USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Vehicle Parts
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation based on a complaint by General Motors LLC and GM Global Technology Operations LLC. The investigation concerns alleged infringement of patents related to certain vehicle parts and components thereof.
Sanctions: Ordinance against Iran amended
Switzerland's Federal Department of Economic Affairs amended annexes to the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran, effective March 10, 2026. The content of the list of goods in annex 3 was also completed. These amendments update existing sanctions measures.
UK Sanctions Enforcement: Cross-Government Strategic Approach
The UK government has published its strategic approach to sanctions enforcement, outlining key principles and the roles of various departments. This policy paper emphasizes the importance of strong compliance and details potential consequences for non-compliance.
USITC Finds China Erythritol Imports Injure U.S. Industry
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has determined that imports of erythritol from China are injuring the U.S. industry. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on these imports.
Cross-Border ESI Transfers: Regulatory Challenges and AI Impact
This notice discusses the evolving regulatory challenges surrounding cross-border transfers of electronically stored information (ESI) for litigation. It highlights the complexities arising from data privacy laws, discovery obligations, and the impact of AI and cloud computing, with a panel discussion scheduled for March 11, 2026.
DITC Enforcement Guide for Cayman Islands Entities
The Cayman Islands Department for International Tax Cooperation (DITC) has increased its supervisory oversight and enforcement activities. This guide explains DITC enforcement notices, common triggers for non-compliance, and strategies for responding to mitigate penalties and reputational risk for Cayman Islands entities.
OECD Releases AI Due Diligence Guidance for Multinationals
The OECD has published new Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible AI, aimed at multinational enterprises involved in the AI value chain. This guidance complements existing OECD guidelines and aims to assist companies in implementing responsible AI practices and human rights policies.
BIS Fines Teledyne FLIR $1 Million for Export Violations
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has fined Teledyne FLIR $1 million for 19 violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including miscalculating de minimis rules for exports to China and unauthorized exports to an Entity List address. The company must pay the fine within 30 days or risk losing export privileges.
SEC Adopts Section 16 Reporting Rules for Foreign Private Issuers
The SEC adopted final amendments requiring directors, officers, and 10% owners of foreign private issuers (FPIs) to file beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5, effective March 18, 2026. The SEC also issued an order granting conditional exemptive relief for certain FPIs subject to substantially similar local reporting rules.
EU Commission Proposes Industrial Accelerator Act
The European Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) to bolster the EU's industrial base, aiming to increase manufacturing's GDP share to 20% by 2035. The act targets challenges like high energy costs and regulatory hurdles, seeking to enhance resilience and strategic autonomy.
Force Majeure in Gulf Construction Contracts Amid Iran Conflict
This client alert from King & Spalding discusses force majeure clauses in Gulf construction contracts in response to the Iran conflict. It outlines typical contractual regimes, legal implications, and provides practical advice for employers and contractors facing supply chain and logistical disruptions.
Court Orders Refund of Invalidated IEEPA Tariffs
The Court of International Trade (CIT) has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to halt liquidation of invalidated IEEPA tariffs and begin unwinding assessed duties. This broad order in Atmus Filtration, Inc. v. United States aims to provide relief to all importers of record, including those who did not file their own refund actions.
Importers Eye IEEPA Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling
Following a Supreme Court ruling that President Trump's IEEPA tariffs were unlawful, importers are seeking refunds. The administration plans to complicate the refund process, leaving the Court of International Trade to handle thousands of cases. The CIT has issued an initial order confirming importers' entitlement to refunds.
Export Control Complexity Grows with Technology and Geopolitics
This article discusses the increasing complexity of export control and sanctions regimes due to technological advancements and geopolitical shifts, using the UK as an example. It highlights that failure to comply with UK export controls can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
SEC Exempts FPI Directors and Officers from Section 16 Reporting
The SEC has issued an order exempting directors and officers of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) from Section 16(a) reporting requirements. This exemption is effective immediately and applies to FPIs incorporated in qualifying jurisdictions with qualifying regulations, ahead of the March 18, 2026 compliance deadline.
SEC Exempts FPI Directors/Officers from Section 16 Reporting
The SEC issued an order exempting directors and officers of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) from Section 16 reporting obligations. This exemption applies to FPIs from qualifying jurisdictions with substantially similar regulations and provides relief ahead of the March 18, 2026, reporting deadline.
Omnibus I Directive Amends EU Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence
The EU's Omnibus I Directive, amending the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), has been published in the Official Journal. This directive aims to streamline sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations for businesses operating within the EU.
EU Proposes Industrial Accelerator Act for Public Procurement and Funding
The European Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), which would introduce EU origin and low-carbon content requirements for public procurement and public funding. The proposal aims to boost the EU's manufacturing share and includes conditions for foreign direct investments in key sectors.
OFAC 50 Percent Rule: Ownership Aggregation and Sanctions Compliance
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued guidance clarifying its 50 Percent Rule. This rule treats entities owned 50 percent or more in aggregate by blocked persons as themselves blocked, regardless of whether they are individually listed. The guidance emphasizes the need for sophisticated beneficial ownership tracing beyond simple list screening.
US Government Mobilizes War Risk Insurance for Middle East Commerce
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will offer political risk insurance and guaranty products to stabilize international commerce and support businesses operating in the Middle East. This initiative aims to mitigate disruptions caused by conflict with the Iranian regime and stabilize the war risk insurance market.
Trade Court Orders $166 Billion Refund of IEEPA Duties
The U.S. Court of International Trade has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund approximately $166 billion in duties paid by over 330,000 importers under unlawful tariffs imposed via IEEPA. This follows a Supreme Court ruling invalidating the tariffs.
CIT Ruling on IEEPA Duties Impacts Importer Refunds
The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued an order in Atmus Filtration, Inc. v. United States directing CBP to liquidate entries without regard to IEEPA duties. This ruling impacts importers seeking refunds of tariffs previously imposed under IEEPA, following a Supreme Court decision.
US Directs Dismantling of Criminal Cartels in Western Hemisphere
The US government has issued an executive order directing federal agencies to dismantle criminal cartels and transnational gangs operating in the Western Hemisphere. The order mandates coordination with allied governments, military training for partner nations, and the use of all legal authorities to counter cartel-driven violence and corruption.
US and Mexico Coordinate Sanctions on Cartel Timeshare Fraud
The US Treasury's OFAC and Mexico's SHCP have coordinated sanctions against five individuals and 19 entities involved in timeshare fraud linked to the CJNG cartel. This action builds on previous designations and aims to combat cartel-linked financial crimes.
EU Leaders Discuss Iran War, Regional Attacks, and Energy Security
EU leaders discussed the war in Iran, regional attacks, and energy security with Middle Eastern countries. The statement condemned attacks, expressed solidarity, and announced humanitarian aid for Lebanon, while reaffirming commitment to regional stability and maritime operations.
Eurogroup Statement on Belgian Draft Budgetary Plan for 2026
The Eurogroup has welcomed Belgium's draft budgetary plan for 2026, noting its compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact. The group will continue to monitor economic and fiscal developments in Belgium and across the EU.
Eurogroup Meeting Remarks on Macroeconomic Developments and Middle East Crisis
Remarks following the Eurogroup meeting on March 9, 2026, addressed macroeconomic developments, the impact of the Middle East crisis on energy markets and inflation, and the need to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy. The meeting also endorsed Belgium's draft budgetary plan for 2026.
Macroeconomic Dialogue with Social Partners on AI and Labour Market
The Council of the EU, European Central Bank, European Commission, and Eurogroup met with European social partners on March 9, 2026, to discuss the economic situation and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the EU labour market. The dialogue focused on safeguarding EU competitiveness and social cohesion amidst geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.
Council Recommendation on Tackling Skills Shortages
The Council of the EU has adopted a recommendation to help member states tackle labour and skills shortages in strategic sectors. This non-binding guidance aims to boost competitiveness and resilience by investing in people's knowledge and skills, addressing challenges in areas like digital technologies, health, and farming.
Council Calls for Greater Efforts to Combat Child Poverty
The Council of the EU has adopted conclusions calling for increased support to combat child poverty and enhance child well-being. The conclusions emphasize the economic benefits of investing in children and urge member states and the Commission to ensure adequate funding and targeted policies, aiming for five million fewer children at risk of poverty or social exclusion by 2030.
Andrés Ritter Confirmed as European Chief Prosecutor
The Council of the EU has confirmed the appointment of Andrés Ritter as the new European Chief Prosecutor for the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). His term begins on November 1, 2026, succeeding Laura Codruța Kövesi. The EPPO investigates crimes against the financial interests of the EU.