Insights on Global Trade Policy

On April 14, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit stuck down portions of the Security and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Final Rule on Conflict Minerals (Final Rule) as unconstitutional.

Activity levels involving Russia and Ukraine continue at a torrid pace, with daily developments. In the past few days, there have been diplomatic overtures, a suspension of export licenses to Russia, legislative action, and further sanction releases.

President Obama signs Second Executive Order Expanding Sanctions to Cover Wide Range of Potential Russian Targets; OFAC adds names to SDN List; Senate and House Propose Bills; EU Sanctions Also Keeping Pace.

In a recent case of first impression, the Delaware Court of Chancery issued a decision that is a valuable example of how US courts often resolve cross-border discovery issues arising when a party relies on a foreign blocking statute.

The tumultuous events currently unfolding in Ukraine raise concerns not only about Ukraine’s political future, but also its overall economic stability.

For decades, courts have wrangled with the “state of mind” needed to establish a criminal violation of the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Companies Are Warned Over Optimism for Future Negotiations

Attention employers with employees working in the United States on L-1 (intra-company transferee) visas: US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun conducting worksite visits under its Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) site inspection program.

As experienced members of the fashion industry can attest, trade matters such as duties and taxes, and other regulations can have a huge impact on global sales and sourcing decisions.

Arent Fox LLP is expanding its International Trade practice with the addition of international arbitration partner Timothy J. Feighery.

On April 13, 2012, the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final regulation establishing the 0Y521 ECCN series with a view towards providing a mechanism for identifying and controlling potentially sensitive emerging technologies not yet categorized.