The Bureau of Industry and Security is removing Samsung China Semiconductor Co., SK hynix Semiconductor (China) and a third SK hynix-owned semiconductor facility in Dalian from the agency’s Validated End-User List, which will make them ineligible for a general authorization that had allowed them to receive certain U.S.-controlled technology. BIS called the VEU program a “loophole” because it allows certain foreign firms to export chip manufacturing equipment and technology to China without a specific license. The final rule takes effect Dec. 31.
The Bureau of Industry and Security is extending its public comment periods for two export-related information collections, the agency said this week.
The Bureau of Industry and Security on Aug. 26 suspended the export privileges of 19 people after they were convicted of export-related offenses, including illegal shipments involving guns, gun parts, ammunition, microdisplays and vehicles. The suspensions took effect from the date of their convictions.
Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Fla., who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, urged the Trump administration Aug. 21 to investigate allegations that a “number” of new companies in South Florida are trying to evade U.S. sanctions on Cuba.
Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee accused the Trump administration Aug. 25 of taking what they see as a conflicting approach to export controls for computing chips.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week sanctioned two people and two entities for helping North Korea deploy information technology workers at foreign companies to generate revenue for its government.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control is renewing a general license that authorizes certain imports of Russian non-industrial, unsorted diamonds that were substantially transformed outside of Russia. General License 104A, which replaces 104, authorizes those imports as long as the diamonds were located outside of Russia on March 1, 2024, for diamonds weighing 1 carat or more, and Sept. 1, 2024, if they weigh more than 0.5 carats but less than 1 carat. The license was set to expire Sept. 1 (see 2408230043), but it now expires on that date in 2026.
New guidance from U.S. national security agencies warns academic institutions and researchers to guard against increasing attempts by China and others to illegally acquire research, expertise or export controlled technologies. It also recommends steps researchers should take to make sure they don’t violate export laws, including if they’re involved in a foreign talent recruitment program or collaborating on research with people from another country.
The Bureau of Industry and Security released a final rule Aug. 28 that will ease export controls on Syria by making the country eligible for more license exceptions and revising current BIS license review policies for Syria to “be more favorable.” The rule, effective Sept. 2, will also create a new License Exception Syria Peace and Prosperity, which will authorize exports and reexports to Syria of items designated under the Export Administration Regulations as EAR99.
The EU this week posted new guidance about ownership and control to its Sanctions Helpdesk website, describing the rules that apply to entities owned or controlled by a sanctioned party, how the EU defines ownership and control, how EU companies can rebut the presumption of ownership or control, and more. The guidance also recommended that EU companies take several due diligence steps to make sure their customers, suppliers and counterparties aren't controlled by a sanctioned entity or person, including by collecting information to verify their ownership structure, checking any possible "red flags" and asking questions to "resolve any remaining concerns."