The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls issued a reminder that its interim final rule that revised the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to provide definitions for activities that are not exports, re-exports, retransfers or temporary imports took effect March 25 (see 1912230052), the agency said in a notice. DDTC also reissued a guidance for the rule (see 2002210019), which makes significant changes to encrypted data controls (see 1912300024 and 2002280050).
The Commerce Department extended the public comment period for feedback on future temporary general license extensions under the Export Administration Regulations (see 2003100070), the agency said in a notice. The comments, which were originally due March 25, are now due April 22. The comments will determine the “continuing need” and the scope for future extensions for the temporary general license for Huawei, Commerce said in a March 25 press release.
A Pennsylvania chemicals company agreed to pay a $450,000 fine for failing to notify the Drug Enforcement Administration of certain imports and exports, according to a March 25 Justice Department news release. The company, Ungerer & Company, violated reporting obligations on a “number of occasions” after it completed international shipments of chemicals that can be used to “manufacture illicit controlled substances.” In addition to the fine, the company agreed to a three-year agreement with the DEA to implement remedial measures, including submissions of “certain delinquent forms on its shipments” and the implementation of a system to train employees to avoid future reporting violations. The company must also submit quarterly certifications to the DEA to prove it is complying with reporting obligations.
The United Kingdom’s Department for International Trade updated its guidance on trade sanctions on Somalia, according to a March 25 notice. The guidance was updated to include “components for improvised explosive devices,” the DIT said. The guidance will apply until Dec. 31, 2020.
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned 20 Iranian and Iraqi front companies, officials and business associates that support the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force, Treasury said in a March 26 press release. The sanctioned parties also participated in smuggling, money laundering and illegal oil sales. Among the sanctioned parties are Iraq-based Al Khamael Maritime Services, Iran- and Iraq-based Mada’in Novin Traders and Iran-based Middle East Saman Chemical Company.
The COVID-19 pandemic may hinder the United Kingdom and the European Union from striking a deal before the Brexit transition period ends in December, potentially creating export control confusion for companies, according to a trade lawyer. The U.K. has formed sanctions regimes for its official departure from the EU, but the two sides have not made much progress on export control regulations, which could have substantial impacts on supply chains, said Ross Denton, an export control lawyer with Baker McKenzie.
The United Nations Security Council removed Ibrahim Mohamed Khalil from its ISIL (Da’esh) and al-Qaida Sanctions list, according to a March 24 press release. The UNSC said it made the decision after receiving a delisting request. Khalil is no longer subject to an asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.
The European Union renewed sanctions against Bosnia and Herzegovina for one year, according to a March 24 notice. The sanctions now expire March 31, 2021.
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control made “minor technical amendments” to two Nicaragua-related general licenses, according to a March 25 notice. OFAC issued amended General License No. 1A, which authorizes certain transactions with Nicaragua by the U.S. government, and General License No. 2A, which authorizes the wind down of certain transactions involving the Nicaraguan National Police.
Global sectoral sanctions should be suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic to ease pressures on health sectors in heavily sanctioned countries, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said March 24. Sanctions will impede medical efforts in countries subject to strict sanctions, such as Iran, Bachelet said, where almost any transaction or export is heavily scrutinized. Humanitarian exemptions should “be given broad and practical effect, with prompt, flexible authorization for essential medical equipment and supplies,” she said in a statement. Bachelet said sanctions should also be suspended on Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.