Trade & Sanctions

DOJ Announces New Trade Fraud Enforcement Initiative

The US Department of Justice has announced a new Trade Fraud Task Force and initiative, elevating trade fraud enforcement to a national and economic security priority. This signals increased scrutiny and criminal enforcement actions against companies involved in customs violations, tariff evasion, and forced labor.

USTR Seeks Input on Critical Minerals Trade Agreement

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has opened a public docket to gather stakeholder input for a proposed "Plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals." This initiative aims to establish multinational policies for critical minerals supply chains, potentially including pricing mechanisms and investment incentives, following President Trump's Section 232 Proclamation.

China's 2025 Arbitration Law Effective

China's amended Arbitration Law, effective March 1, 2026, introduces significant reforms to its arbitration framework. Key changes include codifying the arbitration seat, expanding foreign-related arbitration access, strengthening court support for interim relief, and allowing limited ad hoc arbitration. International companies doing business with China should review their dispute resolution clauses.

In-Transit Freight Financing for Working Capital

This article discusses in-transit freight financing, a method for businesses to convert goods in transit into financeable assets to unlock working capital. It highlights how this strategy can help companies manage cash flow disruptions caused by unpredictable global supply chains and recommends partnering with experienced lenders.

US Sanctions Rwandan Officials for Violating Washington Accords

The United States has sanctioned the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and four senior RDF officers for their support of the M23 movement in the DRC, violating the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity. This action, taken under Executive Order 13413, demonstrates U.S. resolve to uphold regional stability.

OFAC Designates Rwanda Defence Force and Officials; Issues General License

The US Treasury's OFAC has designated the Rwanda Defence Force and four Rwandan officials under its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List for actions related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. OFAC also issued DRC-related General License 1 to authorize the wind-down of transactions involving the Rwanda Defence Force.

BIS Fines Teledyne FLIR $1M for Unlicensed China Exports

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) settled with Teledyne FLIR for $1,000,000 over alleged violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The violations involved unlicensed exports of thermal imaging cameras to China and miscalculations under the de minimis rule.

Switzerland Updates ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions List

Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) announced an update to its sanctions list concerning individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. The update reflects amendments made by the UN sanctions committee, entering into force in Switzerland without delay.

OFAC Delists Altomare SA and Vessel Kallista from SDN List

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on January 21, 2026, the removal of Greek maritime company Altomare SA and its vessel, Kallista, from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. The entities were originally designated in November 2025.

UK Sanctions List Consolidation

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is consolidating its sanctions designations into a single UK Sanctions List (UKSL) effective January 28, 2026. This change aims to reduce non-compliance risk by simplifying identification of sanctioned individuals and entities, without altering the scope of sanctions or business obligations.