perform added due diligence, including the collection of detailed end use and end user statements and associated research and screening of the end users and end uses of their products in China, Russia, and Venezuela, to validate the actual end users and end uses.  This is especially critical, as a significant percentage of US exports to China, in particular, do not go to the end user or directly to the end use, but instead go through a distributor or a re-seller.  Since exports of otherwise NLR products that are for end use by military end users (or parties on behalf of them) or are for “military end uses” in these countries now requires a license from BIS, it is imperative that  exporters have a sufficient “paper trail” related to the end users and end uses of products they sell to China (as well as Russia and Venezuela).

To speak to FD Associates, Inc. about the new rules for exports to China, Russia, and/or Venezuela, please call (703) 847-5801 or send an email to info@fdassociates.net.

US Department Of Commerce Publishes Rules That Greatly Expand The Requirement For Obtaining EAR Licenses Read More »