The Senate’s 2021 Intelligence Authorization Act would require the director of National Intelligence to assess U.S. export controls on critical technologies, according to a June 17 Senate report on the bill. The bill, which was passed by the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this month, calls for a review of U.S. controls on artificial intelligence, microchips, advanced manufacturing equipment and “other AI-enabled technologies,” the report said. It would also require the administration to identify areas for export control cooperation with “international partners.” Another provision in the bill requires the CIA, the Treasury Department and the FBI to submit a report to Congress on Chinese and Russian officials that could be targeted with U.S. sanctions.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned the captains of five ships used by Iranian shipping lines to deliver Iranian gasoline to Venezuela, OFAC said in a June 24 news release. The ships belong to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and the National Iranian Tanker Company, both of which are sanctioned by OFAC. The sanctions target Ali Danaei Kenarsari, of the Clavel tanker; Mohsen Gohardehi, the Petunia; Alireza Rahnavard, the Fortune; Reza Vaziri, the Forest; and Hamidreza Yahya Zadeh, the Faxon.
The United Kingdom presented its sanctions regulations for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Nicaragua to Parliament June 22, detailing sanctions authorities that will take effect after Brexit. The regulations include designation authorities, sanctions exceptions and licenses, and penalties for violations.
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The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. is closely monitoring Chinese investors who are trying to take advantage of struggling U.S. companies, trade lawyers said. CFIUS is also focusing on the semiconductor sector, where Chinese entities are hoping to evade recent U.S. rules that impose more strict license restrictions on sales of semiconductors and other technology to China and Huawei (see 2005150058), the lawyers said.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany suggested they would support a continued arms embargo against Iran but opposed U.S. threats of snapback sanctions. The scheduled expiration of the embargo would have “major implications for regional security and stability,” the countries said in a June 19 statement, adding that they plan to discuss the matter with Russia or China. But the three nations rejected U.S. threats to invoke snapback sanctions under the Iran nuclear deal if the embargo is not extended (see 2006090047). “Any unilateral attempt to trigger [United Nations] sanctions snapback would have serious adverse consequences in the UN [Security Council],” they said.
Australia’s Department of Defense updated its application form for the export of controlled goods and technology, a June 18 notice said. Effective June 22, Australia accepts only the new version of the form.
The Food and Drug Administration on June 22 launched a new online system for U.S. exporters of animal food, drugs and devices to track and receive export certificates. The Center for Veterinary Medicine’s new Export Certification Application and Tracking System (eCATS) “will help facilitate exports by assisting industry in fulfilling importing country requirements for certification by CVM of CVM-regulated animal products,” FDA said. It also “provides a tool for foreign governments to verify the authenticity of export certificates provided to them by industry,” FDA said.
The United Kingdom on June 17 posted cyber sanctions regulations to take effect after Brexit. The regulations outline U.K. powers to designate people and entities, criteria for sanctions and various definitions to aid in sanctions implementation. The regulations also detail information on exceptions and licenses for the sanctions, reporting obligations and penalties for violations.
The United Kingdom’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation amended 10 entries on its Iran sanctions list, a June 22 notice said. The entries include updated identifying information and are still subject to asset freezes. They include eight individuals and two entities.