General Licence INT/2026/9491628 - Prince Group Insolvency Payments Under Global Human Rights Regulations
HM Treasury OFSI has issued General Licence INT/2026/9491628 under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The licence permits persons, designated parties (DPs), and subsidiaries of the Prince Group to carry out insolvency-related activities and permits relevant financial institutions to process associated payments, notwithstanding sanctions prohibitions in regulations 11-15. The licence names 15 designated persons including Prince Group Global Group Ltd, Cambodian entities, and individual DPs, and specifies that funds made available must ultimately be held in frozen accounts or treated as frozen resources.
OFSI Fines Apple Irish Subsidiary £390,000 for Russian Sanctions Breaches
The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) imposed a £390,000 monetary penalty on Apple Distribution International (ADI), an Irish subsidiary of Apple Inc., on 19 March 2026. The penalty addresses two payments totaling approximately £635,000 made in 2022 to Okko LLC, a sanctioned Russian app developer, for App Store revenue. The case highlights enforcement risks for technology companies processing payments involving sanctioned entities.
Large Diameter Graphite Electrodes from China and India: Material Injury Determination
The ITC determined that there is reasonable indication that the U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of LTFV imports and subsidized imports of large diameter graphite electrodes from China and India (HTS 8545.11.0020). The Commission instituted countervailing duty investigation Nos. 701-TA-787-788 and antidumping duty investigation Nos. 731-TA-1775-1776, and commenced the final phase of these investigations.
Electric Aircraft Section 337 Investigation Instituted on Archer Aviation Patents
The ITC instituted investigation 337-TA-1499 on April 9, 2026, following a complaint by Archer Aviation Inc. alleging that imported electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, power systems, and components infringe five U.S. patents. The investigation covers claims from patents '594, '614, '306, '404, and '087. Archer requests limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders against alleged infringers importing or selling the accused products in the U.S. market.
ITC Opens 337 Investigation on Lidocaine Patches (Patent Infringement)
The U.S. International Trade Commission instituted a Section 337 investigation on April 9, 2026, following a complaint filed by J.A.R. Laboratories LLC on March 10, 2026. The investigation targets Veridian Healthcare LLC, Perrigo Company plc, Perrigo Company, Perrigo Direct, Inc., and Opella Healthcare Group SAS for allegedly importing and selling over-the-counter topical lidocaine patches that infringe claims 1 and 5 of U.S. Patent No. 12,109,181. The Commission will determine whether violations of Section 337 exist and whether to issue limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders.
Iran Sanctions: 11 Added, 9 Removed from Annexes 12 and 14
SECO's Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended Annexes 12 and 14 to the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Annex 12 had 8 entries removed and 5 amended. Annex 14 added 8 individuals and 3 entities, amended 6 entries, and removed 1 entry. The measures entered into force at 11 pm on 14 April 2026.
Switzerland Adopts UN Security Council Taliban Sanctions Amendments
The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee has amended the list of individuals, companies, and organizations subject to sanctions in connection with the Taliban. Switzerland's SESAM database has been updated to reflect these changes. Under the Federal Council's Ordinance of March 4, 2016, UN Security Council sanctions lists are applied automatically in Switzerland without delay.
Venezuela General License 56, 57; SDN Removal; FAQ 1248; TSRA Quarterly Report
OFAC issued Venezuela General License 56 authorizing commercial-related negotiations of contingent contracts with the Government of Venezuela, and General License 57 authorizing financial services transactions involving certain Venezuelan banks and Government of Venezuela individuals. OFAC also removed one individual (MUNOZ PEDROZA, Reinaldo Enrique) from the Specially Designated Nationals List and published FAQ 1248. A TSRA Quarterly Report covering October-December 2025 licensing activities was also released.
Section 301 Forced Labor Probe, April 15 Deadline
USTR announced on March 12, 2026 two major Section 301 investigations: one targeting structural excess capacity across major trading partners including China, EU, Japan, India, Mexico, Korea, and Southeast Asian economies; and another covering 60 economies (the US top 2024 import sources accounting for 99% of imports) regarding alleged failures to ban imports of goods produced with forced labor. The investigations signal potential tariffs and trade restrictions affecting supply chains and sourcing strategies. Public comment deadline is April 15, 2026.
OFAC Venezuela General Licenses Expand Investment Opportunities, Create Compliance Risks
OFAC has issued 16 Venezuela general licenses since January 3, 2026, following the departure of President Maduro. These GLs significantly loosen restrictions on U.S. commercial dealings in oil and gas, metals and mining, and petrochemical sectors. The authorizations allow established U.S. entities to engage without requiring specific licenses for individual transactions, signaling a fundamental shift in U.S.-Venezuela economic relations.
OFAC Issues New General Licenses 52, 54, 55 for Venezuela
Hogan Lovells summarizes OFAC General Licenses 52, 54, and 55, issued in March 2026, which significantly expand authorized transactions involving Venezuela's oil, gas, petrochemical, electricity, and critical minerals sectors. GL 52 authorizes certain transactions involving PdVSA, GL 54 authorizes supply of items and services for minerals operations, and GL 55 authorizes negotiations and entry into contingent contracts for minerals sector investment. The licenses include reporting obligations and conditions that companies must assess.
Japan FEFTA Amendment Bill Reforms Foreign Direct Investment Regime
Japan's Cabinet Office submitted an amendment bill to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA) to the Diet on March 17, 2026. The bill would expand Japan's FDI review regime to cover indirect acquisitions, codify investor covenants as Risk Mitigation Measures, strengthen anti-circumvention provisions, and establish a Japanese-style CFIUS review framework. If enacted, most provisions would take effect within one year of promulgation.
CBP CAPE Tool Launches April 20 for IEEPA Tariff Refunds
CBP released guidance on April 10 for its new Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool, launching April 20 in ACE. Phase 1 allows importers to seek refunds of IEEPA duties following the Supreme Court's February 20 ruling that President Trump lacked authority to impose those tariffs. Eligible entries must be unliquidated or within 80 days of liquidation.
AEO Customs Cooperation Guidance on Detecting Suspicious Activities
The European Commission published non-binding guidance titled 'AEO – Customs Cooperation to Detect, Report and React to Suspicious Activities', prepared with trade associations, to strengthen two-way collaboration between customs authorities and economic operators in combating illicit trade, drug trafficking, and organised crime. The guidance encourages all businesses — regardless of Authorised Economic Operator status — to establish 24/7 dedicated contact points and secure whistleblowing channels for reporting suspicious activities to customs authorities.
Sanctioning Cártel del Noreste Senior Operatives
The Trump Administration imposed sanctions on Cártel del Noreste (CDN)-linked casinos and senior operatives under E.O. 14059 and E.O. 13224. The designations target CDN's money laundering, drug trafficking, and human smuggling networks along key border corridors, including Nuevo Laredo. CDN has been designated as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
Canadian Softwood Lumber Preliminary Antidumping Review 2024
The International Trade Administration published preliminary results of the 2024 antidumping duty administrative review covering Canadian softwood lumber. The review examined entries during the 2024 period. The notice indicates intent to rescind the review in part for certain exporters. Cash deposit rates from the antidumping duty order continue to apply.
Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2024
The International Trade Administration published preliminary results of the countervailing duty administrative review on softwood lumber from Canada for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. The notice announces preliminary subsidy rates for investigated producers/exporters and a partial rescission of the review for certain companies. Cash deposit rates may be adjusted based on these preliminary results.
Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks From Italy: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2024
The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration published preliminary results of the countervailing duty administrative review for forged steel fluid end blocks from Italy for the year 2024. The notice also includes a partial rescission of the review. These preliminary results may affect cash deposit requirements for future imports of these steel products from Italy.
Aluminum Extrusions from China Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Review 2024-2025
The International Trade Administration published preliminary results of the 2024-2025 administrative review of the antidumping duty order on aluminum extrusions from China. The agency issued preliminary weighted-average dumping margins of 12.30% and 69.14% for mandatory respondents, 50.58% for the PRC-wide entity, and rescinded the review in part for certain companies. Importers of aluminum extrusions from China should assess revised duty liability based on these preliminary margins.
Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks Preliminary Antidumping Results 2024
The International Trade Administration published preliminary results of the antidumping duty administrative review for forged steel fluid end blocks from Germany (Case A-428-847), covering the 2024 review period. The notice announces weighted-average dumping margins for exporters/manufacturers subject to the review. Parties may submit comments on these preliminary results.
Schedule of Fees for Access to NOAA Environmental Data Information
NOAA published a final rule updating the schedule of fees for access to NOAA environmental data, information, and related products and services. The rule amends 15 CFR 950 and takes effect May 14, 2026. The document (RIN 0648-BN98, Docket No. 260223-0053) appears in the Federal Register at 91 FR 19078.
Coastal PVA Technology Charged With 18 Export Violations for Unlicensed Shipments to SMIC
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a Proposed Charging Letter against Coastal PVA Technology, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) brushes used in semiconductor manufacturing. BIS alleges 18 violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) occurring between May 2021 and May 2024 involving exports to Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Beijing) Corporation and Semiconductor Manufacturing North China (Beijing) Corporation—both parties on the BIS Entity List—without the required license or authorization. The total value of exported items is approximately $400,088. The company used two China-based third-party distributors to facilitate the transactions.
Commemorating the U.S. National Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a press statement commemorating the Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust on April 14, 2026. The statement reflects on the enduring lessons of the Holocaust, honors the six million Jews and millions of others murdered by the Nazis, and reaffirms the commitment to 'never again.'
Counter Narcotics, Counter Terrorism Designations; General Licenses and FAQ Issuance
OFAC designated three individuals and one entity linked to CARTEL DEL NORESTE under counter narcotics (EO 14059) and counter terrorism (EO 13224) authorities. The newly listed parties include Eduardo Javier Islas Valdez, Juan Pablo Penilla Rodriguez, Jesus Reymundo Ramos Vazquez, and Casino Centenario. OFAC simultaneously issued General License 35 authorizing a 30-day wind down of transactions involving the newly blocked entities.
Italy Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks Preliminary Antidumping Determination 2024
Italy Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks Preliminary Antidumping Determination 2024
Large Diameter Graphite Electrodes From China and India; Determinations
The USITC determined that U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of large diameter graphite electrodes from China and India sold at less than fair value and subsidized by their governments. The Commission found reasonable indication of injury in Investigation Nos. 701-TA-787-788 and 731-TA-1776 (Preliminary), involving merchandise under HTS number 8545.11.0020. The final phase of investigations has commenced.
Frozen Fish Fillets From Vietnam; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review
The US International Trade Commission has scheduled an expedited five-year review of the antidumping duty order on frozen fish fillets from Vietnam under Investigation No. 731-TA-1012. The review was initiated after the Commission determined on March 6, 2026, that the domestic interested party response was adequate while the respondent interested party response was inadequate, warranting an expedited review under section 751(c)(3) of the Tariff Act of 1930.
Certain Over-the-Counter Topical Lidocaine Patches; Notice of Institution of Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1498 based on a complaint filed by J.A.R. Laboratories LLC alleging that certain over-the-counter topical lidocaine patches are being imported into the United States or sold after importation in violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 due to infringement of claims 1 and 5 of U.S. Patent No. 12,109,181. The Commission will investigate whether there is a violation and whether a U.S. industry exists as required by the statute. If a violation is found, the Commission may issue limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders that could prevent importation and sale of the accused products.
AD/CVD Investigations Institution on Tin Mill Products from China, Taiwan, and Turkey
USITC has instituted preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on tin mill products from China, Taiwan, and Turkey (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-792 and 731-TA-1786-1788). The investigations respond to a petition filed by United States Steel Corporation and the United Steel Workers Union. The Commission must reach a preliminary determination within 45 days, by May 26, 2026, with views transmitted to Commerce by June 2, 2026.
Section 337 Investigation Instituted on Archer Aviation Complaint Regarding Electric Aircraft Patent Infringement
The U.S. International Trade Commission instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1499 on April 9, 2026, based on a complaint filed by Archer Aviation Inc. alleging that imported electric aircraft, power systems, and components infringe five U.S. patents. The Commission will investigate whether these products violate Section 337 of the Tariff Act and whether a domestic industry exists as required by statute. Archer Aviation seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
R851 Expiry Review Anti-Dumping Measures Citric Acid China
The European Commission initiated Expiry Review R851 on 13 April 2026 to determine whether anti-dumping measures on citric acid originating from the People's Republic of China should be maintained, amended, or allowed to expire. The review involves questionnaires for exporting producers, Union producers, unrelated importers, and users. Interested parties may submit comments and information to the Commission following the procedures outlined in the Notice of Initiation.
American Compass Tariff Claims Break Down Under Scrutiny
The Tax Foundation published an analysis examining American Compass's 'Tariff Tally' evaluation of economic developments since the imposition of Trump's global tariff policy. The analysis finds that American Compass's theoretical framework contains flawed and inconsistent connections between tariffs, prices, manufacturing output, capital investment, and job creation. The research contends that American Compass presents a selective and asymmetric interpretation of economic data, crediting tariffs when indicators are positive while attributing poor results to other factors or timing.
Secretary Rubio Wishes Cambodia Happy Khmer New Year 2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a ceremonial press statement extending warm wishes from the United States to the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Khmer people on the occasion of Khmer New Year 2026. The statement expresses appreciation for cultural heritage and enduring bilateral friendship between the two nations. This is a diplomatic greeting with no compliance obligations or regulatory implications.
Secretary Rubio Extends Lao New Year 2026 Greetings
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a press statement extending New Year greetings to the Lao People's Democratic Republic on the occasion of Pi Mai Lao 2026. The statement expresses warm wishes and highlights the US-Laos partnership focused on promoting prosperity, health, and opportunity for both nations.