BIS Final Rule to Permit Reporting on Boycott Requests in Digital Format

The Bureau of Industry and Security is issuing a final rule that would amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to allow electronic reporting of requests they receive to support an unsanctioned foreign boycott, which the EAR require (here). BIS currently accepts reporting only through mail. Reports to the Commerce Department are required for requests to take any “action which has the effect of furthering or supporting a restrictive trade practice or boycott fostered or imposed by a foreign country against a country friendly to the United States or against any United States person.” Electronic and mail filings must accompany two copies (PDF for electronic) of the relevant pages of any documents where the request appears, and electronic reports may be submitted only on the single transaction form, BIS said. The EAR amendments are merely administrative changes and don't require a full proposed rulemaking process, the agency said. BIS also waived the 30-day suspension of activation normally applied to final rules, saying the delay would run counter to public interest. Anyone filing a report on behalf of another person must indicate it and identify that person, the agency said.