The State Department has issued a proposed rule to revise USML Category XX (submersible vessels and related articles) to narrow the articles controlled on the USML, and to make this list of items more positive. At the same time, BIS is proposing the creation of four new 600 series ECCNs to control submersible vessels, oceanographic equipment and related articles removed from Category VI or XX that would instead be controlled by the CCL. The State Department is also not proposing any tiering at this time, and is still developing its definition of "Specially Designed."
The State Department has issued a proposed rule to revise USML Category VI (surface vessels of war and special naval equipment) to narrow the articles controlled on the USML, and to make this list of items more positive. At the same time, BIS is proposing the creation of five new 600 series ECCNs to control vessels of war and related articles removed from Category VI that would instead be controlled by the CCL. The State Department is also not proposing any tiering at this time, and is still developing its definition of "Specially Designed."
The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a December 21, 2011 updated list of all currently authorized Carrier Service Providers, Travel Service Providers, and Remittance Forwarders for Cuba.
The Office of Foreign Assets Controls has posted enforcement information for December 20, 2011 concerning a civil penalty of $13,500 assessed against Lanier Marine Liquidators of Dawsonville, Georgia, to settle allegations of violations of the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR Part 538) occurring between March 2005 and March 2006. OFAC alleged that LML entered into contracts to sell boats and boat parts to an individual in Sudan, and attempted to export a boat and boat parts to Sudan valued at $30,460.
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has issued a notice to industry stating that it has been the policy of the Department of State to expedite requests for exports directly supporting coalition efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. On December 15, 2011, an end to military operations in Iraq was officially declared. Effective December 26, 2011 the Department of State will no longer expedite any license application submitted in support of Operation New Dawn (OND).
The State Department has posted a notice stating that the FedWire Electronic Payment Procedures for U.S. Entities have been updated as of December 21, 2011. Updated procedures are available here.
The U.S. Government Printing Office has announced the availability of a newly revised (2011) “A Basic Guide to Exporting: The Official Government Resource for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses.” According to the Government Printing Office, “this comprehensive guide, now completely revised and updated, provides the nuts-and-bolts information an exporter will need to meet the challenges of the world economy.” The 2011 edition includes tips on: how to identify markets for a company's products; how to finance export transactions; the best methods of handling orders and shipments; and sources of free or low-cost expert counseling.
Export.gov has announced the following series of domestic trade shows that are scheduled for January - December 2012.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio has announced that EO System Company, Ltd., a corporation located in South Korea, and three South Korean citizens have been indicted for illegally knowingly and willfully exporting, defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List (USML) to South Korea.
The Department of Defense has issued an interim rule, effective December 20, 2011, to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. The section provides that photovoltaic devices to be utilized in performance of any covered contract shall comply with the Buy American statute, subject to the exceptions provided in the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 or otherwise provided by law. Comments are due by approximately February 20, 2012.