The U.S. last week sanctioned a network of companies in Hong Kong and Iran for supplying materials and sensitive technology for Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. OFAC said the companies act as “covert procurement entities” for Iran and have helped the country develop its Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles that Iran sends to Russia for its war against Ukraine.
The Bureau of Industry and Security completed a round of interagency review for a final rule that could revise export licensing requirements for certain cameras, systems or related components. BIS said the rule, first sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in October (see 2311010008), will “better align controls with technological and commercial developments.”
Technology companies, trade groups, think tanks and researchers urged the government to be cautious as it evaluates its semiconductor-related export controls and prepares new ones, warning that misguided restrictions could cede American technology leadership to China, hurt the competitiveness of U.S. companies and raise the complexity of an already fraught compliance landscape.
Australia this week announced a new set of sanctions against Myanmar, designating several entities with ties to the country’s military regime. The sanctions target Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank, two banks that “enable the regime's activities,” and Asia Sun Group, Asia Sun Trading Co. Ltd., and Cargo Link Petroleum Logistics Co. Ltd., which supply jet fuel to the military. Australia said it will “continue to use every lever at our disposal to press the regime for the cessation of violence, the release of those unjustly detained, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a return to the path of democracy.”
The U.S. charged four Chinese nationals this week for their parts in a yearslong conspiracy to violate export controls by smuggling electronic parts through China and to Iran.
A bipartisan group of 18 senators led by Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., sent a letter Jan. 31 to President Joe Biden urging him to boost enforcement of oil sanctions on Iran to curb Tehran’s ability to fund terrorism.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, D-Md., said Feb. 1 that he is working with ranking member Jim Risch, R-Idaho, to craft a “comprehensive” bill to address a wide range of concerns about China.
Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., announced Jan. 31 that she has introduced a bill to revamp U.S. export control processes to make it harder for China and other “foreign adversaries” to obtain sensitive technology.
A new alert published by the countries behind the Russian oil price cap outlines a set of “key” cap evasion tactics and how to identify and report them. It also details several red flags and stresses that vessel owners, insurers and other service providers need to conduct due diligence to make sure they’re not helping others violate the cap.
As the U.S. pursues new export controls on emerging technologies destined to China, it’s also focusing heavily on updating existing controls to close loopholes and keep pace with technological changes, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said this week.