UK REACH SVHC Candidate List Alignment with EU

The UK government has announced a new strategic approach to adding Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the UK REACH Candidate List, aligning more closely with the EU's approach. This involves a consultation on adding 15 SVHCs, with further additions expected.

IRS Notice 2026-15: Material Assistance Under Foreign Entity of Concern Rules

The IRS issued Notice 2026-15, providing interim guidance on calculating material assistance costs for clean energy tax credits under new Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules. The notice details the Material Assistance Cost Ratio methodology and offers three safe harbors, but leaves open questions regarding 'effective control' triggers for Prohibited Foreign Entities.

China's New Trade Secret Protection Rules

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has issued new Provisions on the Protection of Trade Secrets, effective June 1, 2026. These replace 1995 rules and significantly expand the scope of protectable information, including technical data like AI datasets and commercial data such as customer information, aligning protection with the digital economy.

Investor-State Arbitration Over Russian Sanctions

Moldovan billionaire Igor Viktorovich Makarov has filed a C$350 million claim against Canada with the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The claim arises from sanctions imposed on Makarov, which he alleges destroyed the value of his investment in Spartan Delta, a Canadian company.

Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs, Increasing Enforcement Risk

The Supreme Court has struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), creating refund opportunities for importers. However, this ruling increases enforcement risk, as refund claims will trigger scrutiny of past classifications, valuations, and disclosures, potentially leading to False Claims Act and securities law violations.

CBP Outlines IEEPA Duty Refund Framework via CAPE System

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided details on its framework for refunding duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) via the CAPE system in ACE. This follows a Supreme Court decision that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. The CIT has suspended immediate compliance pending the development of this administrative refund process.

Remote Access Security Act Expands US Export Controls on Cloud Services

The House of Representatives passed the Remote Access Security Act (RASA), which would expand the Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) authority to regulate remote access to export-controlled items via cloud services. This legislation aims to close a perceived loophole in current US export control regulations.

Digital Euro Preparation Focuses on Inclusion, Accessibility, Innovation

The European Central Bank (ECB) provided an update on the digital euro initiative, emphasizing preparations for inclusion, accessibility, and innovation. The speech highlighted ongoing technical work, collaboration with disability foundations, and plans for piloting the digital euro to ensure it serves all euro area citizens.

ECB Opens Doors for Night of the Museums

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced it will participate in Frankfurt's Night of the Museums on April 25, 2026. The public will have access to certain areas of the Grossmarkthalle for guided tours focusing on art and architecture, as well as a complementary program of music, talks, and interactive games.

IVASS Orders Block of 5 Abusive Insurance Websites

The Italian Insurance Supervisory Authority (IVASS) has ordered the blocking of five abusive websites that were illegally offering insurance services. This action brings the total number of blocked abusive sites to 357 since November 2023. IVASS advises consumers to be wary of suspicious payment methods and to verify intermediaries against official lists.