United States: Export Controls & Trade & Investment Sanctions

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International law articles, podcasts, videos and webinars from expert sources across the legal world. Explore insights covering topics such as export controls, trade sanctions, investment sanctions, international courts and tribunals, international trade and international investment.
Article
BIS Settlement Highlights Export Control Risks For Medical And Research Technology
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security reached a $1.7 million settlement with Plexon, Inc. over unlicensed exports of neural recording systems to a Chinese research institution on the Entity List. This enforcement action demonstrates that medical and research products are subject to U.S. export controls, and even EAR99 items may require licenses based on destination, end user, or end use.
United States International
BB
Bass, Berry & Sims
Article
OFAC Settlement Highlights Iran Sanctions Risks for Non-U.S. Subsidiaries of U.S. Companies
When U.S. companies acquire foreign subsidiaries with existing business relationships in sanctioned jurisdictions, how far does American sanctions compliance extend? A recent OFAC settlement reveals the costly consequences of inadequate guidance to overseas operations and highlights critical gaps that can expose parent companies to liability for their subsidiaries' indirect sales.
United States Government
BB
Bass, Berry & Sims
Article
Sky-High Duties: Breaking Down The Sweeping Section 232 Tariffs On Drones
The White House has imposed tariffs of up to 100% on imported Unmanned Aircraft Systems and components following a Department of Commerce investigation into cybersecurity vulnerabilities and foreign supply chain dependencies. These measures establish new regulatory pathways to encourage domestic manufacturing while creating exemptions for allied nations and companies committed to building U.S. production facilities. The directive fundamentally reshapes procurement and deployment strategies for drone technol
Worldwide International
BB
Baker Botts LLP
Article
BIS Imposes Critical Minerals Export Restrictions On Black Mass And Tungsten Waste And Scrap
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently published a temporary final rule and request for public comments that effectively prohibits the export of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap without prior BIS authorization. The rule takes effect August 27, 2026, and expires one year later, although BIS may extend the effective time period beyond this date.
United States International
HK
Holland & Knight
Curated
“Juntos Pero No Revueltos”: Recent Developments In U.S. Sanctions On Cuba And Venezuela
The U.S. sanctions landscape continues to evolve as the current Presidential Administration increasingly relies on sanctions and targeted licensing to advance its foreign policy objectives in Cuba and Venezuela. Although these policies pursue markedly different economic outcomes, both are implemented through the same sanctions framework. On one hand, the Administration has sought to expand economic opportunities in Venezuela by broadening authorizations for limited commercial activity through OFAC general licenses.
United States International
BG
Braumiller Law Group, PLLC
Article
Reminder: 2026 OFAC Annual Report Of Blocked Property Due September 30, 2026
U.S. persons holding blocked property under OFAC sanctions programs face a critical September 30, 2026 deadline to file their Annual Report of Blocked Property. This comprehensive reporting obligation spans all OFAC sanctions programs and covers diverse asset types including bank accounts, securities, real estate, and digital assets. Understanding who must file, what constitutes blocked property, and how to properly submit reports through OFAC's reporting system is essential for compliance.
United States Government
CM
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article
BIS Issues Temporary Export Allocation Requirements For Black Mass And Tungsten Scrap
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a temporary final rule requiring U.S. persons to allocate 100 percent of their monthly sales of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap exclusively to domestic buyers, with limited exceptions available through advance authorization. The measure, effective August 27, 2026, aims to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign processing capacity. Companies handling these materials must assess their exist
United States International
SJ
Steptoe LLP
Curated
“Juntos Pero No Revueltos”: Recent Developments In U.S. Sanctions On Cuba And Venezuela
The U.S. sanctions landscape continues to evolve as the current Presidential Administration increasingly relies on sanctions and targeted licensing to advance its foreign policy objectives in Cuba and Venezuela. Although these policies pursue markedly different economic outcomes, both are implemented through the same sanctions framework. On one hand, the Administration has sought to expand economic opportunities in Venezuela by broadening authorizations for limited commercial activity through OFAC general licenses.
United States International
BG
Braumiller Law Group, PLLC
Curated
The Iran War: A New Shock to Global Trade
The war with Iran is being fought with missiles, aircraft and naval forces, but some of its most consequential effects are disruptions impacting energy markets, international shipping, insurance, supply chains, and prices, while adding another layer of sanctions and tariff risk to international trade. The result is particularly significant because the Strait of Hormuz, at the center of the conflict, is one of the most important arteries in world commerce.
United States International
BG
Braumiller Law Group, PLLC
Curated
ITAR And Brokering
For those working in the export/import trade the term “brokering” would normally mean something to do with customs brokers. However, brokering also comes up in a completely different context: Export controls. What? The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) govern export of most defense articles and related technical data. Part 129 of the ITAR spells out the regulations on what is termed brokering. Part 129.2 defines a “broker” as any person ……who engages in the business of brokering activities.”
United States International
BG
Braumiller Law Group, PLLC
Article
Minimum U.S. Import Prices, Tariffs Set For Polysilicon And Derivatives
President Trump has issued a proclamation imposing minimum import pricing and a 15% tariff on polysilicon and its derivatives, including solar cells and modules, effective December 4, 2026. The action follows a Section 232 investigation and aims to onshore domestic semiconductor and solar manufacturing by creating economically viable markets for U.S. polysilicon producers. Companies can qualify for reduced tariffs by submitting approved onshoring investment plans to the Secretary of Commerce.
United States International
CL
Cassidy Levy Kent
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