On April 8, 2022, President Joseph Biden signed into law H.R. 7108, the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, and H.R. 6968, the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act. Both pieces of legislation passed the Senate and House of Representatives on April 7, 2022.

The Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act (now Public Law No. 117-110) suspends the United States’ granting of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia and Belarus. The removal of PNTR status includes the withdrawal of “most favored nation” tariffs and will result in higher tariffs on the import of goods imported from Russia and Belarus. The law also gives the president authorization to increase the duties applicable to products imported from these two countries.

The Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act (now Public Law No. 117-109) suspends imports of Russian petroleum products that are classified under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and as set forth in Executive Order 14066.

Provisions in both laws allow for the restoration of normal trade relations and resumption of imports of petroleum products upon certification to Congress that Russia and Belarus:

  • have reached an agreement relating to the respective withdrawal and cessation of military hostilities that is accepted by the free and independent government of Ukraine;
  • pose no immediate military threat of aggression to any North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member; and
  • recognize the right of the people of Ukraine to independently and freely choose their own government.

Upon signature by President Biden, the White House released a statement available here. These new laws codify previous executive actions taken by President Biden. See Updates of March 12, 2022 and March 9, 2022.

Photo of Scott E. Diamond** Scott E. Diamond**

Scott is a senior policy advisor with more than 25 years’ experience with the legislative and regulatory processes involved in international trade policy, remedies and enforcement. This includes working with clients on matters involving export controls, economic sanctions, human rights and forced labor…

Scott is a senior policy advisor with more than 25 years’ experience with the legislative and regulatory processes involved in international trade policy, remedies and enforcement. This includes working with clients on matters involving export controls, economic sanctions, human rights and forced labor compliance, corporate anti-boycott and antibribery compliance, national security investigations, and foreign direct investment in the United States.

**Not licensed to practice law.

Photo of Samir D. Varma Samir D. Varma

Samir advises multinational corporations on export controls, economic sanctions and customs, and counsels individuals and corporations on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-corruption laws. He represents clients in enforcement actions before U.S. regulatory agencies and conducts corporate internal investigations.

Photo of Francesca M.S. Guerrero Francesca M.S. Guerrero

Francesca counsels clients on compliance with export controls, sanctions, import regulations, human rights and forced labor, and the FCPA and antibribery laws. She works closely with companies to develop tailored compliance programs that fit their specific needs, and routinely advises clients on some…

Francesca counsels clients on compliance with export controls, sanctions, import regulations, human rights and forced labor, and the FCPA and antibribery laws. She works closely with companies to develop tailored compliance programs that fit their specific needs, and routinely advises clients on some of their most challenging international transactions, involving dealings in high-risk jurisdictions or with high-risk counterparties. Francesca also counsels companies through all phases of internal investigations of potential trade and antibribery violations and represents companies across industries before related government agencies.