On January 18, 2023, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an Interim Final Rule extending export controls currently in place for China on advanced computing integrated circuits (ICs), computer commodities that contain such ICs, and certain semiconductor manufacturing items to the Macau Special Administrative Region of China (“Macau”). While China
Annual and Semi-Annual Encryption Reports Due to BIS by February 1, 2023
As a reminder to our readers, the annual encryption self-classification report and semi-annual sales report for certain encryption items are due to be filed by February 1, 2023.
Annual Self-Classification Report
The self-classification report covers less sensitive items covered under the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) License Exception ENC (b)(1) (i.e.
BIS Adds 36 Chinese Companies to Entity List for Support of China’s Military Modernization, Human Rights Violations and UAV Concerns
Effective December 16, 2022, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a Final Rule adding 36 Chinse entities to BIS’s Entity List. These additions are intended to further restrict China’s “ability to leverage artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and other powerful, commercially available technologies for military modernization and human rights abuses,” according
BIS Issues Interim Final Rule to Implement Additional Export Controls on Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Items
On October 7, 2022, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an Interim Final Rule implementing additional export controls on advanced computing integrated circuits (ICs), computer commodities that contain such ICs, and certain semiconductor manufacturing items. BIS made clear in its announcement that advanced computing items and “supercomputers” can be used
Commerce Adds Numerous Russian Entities to BIS’ Entity List
On September 30, 2022, in response to Russia President Vladimir Putin’s illegal effort to annex further Ukrainian territory, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a Final Rule that added 57 entities located in Russia and the Crimea region of Ukraine to the Entity List for supporting the Russian military’s continuing
Commerce Section 232 Magnet Import Investigation Concludes Without Tariffs
On September 21, 2022, after a year-long Section 232 investigation, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that rare earth neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet imports threaten national security. The investigation was initiated in September 2021 due to concerns that “critical national security systems rely on NdFeB permanent magnets, including fighter aircraft and
OFAC and BIS Implement Additional Sanctions Against Russia
On September 15, 2022, the Department of the Treasury and Department of Commerce took additional actions to sanction entities and individuals furthering Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and to tighten export controls targeting Russia’s military and defense capabilities.
OFAC Additions to the SDN List
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced
BIS Issues FAQs to Address Evasion and Diversion Concerns
On August 16, 2022, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued several new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) addressing potential red flags for diversion concerns.
Regarding semiconductor foundries, one FAQ asks if there any special red flags that should be considered with regard to parties (e.g., integrated circuit designers) on the Entity
BIS Adds 36 Entities to the Entity List for Support of Russia, Iran and End-Uses with Military Applications
On June 28, 2022, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a Final Rule placing 36 entities on the Entity List for engaging in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. These entities will be listed on the BIS Entity List under the destinations
BIS Adds 71 Russian and Belarusian Companies to Entity List
On June 2, 2022, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a Final Rule adding 71 entities located in Russia and Belarus to the Entity List in further response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These entities have been determined by the U.S. government to be acting contrary to the national security