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Notice Regarding Data Subject Rights Under EU Restrictive Measures Against Iran

The Council of the European Union published a notice informing data subjects listed under Council Decision 2011/235/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 about their data protection rights under Regulation (EU) 2018/1725. The notice specifies that personal data processing for sanctions list management is based on Article 5(1)(a) and (b) and Article 10(2)(g) of the EU data protection regulation. Data will be retained for 5 years after removal from the sanctions list or final court judgment.

Iran Sanctions — 8 Entities and 1 Individual Listed Under EU Restrictive Measures

The Council of the European Union published Notice C/2026/2058 on 31 March 2026, formally notifying 8 entities and 1 individual of their addition to the EU Iran sanctions list under Council Decision 2010/413/CFSP (amended by Decision (CFSP) 2026/774) and Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 (implemented by Regulation 2026/775). Listed parties include Ali Reza Khanachi, Cement Investment and Development Company, Good Luck Shipping Company, EMKA Company, Uranium Processing Nuclear Fuel Production Company (FATSA), Bank Tejarat, North Drilling Company, and Hafiz Darya Shipping Lines.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/819 - ISIL Al-Qaida Sanctions List Update

The European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/819 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 881/2002 for the 355th time. The regulation adds two natural persons to the EU consolidated list of persons and entities associated with ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida, whose funds and economic resources are subject to freezing. The designations implement UN Security Council Sanctions Committee decisions of 26 March 2026 and entered into force immediately upon publication in the Official Journal.

Foreign Vessel Request, Coastwise Trade, ALEGRIA

MARAD received a request to use foreign vessel ALEGRIA in coastwise trade. Coastwise trade generally requires US-built and US-flagged vessels under the Jones Act. The request seeks permission for foreign vessel operations in this restricted trade.

Foreign Vessel SASA Coastwise Trade Request

MARAD published a notice seeking public comments on a request to use a foreign-flagged vessel named SASA in coastwise trade. Coastwise trade is generally restricted to U.S.-flagged vessels under the Jones Act, and requests for foreign vessel waivers require MARAD approval. Comments will be accepted on this specific request.

S/V Sasa Coastwise Trade Request

The Maritime Administration has received a determination request for the vessel S/V Sasa to obtain a coastwise trade endorsement for a small passenger vessel carrying no more than 12 passengers for hire. MARAD is publishing this notice to solicit public comments on whether the proposed use would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses using U.S.-built vessels.

Removes Canal Zone References from United States Definitions in Civil Rights Regulations

The Department of Commerce amends 15 CFR parts 8 and 20 to remove outdated references to the Panama Canal Zone from the definition of "United States." The Panama Canal Zone ceased to be a U.S. territory when full control was transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999. The rule also adds Northern Mariana Islands to both definitions and standardizes language to "the fifty States" to ensure consistency across both sections.

Commerce Rescinds Title VI Disparate-Impact Regulations

The Department of Commerce has issued a final rule rescinding portions of its Title VI regulations that prohibited conduct having a disparate impact. The rule eliminates disparate-impact liability standards and affirmative action provisions from 15 CFR Part 8, aligning Department regulations with Title VI's original text prohibiting only intentional discrimination and implementing Executive Order 14281. Federal-funding recipients are no longer subject to disparate-impact liability under these regulations.

Commerce Removes Redundant Lobbying Regulations under 15 CFR Part 28

The Department of Commerce published a final rule removing four sections from 15 CFR Part 28 governing lobbying restrictions. Sections 28.405 and 28.410 are removed because they merely restate statutory provisions in 31 U.S.C. 1352, while sections 28.600 and 28.605 are removed because the reporting requirements they established are obsolete and no longer warranted. The rule takes effect May 18, 2026.

StandardAero San Antonio Proposes Refurbished Aircraft Engine Production Under Foreign-Trade Zone 80

The Foreign-Trade Zones Board received a notification from StandardAero San Antonio proposing production activity at its facility in San Antonio, Texas within FTZ 80. The company seeks authorization to produce refurbished aircraft engines including turbojets, large and small fan engines, and turbopropellers using foreign-status components. FTZ procedures allow such production with potential duty benefits on exports.

Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America

NMFS has promulgated final regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act for incidental taking of marine mammals during geophysical survey activity in the Gulf of America. The rule allows NMFS to issue Letters of Authorization (LOA) to survey operators for the incidental take of marine mammals over a 5-year period. The regulations prescribe permissible methods of taking and specify compliance requirements.

North Pacific Fishery Management Council Crab Plan Team Meeting, May 11-15, 2026

NOAA/NMFS announces that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council will hold a Crab Plan Team Meeting on May 11-15, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alaska Time via web conference. The agenda includes Council updates, Ecosystem and Socioeconomic Profile updates, risk table discussion, Tanner crab proposed models, and Aleutian Islands golden king crab final 2026 SAFE review. This is a routine public meeting notice with no compliance obligations or new regulatory requirements.

Scientific and Statistical Committee of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Will Hold Public Meeting on May 12-13, 2026

The National Marine Fisheries Service announces a public meeting of the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The meeting will be held May 12-13, 2026, in person at the Marine Biology Lab in Woods Hole, MA, with a virtual Webex option. The SSC will convene to discuss scientific and statistical matters related to fishery management in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Department of Commerce Eliminates 15 CFR Part 1300 Outdated Export Technology Reporting Rule

The Department of Commerce published a final rule eliminating 15 CFR Part 1300, a regulation requiring reports on exports of technology. The rule was originally promulgated by the defunct East-West Foreign Trade Board in 1975 under section 411 of the Trade Act of 1974, which has since been repealed by Public Law 105-362. The Department determined the regulation is obsolete and poses a risk of public confusion. The rule is effective immediately upon publication.

Changes to Trade Sanctions Licensing Team

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has changed the team responsible for trade sanctions licensing within the Department for Business and Trade. This is an administrative change only and does not alter existing sanctions obligations or licensing requirements. Exporters should direct trade sanctions licensing enquiries to the new team once transitioned.

Expiry Review Anti-Dumping Measures Welded Tubes Belarus China Russia

The European Commission initiated Expiry Review Case R852 on 16 April 2026 to examine whether to extend anti-dumping or anti-subsidy measures on welded tubes and pipes of iron or non-alloy steel originating from Belarus, the People's Republic of China, and Russia. The investigation covers imports of steel welded tubes subject to existing trade remedy measures. Key procedural deadlines include verification visits from 3-7 August 2026, final disclosure comments due 30 October 2026, and imposition of definitive measures expected by 16 April 2027.

Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled for April 28, 2026

EXIM announces a hybrid advisory committee meeting on April 28, 2026 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. EDT. The meeting includes sessions for the Advisory Committee, Joint Committees, and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee. Public participation is available virtually with time allotted for questions and comments.

FTC Seeks Comment on Extension of Informal Dispute Settlement Rule Information Collection

The FTC is seeking public comment on extending OMB clearance (3084-0113) for three years on information collection requirements in the Informal Dispute Settlement Procedures Rule (16 CFR Part 703) under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The clearance expires July 31, 2026. Two IDSMs currently operate under the rule: BBB AUTO LINE and National Center for Dispute Settlement (NCDS), handling approximately 15,685 disputes annually combined. Estimated annual burden is 11,738 hours with $339,496 in labor costs and $425,987 in non-labor costs.

Fair Credit Risk-Based Pricing Regulations OMB Clearance Extension

The FTC is seeking public comment through June 16, 2026 on extending for three years the OMB clearance for information collection requirements under the Fair Credit Reporting Risk-Based Pricing Rule. The extension affects approximately 294,612 entities, including 60,963 motor vehicle dealers under FTC exclusive jurisdiction, with shared FTC-CFPB enforcement covering an additional 233,649 entities. The current clearance expires July 31, 2026. The FTC estimates 10,667,220 annual burden hours at a labor cost of $239,052,400.

Cold-Rolled Steel UK Antidumping Duty Administrative Review Rescinded; 2024-2025

The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration has rescinded the antidumping duty administrative review for certain cold-rolled steel flat products from the United Kingdom covering the period 2024-2025. The review, docket A-412-824, was initiated but has now been terminated before completion. This action removes the pending review obligation for the affected period, though underlying antidumping duty orders remain in effect.

Phosphate Fertilizers From the Russian Federation: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023

The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration published final results of the countervailing duty administrative review for phosphate fertilizers from the Russian Federation covering the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. The notice updates cash deposit requirements for importers of subject merchandise.

Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024

The International Trade Administration issued final results of an antidumping duty administrative review for low melt polyester staple fiber from Korea, determining that Toray Advanced Materials Korea, Inc. sold subject merchandise at less than normal value during August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024. A weighted-average dumping margin of 3.02 percent was assigned, and Commerce will instruct CBP to assess antidumping duties accordingly. Entries from producers lacking knowledge of U.S. destination will be liquidated at the 16.27 percent all-others rate.

Certain Crafting Machines and Components Thereof; Section 337 Violation Review

The U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to review in part an administrative law judge's final initial determination finding a violation of Section 337 in Investigation No. 337-TA-1426. The investigation concerns crafting machines and components allegedly infringing patents owned by Cricut, Inc. The Commission requests written submissions from parties, government agencies, and interested persons on remedy, public interest, and bonding.

Motorized Self-Balancing Vehicles; Public Interest Submissions Requested

The U.S. International Trade Commission is soliciting public interest submissions regarding Investigation No. 337-TA-1440 concerning motorized self-balancing vehicles. The Commission seeks comments on whether recommended remedial orders—specifically a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order against Gotrax and Zhejiang TaoTao Vehicles Co., Ltd. for patent infringement—should issue. Comments addressing public health, welfare, competitive conditions, domestic production, and consumer impacts are due by May 14, 2026.

Zimbabwe Initiates Safeguard Investigation on Door Imports

Zimbabwe notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards on April 10, 2026, that it initiated a safeguard investigation on July 18, 2025, concerning imports of doors. The investigation seeks to determine whether increased door imports are causing or threatening serious injury to Zimbabwe's domestic door manufacturing industry. Parties seeking information may contact the Competition and Tariff Commission in Harare.

Zimbabwe Initiates Safeguard Investigation on Fibreboard Imports

On 10 April 2026, Zimbabwe notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 18 July 2025 a safeguard investigation on imports of fibreboards. The investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports are causing or threatening serious injury to Zimbabwe's domestic fibreboard industry. Importers, exporters, and other interested parties may present evidence and views during the investigation.

Landau Meets Equatoguinean President Obiang Nguema

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea in Washington, D.C. The two leaders discussed opportunities to further deepen bilateral commercial engagement and bolster border and maritime security partnerships. Landau recognized growing opportunities for U.S. private sector investment, including recent major agreements with U.S. oil companies.

U.S. and Philippines Plan 4,000-Acre Economic Security Zone to Secure Supply Chains

The U.S. Department of State announced plans with the Philippines to establish a 4,000-acre Economic Security Zone in the Luzon Economic Corridor. The Zone, designated under the Pax Silica Initiative, aims to secure critical mineral supply chains including nickel, copper, chromite, and cobalt. Joint governance frameworks between the two governments are under development to facilitate long-term development and sovereign alignment.

Ten-Day Cessation of Hostilities to Enable Peace Negotiations Between Israel and Lebanon

The U.S. Department of State announced a ten-day cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon beginning April 16, 2026, at 17:00 EST, brokered by the United States. The agreement facilitates direct peace negotiations between the two nations with the goal of achieving comprehensive security and peace. Lebanon commits to preventing attacks by non-state armed groups while Israel preserves its right to self-defense against imminent threats.

Secretary Rubio's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Cooper on Iran Ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss next steps following the Iran ceasefire and the urgent need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The call focused on ensuring commercial vessels can move freely through the strait and energy supplies can reach global markets.

Finland Joins Pax Silica Initiative

The U.S. Department of State announced that Finland joined the Pax Silica Initiative on April 16, 2026, becoming the fourteenth signatory to this international technology partnership. Finland brings capabilities in advanced mobile communications, AI, and critical mineral mining and processing. The initiative represents a growing geopolitical consensus that economic security is national security.

U.S. and Philippines Launch 4,000-Acre Economic Security Zone Under Pax Silica

On April 16, 2026, the United States and the Philippines announced plans to establish a 4,000-acre Economic Security Zone in the Luzon Economic Corridor under the Pax Silica initiative. The Philippines becomes the thirteenth signatory to Pax Silica, joining Australia, Finland, India, Israel, Japan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The zone is designed to surge production of semiconductors, electronics, and critical minerals for U.S. supply chains through allied manufacturing partnerships.

Expands Visa Restrictions for Western Hemisphere Threats

Expands Visa Restrictions for Western Hemisphere Threats

USPTO Terminates COVID-19-Related Appeals Pilot Program

The USPTO is formally terminating the Fast-Track for COVID-19-Related Appeals Pilot Program. The program, which provided expedited review of ex parte appeals related to COVID-19 products or processes subject to FDA approval, was rarely used with only one petition granted. Petitions to participate filed after midnight ET on April 16, 2026, will not be granted, and petition form PTO/SB/454 will be removed from the USPTO website.

Five-Year Sunset Review Determination on Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol From China [Corrected]

The U.S. International Trade Commission determined in its five-year (sunset) review that revoking the existing antidumping order on imports of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol from China would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury. As a result, the antidumping order on Chinese imports will remain in place. Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.

Truck Bed Covers from China - Affirmative Injury Determination

The ITC issued an affirmative preliminary injury determination in antidumping investigation No. 731-TA-1777 and countervailing duty investigation No. 701-TA-789 concerning truck bed covers from China. The Commission determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of LTFV imports and subsidized imports of truck bed covers classified under HTS 8708.29.51. The investigations will now proceed to the final phase upon receipt of preliminary determinations from Commerce.

Commodity Matchbooks from India - Expedited Five-Year Review

The ITC has scheduled expedited five-year reviews of antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders on commodity matchbooks from India. The reviews will determine whether revocation of the orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. The Commission determined that domestic interested party response was adequate while respondent interested party response was inadequate, warranting expedited rather than full reviews.

US Invokes USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism Against Latex Occidental Facility

The USTR invoked the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism against Latex Occidental, S.A. de C.V. in Guadalajara, Mexico, alleging denial of workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining. The US suspended liquidation of unliquidated entries of goods from the facility, which manufactures latex balloons. Mexico has 10 days to agree to conduct a review and 45 days to complete it if it agrees.

Swiss Sanctions Against Taliban Updated via UN Security Council Amendments

SECO announced that the UN Security Council sanctions committee amended its list of sanctioned individuals, companies, and organizations associated with the Taliban. The Swiss SESAM database has been updated accordingly. Since March 2016, Switzerland has automatically applied UN Security Council sanctions lists without delay upon amendment.

Connected Vehicles Rule Restricts China, Russia Software Supply Chain

DLA Piper published analysis of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) final rule on connected vehicles, effective March 17, 2026. The rule prohibits vehicle software enabling connectivity or automated driving that is designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by Chinese or Russian entities unless manufacturers obtain Specific or General Authorization. Importers and manufacturers must submit Declaration of Conformity to BIS at least 60 days prior to vehicle or software importation or sale in the US.

EU Industrial Accelerator Act Includes Made in EU and Low-Carbon Requirements

On 4 March 2026 the European Commission published a proposal for an EU Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), now subject to negotiation in the European Parliament and Council. The IAA targets EU manufacturing reaching 20% of GDP by 2035 and introduces Made in EU requirements for public procurement in strategic sectors (steel, cement, aluminium, battery storage, solar PV, wind, heat pumps, electrolysers, nuclear fission), low-carbon requirements for steel, cement and aluminium, and a mandatory FDI screening regime for emerging strategic sectors (battery technologies, electric vehicles, solar PV, critical raw materials) with conditions including 49% ownership limits.

China Issues Counter-Sanctions Regulations, MNCs Alert

China's State Council promulgated two regulations on April 7, 2026, establishing a comprehensive countersanctions framework. The Regulations on Countering Foreign Improper Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (Decree No. 835) and the Regulations on the Security of Industrial and Supply Chains (Decree No. 834) took effect immediately. Decree 835 introduces a Malicious Entity List targeting those who 'promote' foreign sanctions and references potential criminal liability. Decree 834 restricts supply chain information collection, conflicting with EU CSDDD and US UFLPA requirements. Enforcement has escalated significantly, with 67 Unreliable Entity List designations in 2025 compared to only three in 2024.

CAPE IEEPA Refund Portal Launches April 20

CBP announced that its CAPE portal for IEEPA tariff refunds will launch April 20, 2026, as confirmed by CIT Judge Eaton. The portal consists of four components—Claim Portal (95% complete), Mass Processing (85%), Review and Liquidation (90%), and Refund (90%). Over 56,000 importers have enrolled for electronic refunds, with approximately $127 billion in IEEPA duties available for refund.

CBP Issues FAQs on IEEPA Tariff Refunds Through CAPE Phase 1

CBP released FAQs outlining its CAPE program for processing refunds of IEEPA tariffs invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2026. Phase 1 launches April 20, 2026, covering unliquidated entries and entries liquidated within 80 days prior to submission. Importers must file CAPE Declarations via CBP's ACE Secure Data Portal using CSV files. Approved refunds are expected within 60-90 days via ACH.

Auto Dealers May Recover Tariffs Through New CAPE Refund Program

Auto Dealers May Recover Tariffs Through New CAPE Refund Program

US Sanctions Ortega-Murillo Linked Gold Sector

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on two sons of Ortega and Murillo, five additional individuals, and seven companies involved in Nicaragua's gold sector. The sanctions target the regime's network of front companies and intermediaries used to generate foreign currency, launder sanctioned assets, and consolidate dynastic control. The action was taken under Executive Order 13851, as amended by E.O. 14088.

Nicaragua Sanctions Designations Include 8 Individuals, 6 Entities

Nicaragua Sanctions Designations Include 8 Individuals, 6 Entities

Silicon Metal from Angola and Laos Antidumping Duty Orders

Commerce is issuing antidumping duty orders on silicon metal from Angola and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, following affirmative final determinations by Commerce and the ITC. The ITC determined that U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of less-than-fair-value imports. CBP will suspend liquidation of affected entries and collect cash deposits equal to the amount by which normal value exceeds export price.

Truck Bed Covers From China - Investigation Nos. 701-TA-789 and 731-TA-1777 (Preliminary)

The U.S. International Trade Commission has published a Notice initiating preliminary countervailing duty Investigation No. 701-TA-789 and antidumping duty Investigation No. 731-TA-1777 concerning imports of truck bed covers from China. The investigations, cited at 91 FR 20502, were initiated following standard trade remedy procedures. The USITC will examine whether Chinese truck bed cover imports are being subsidized and/or sold at less than fair value in the U.S. market.

Expedited Five-Year Review Scheduled for India Matchbooks

The US International Trade Commission has scheduled an expedited five-year review of anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on commodity matchbooks from India. The review covers Investigation Nos. 701-TA-459 and 731-TA-1155 (Third Review). Parties interested in participating should contact the Commission.