Restricted party screening is a critical component of every export compliance program, and even small mistakes can lead to serious penalties. From data integrity problems to overlooked address-only restrictions, exporters face significant risks when screenings aren’t done correctly. This post outlines common pitfalls and the best practices every company should follow to stay compliant.
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. But that doesn't mean you should just wait around to see what happens.
Eight miles outside of Baltimore, in a sleepy little town with quiet, tree-lined streets and an old stone church, a small lab was hard at work creating microbial diagnostic tests. But behind those nondescript doors, a real compliance horror story was about to unfold.
The new BIS Affiliate Rule extends Entity List and MEU List restrictions to any entity that is 50% or more owned by a listed party. This expansion mirrors OFAC’s “50 Percent Rule” and places the responsibility on exporters to assess ownership structures, not just rely on screening lists. The result: thousands of subsidiaries are now caught under these restrictions, creating significant new compliance challenges.
Did you know that individuals, not just companies, can be debarred for export violations? The U.S. Department of State recently released a list of 17 people in the United States who are barred from ITAR-related activities, underscoring the importance of robust compliance and screening processes.
The U.S. Government promised stronger enforcement — and they’re delivering. This summer brought a wave of significant penalties for companies that violated export and import laws. From illegal exports to Russia and China to false customs declarations, recent cases show that enforcement is in full swing.
When it comes to importing, accuracy in your import entry is not just important — it's essential. One of the most critical components of this process is the proper classification of goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
On May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade struck down the Trump Administration’s IEEPA tariffs, ruling the President overstepped his authority. This affects certain tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada—but not others like Section 232 or 301 tariffs. While it’s a win for importers, the situation remains fluid and could change quickly.
Tariffs have business owners on edge—and for good reason. With duties rising sharply and uncertainty in global trade, many small and mid-sized companies are questioning how to keep up. But hang in there—the tariff terror may be nearing its end. Let’s take a look at how we got here, why tariffs exist in the first place, and what today’s changes could mean for your bottom line.
The 2025 BIS Update Conference drew attention this March as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick addressed export enforcement in depth for the first time. With stronger penalties, expanded tools, and a sharp focus on China, BIS signaled a tougher approach ahead. This blog breaks down the top takeaways and what they mean for exporters navigating today’s evolving compliance landscape.
