Often, when we think of export compliance, our focus is on the Shipping Department and boxes going out the door. But did you know that OFAC recently settled with a Chicago Private Equity fund for $11.48M? This firm had been managing a $50M investment that had ties to Suleiman Kerimov, a sanctioned Russian oligarch and…
This year has been exceptionally challenging for importers. From the outset, new tariffs appeared to be implemented almost daily, with China-related tariff rates changing multiple times—sometimes within a single day. Keeping pace with these developments has proven difficult even for the most experienced trade professionals. Compounding the uncertainty were a series of legal challenges surrounding…
Screening is an essential element of all export compliance programs. Serious penalties for noncompliance do exist in this area, even when it’s unintentional. It’s important that every exporter be aware of some basic best practices for effective and successful screening. Garbage In – Garbage Out… Data integrity is crucial! We’ve all heard the saying garbage…
Ready … Set … Stop! After being active for nearly a month, the new BIS Affiliates Rule is on “pause” until November 9, 2026. The Bureau of Industry and Security has suspended the implementation of the so-called “50% rule” for one year, starting November 10, 2025. This suspension was part of a trade agreement with…
Eight miles outside of Baltimore, along a railroad line dating back to late 1800s, lies a sleepy little town of just 10,000 people. You’ll find quiet, tree-lined streets. An old stone church. And just up the road, across from Panera Bread, in a nondescript, one-story brick industrial building, a few dozen employees work in a…
Individuals Can Be Debarred Too Most know that companies that violate the export regulations can be fined, penalized and lose their right to export. But did you know that not only companies, but individuals can also be held to that same standard? And that some of these individuals are located right here in the United…
The U.S. Government has certainly had a busy summer, and the current administration was serious about its commitment to increased enforcement. Months ago, they stressed that enforcement was coming, and they have indeed followed through on that promise. See the below table for recent examples. Who? Penalty What Happened? Andritz, Inc. (Pennsylvania) $1.6 million Exported…
When it comes to importing, accuracy in your import entry is not only important, but also essential. One of the most critical components of this process is the proper classification of goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). At first glance, this might seem like a simple task. Depending on the product, it can be—but…
It has been a crazy and volatile year when it comes to import tariffs. From the tariffs threats to the implementation to the pauses on certain tariffs, you never know what you are going to wake up to from one day to the next. Last week was no different. On May 28, the US Court…
Ok, I know I told you all last post we were going to talk about exceptions and exemptions, and you were probably super excited to read my deep dive into how to take advantage of them, but I changed my mind. Yes, cue the cliché about “women changing their minds” but seriously, something else has…