UK Introduces Sanctions Bill

On October 18, 2017 the UK "Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill" (the "Bill") was introduced in the upper house of the Parliament of the UK.  The UK government news release stated the Bill "ensures that when the UK leaves the EU, we can continue to impose, update, and lift sanctions and AML regimes." (1)

Most of the sanctions regimes the UK is currently complying with had their powers established in the European Communities Act of 1972.  Once the UK fully withdraws from the European Union, the Bill will establish necessary legal authority in order to continue to work with their international partners and effectively enforce sanctions regimes and money laundering regulations. 

"This will enable us to impose sanctions as appropriate either alone or with partners in the EU and around the world, to take targeted action against countries, organizations and individuals who contravene international law, commit or finance terrorism or threaten international peace and security." (2) - Alan Duncan, Minister for Europe.

Key Link(s):

• (1) UK Gov - News Release
• (2) Reuters - UK sets out new powers to impose sanctions after Brexit
• UK Gov - Department for International Trade - Export Control Joint Unit
• UK Gov - HM Revenue & Customs
• UK Gov - Home Office - UK Visas and Immigration
• UK Gov - National Crime Agency
• UK Gov - Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury
• UK Gov - Public consultation on the United Kingdom's future legal framework for imposing and implementing sanctions
• UK Gov - Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill
• UK Gov - Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill - Explanatory Notes       
• UK Gov - Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill - Impact Assessment
• UK Gov - Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill - Track Progress of the Bill

Sudan Sanctions Revoked

     On January 13, 2017 the US President issued Executive Order (E.O.) 13761 (further amended by E.O. 13804 on July 11, 2017) providing for the revocation of certain Sudan-related sanctions.  The action was taken in recognition of the positive actions taken by the government of Sudan.  Following the initial E.O., on October 6, 2017, the US Government officially revoked economic sanctions on the Government of Sudan under E.O.'s 13067 and 13412. 

     The revocation of certain sanctions indicates the Government of Sudan has continued to make strides in reducing conflict areas in Sudan, improving humanitarian access, and in cooperating with the US Government with regional conflicts and terrorism.

What changed?

• Effective October 12, 2017 sections 1 and 2 of E.O. 13067 and all of E.O. 13412 were revoked.  Sections 1 and 2 blocked property of the government of Sudan and prohibited U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with Sudan and the government of Sudan.  The revocation of these provisions will allow U.S. persons to engage in transactions that were previously prohibited under the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations (SSR), 31 CFR 538.
• Effective October 12, 2017, General License A authorizes exports and re-exports of certain agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices still controlled as a result of Sudan remaining on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SST List) 

What hasn't changed? 

• The national emergency declared under E.O. 13067 remains in effect in regards to Sudan.
• The OFAC sanction related to the Darfur conflict imposed under E.O. 13400 remains in effect.
• OFAC designations of any Sudanese persons under E.O. 13067 and 13412 remain in effect. 
• Sudan remains on the SST List; and as a result some agricultural, medicinal, and medical device exports and re-exports to Sudan still require an OFAC license (see General License A comment above).   
• US persons and non-US persons will still need to obtain Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) licenses to export or re-export certain items such as commodities, software, and technology that are on the Commerce Control List (CCL), Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR parts 730-774 or that require a license due to end-use or end-user concerns, 15 CFR 744. 

     Contact GCSG experts at info@globalcompliancesg.com with any questions or for more information on how we can assist you with your compliance program.  Visit our website at http://www.globalcompliancesg.com to learn more about our products and services. 

Key Link(s):

• Commerce Control List, Supplement No. 1 to part 744
• Executive Order 13067 - Blocking Sudanese Government Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Sudan (November 5, 1997)
• Executive Order 13400 - Blocking Property of Persons in Connection with the Conflict in Sudan's Darfur Region (April 26, 2006)
• Executive Order 13412 - Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with the Government of Sudan (October 17, 2006)
• Executive Order 13761 - Recognizing Positive Actions by the Government of Sudan and Providing for the Revocation of Certain Sudan-Related Sanctions (January 13, 2017)
• Executive Order 13804 - Allowing Additional Time for Recognizing Positive Actions by the Government of Sudan and Amending Executive Order 13761 (July 11, 2017) 
• Office of Foreign Assets Control FAQs Here and Here - Frequently Asked Questions regarding the revocation of certain sanction with respect to Sudan and the government of Sudan
• State Sponsors of Terrorism List
• Sudan General License A - Authorizing Certain Transactions Pursuant to the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (October 6, 2017)
• The US Department of State: The Secretary's Report on Whether the Government of Sudan has Sustained the Positive Actions that Gave Rise to E.O. 13761 (2017)
• 15 CFR 744 - Control Policy: End-User and End-Use Based
• 31 CFR 538 - Sudanese Sanctions Regulations

CBP ceases trade operations at Port of Savannah

At 8:00 a.m., on Friday, September 8, 2017 the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ceased operations at the Port of Savannah.  They have not posted an anticipated date/time for operations to resume.  The decision will be dependent on Hurricane Irma recovery efforts and related issues.  Click here for the CBP media release. 

Singapore Customs issues new end user statement formats

On June 14, 2017 Singapore Customs issued new end-user statement (EUS) formats for Strategic Trade Scheme (STS) bulk permits and individual permits.  In the past, Singapore Customs had provided one format for both permit types.  Feedback Singapore Customs received about the diverse nature of the business operations of the two different permit types influenced them to issue the new formats.

All STS bulk permits must use the new EUS format immediately.  Individual permits are required to use the new format as of July 1.  You can submit questions about:

• Bulk permits to:  CUSTOMS_SCHEMES@customs.gov.sg
• Individual permits to: CUSTOMS_STGC@customs.gov.sg        

Key Links:

• Singapore Customs
• Singapore Customs Circular No: 06/2017 - "New End-User Statement Formats for Strategic Trade Scheme Bulk Permit and Individual Permit"
• Singapore Customs: "Sample Format of the End User Statement for Strategic Trade Scheme Individual Permit"
• Singapore Customs: "Sample Format of the End User Statement for Strategic Trade Scheme Bulk Permit" 

DEA and CBP Announce Joint Trade Webinar for June 20

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host a webinar on June 20, 2017.  The webinar will cover the updated Import and Export regulations for Controlled Substances and Listed Chemicals.  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will also be in attendance.   

Click here to register for the webinar.  Click here for the webinar announcement.

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Procurement Leaders: Risk Management Ranks Among Top Concerns  | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"Reducing costs ranks as the biggest priority for chief procurement officers (CPOs) around the world, but risk management, technology, and talent are also top of mind..." (Click here for the article) - North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa

Compliance Officers Less Worried About Liability | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"Concerns about personal liability have lessened somewhat for compliance professionals but a survey shows they continue to be a big worry for those tasked with handling compliance for their organization." (Click here for the article) - Global

The Emergence of Compliance - A new profession? | Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession

"What do compliance officers, social media marketers, and 3-D designers have in common?  They are all members of relatively new specialties, attempting to carve out areas of expertise to meet the evolving demands brought on by economic, technological, business, and social change." (Click here for the article) - Global

UN expands North Korea blacklist in first U.S., China sanction deal under Trump | Reuters

"The U.N. Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea after its repeated missile tests..." (Click here for the article) - China, North Korea, USA

Federal Contractors Face New Training Requirements | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"New rules that took effect Wednesday require cleared U.S. government contractors to have in place insider-threat awareness training programs before they can handle classified information." (Click here for the article) - USA

SEC Bars Former PetroTiger GC Convicted in Bribery Case | Corporate Counsel

"Former general counsel Gregory Weisman has been suspended from practicing before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission more than three years after his guilty plea in the PetroTiger Ltd. bribery case." (Click here for the article) - USA

Compliance Boosts Foothold in C-Suite, Boardrooms | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"Chief compliance and ethics officers are increasingly being included in senior-level discussions about corporate strategy, showing compliance is gaining favor in boardrooms worldwide but also pointing out the challenges the function continues to face, according to a survey..." (Click here for the article) - Global

General Motors Accused of Rigging Diesel Pickup Truck Emissions | Road and Track

"A class-action lawsuit accuses General Motors of rigging emission-control systems on 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups with GM's Duramax turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 engine." (Click here for the article) - USA

Exports and End-Use | RealClear Defense

"In a report this week, Amnesty International expresses its annoyance that the US Army failed to keep tabs on more than $1 billion worth of arms and other military equipment in Iraq and Kuwait." (Click here for the article) - Iraq, Kuwait, USA

Hong Kong and Macau regulators intensity efforts against money laundering, financial crime and terrorist funding | South China Morning Post

"Hong Kong and Macau have launched simultaneous shake-ups of the systems they have in place to tackle the growing menace of money laundering, financial crime and the funding of terrorist groups." (Click here for the article) - China, Hong Kong, Macau

China's Cyber Security Law: The Impossibility of Compliance? | Forbes

"China's much-anticipated Cyber Security Law (CSL) will come into effect on 1 June 2017.  The new law is the first comprehensive law to address cyber security concerns at the national level and to some extent consolidates cyber activities captured in other laws and regulations." (Click here for the article) - China

CVS's Omnicare to pay $23 million to resolve U.S. kickback case | Reuters

"CVS Health Corp's Omnicare unit has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve a whistleblower lawsuit alleging that it took kickbacks from a drugmaker..." (Click here for the article) - USA

Unaoil Probe Threatens Oil-Sector Merger | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"An oil merger is in danger after revelations of ties to Unaoil, which is under U.K. investigation for bribery and money laundering." (Click here for the article) - UK, USA

Japan's METI Issues Updated End User List | METI

(Click here for the post) - Japan

Bank's slapped with fines for weak anti-money laundering controls | Mail & Guardian

"Several local and international banks have been slapped with administrative fines by the South African Reserve Bank, for weak anti-money laundering and combating of financing of terrorism controls." (Click here for the article) - South Africa

China's New Cyber-Security Law Effective June 1, 2017

In November of 2016, China passed a new law that broadened its cyber security requirements.  The law went into effect on June 1, 2017.  The effort by China is similar to other cybersecurity initiatives we've seen advanced in multiple jurisdictions around the world. 

The law focuses on cybersecurity but it also outlines how companies are to handle personal information and data.  The new law requires a user's consent before collecting personal information and the information must be kept confidential. 

Personal information is defined as that which can be used on its own or with other information to determine the identity of a natural person (including name, date of birth, ID card number, biological ID information, address, and telephone number).  

The Cyberspace Administration of China published a draft "Measures for Security Assessment of Personal Information and Important Data Leaving the Country" in April.  The guidance raises concerns for multi-national businesses that operate in China by expanding the measures to all network operators.  This means that all personal information and important data collected by network operators within China must be stored and kept within China.  The only exceptions are for a "genuine business need" and only after a security assessment is completed.

Network operators are owners of networks, administrators of networks, and network service providers.  Networks are systems consisting of computers or other data terminal equipment and relevant devices that collect, store, transmit, exchange, and process information.  The definitions of network and network operators are vague enough to leave a lot of room for interpretation.   

If you are a multi-national company operating in China, and collect personal data you should follow the developments of the guidance documentation and the enforcement practices around this law.

Contact us at info@globalcompliancesg.com with any additional question's or for more information.   

Key Links:

• China Law Translate - "2016 Cyber Security Law English Translation"
• Hunton & Williams LLP - "Measures for the Security Assessment of Personal Information and Critical Data Leaving the Country English Translation"
• The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China - "Internet Security Law of the People 's Republic of China, Adopted at the Twenty-fourth Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Twelfth National People's Congress on November 7, 2016"
• Forbes - "China's Cyber Security Law: Can Foreign Parties Sue China's Technology Cos. for Violating the Law?"
• Forbes - "China's Cyber Security Law: The Impossibility of Compliance?"
• Zasio - "China Further Expands Reach of Data Localization Law to Multinationals"

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Chief Compliance Officer Fined, Barred from Work  - Corporate Counsel

"Once again, the federal government has held a chief compliance officer personally liable for failing to stop a company's misconduct." (Click here for the article) - USA

Why Me?  What Triggers a US Customs Inspection? - More Than Shipping

"Even today, it remains a mystery - how import shipments are selected to be inspected by U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection)..." (Click here for the article) - USA

Industries ranked by open FCPA related investigations - The FCPA Blog

"Here are industries ranked by the number of companies that have disclosed open FCPA-related investigations..." (Click here for the article) - USA, Global

Thirty companies name Brazil in connection with FCPA-related probes - The FCPA Blog

"Of the 104 companies that have disclosed open and active FCPA-related investigations, 30 have mentioned Brazil.  Seventeen have mentioned China.  Poland and India each have three mentions..." (Click here for the article) - Brazil, China, Poland, India

New ISO Anti-Bribery Standard Gaining Traction - Forbes

"Bribery and other forms of corruption continue to plague business and society.  According to the World Bank, some $1.5 trillion is paid globally in bribes each year..." (Click here for the article) - USA, Global

DOJ Sheds Some Light on U.K. Prosecutor Assignment - The Wall Street Journal

"A top U.S. Justice Department official spent part of a speech at an anti-corruption conference in Brazil revealing some of the reasons why the department plans to send a prosecutor on a detail to the U.K." (Click here for the article) - USA, UK, Brazil

US State Department - 5 Countries Not Cooperating with Anti-Terrorism Efforts

On Friday, May 26, 2017 the U.S. State Department published (82 FR 24424) a determination and certification under the Arms Export Control Act designating five countries as not cooperating fully with United States anti-terrorism efforts.

The five listed countries are:

• Eritrea
• Iran
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea (or North Korea)
• Syria
• Venezuela

Key Links:

• Federal Register - "Determination and Certification Under Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act"
• US State Department

The Australia Group Posts Dual-Use Equipment & Tech Control List

In May 2017, the Australia Group posted a control list of dual-use chemical manufacturing facilities and equipment and related technology and software on their website.

The Australia Group, established in 1985, is a voluntary and informal export control arrangement in which 41 countries, as well as the European Union, coordinate their national export controls.  The purpose is to limit the supply of chemicals and biological agents-as well as related equipment, technologies, and knowledge-to countries and entities that are suspected of pursuing chemical or biological weapons capabilities.

The May 2017 web page includes information related to the four main sections listed below.

1. Manufacturing facilities and equipment
   • Reaction vessels, reactors or agitators
   • Storage tanks, containers or receivers
   • Heat exchangers or condensers
   • Distillation or absorption columns
   • Filling equipment
   • Valves
   • Multi-walled piping
   • Pumps
   • Incinerators
2. Toxic Gas Monitors and Monitoring Systems, and their dedicated detecting components
3. Related Technology
4. Software

GCSG's compliance experts closely follow dual-use developments.  Contact us at info@globalcompliancesg.com with any additional question's or for more information.

Key Links:

• The Australia Group 
• The Australia Group - "Control List of Dual-Use Chemical Manufacturing Facilities and Equipment and Related Technology and Software"
• The Australia Group - List of participants

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Police raid BT's Italian offices over £530m accounting scandal  - The Times

"BT's offices in Italy have been raided by police as part of an investigation into a £530 million accounting scandal." (Click here for the article) - Italy

Investigation in Brazil "much bigger" than Watergate, says lead prosecutor - CBS News

"The political corruption investigation in Brazil known as Operation Car Wash is 'much bigger' than the Watergate scandal in the U.S., the lead prosecutor tells correspondent Anderson Cooper..." (Click here for the article) - Brazil

Trump administration formally launches NAFTA renegotiation - Washington Post

"The Trump administration on Thursday formally notified Congress of its intent to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, a step forward on a campaign promise that was widely popular among voters..." (Click here for the article) - USA, Mexico, Canada

Brazil's corruption scandals may be the best thing to happen to Latin America - Miami Herald

"If you think that the corruption scandal swirling around Brazilian President Michel Temer is the only one that will shake Latin America in coming weeks, mark your calendar..." (Click here for the article) - Brazil, Latin America

FIFA audit official admits bribery in US federal probe - USA Today

"The sprawling American investigation of bribery and corruption in international soccer has reached into Asia and claimed the first guilty plea from a senior official in the new FIFA leadership." (Click here for the article) - Switzerland, USA, Guam, Kuwait, Philippines, Germany, France

FDA launches new webpage to promote use of symbols in medical device labeling (Imports) - Customs & International Trade Law

"If you think that the corruption scandal swirling around Brazilian President Michel Temer is the only one that will shake Latin America in coming weeks, mark your calendar..." (Click here for the article) - USA

Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Economic Espionage and Theft of a Trade Secret from US Company - The US Department of Justice

"Today, Xu Jiaqiang, 31, formerly of Beijing, China, pleaded guilty to economic espionage and theft of a trade secret, in connection with Xu's theft of proprietary source code from Xu's former employer..." (Click here for the article) - USA, China

Big data driving SEC focus on disclosures, recommendations and security - OnWallStreet

"Advisers will see SEC regulators employ new methods to investigate a firm's staff training, the suitability of its investment recommendations, conflicts of interest disclosures and cybersecurity safeguards..." (Click here for the article) - USA

UK Plans to Fold Serious Fraud Office into NCA Meet Skepticism - The Wall Street Journal

"UK Prime Minister Theresa May promised to fold the Serious Fraud Office into the National Crime Agency if her Conservative Party wins the general election next month..." (Click here for the article) - UK

More CEOs are getting forced out for ethics violations - Washington Post

"If it seems like more CEOs are getting cast aside amid ethical blunders or corporate scandals, they are." (Click here for the article) - USA

US Presses China to impose sanctions on DPRK - worldecr.com

"The US has indicated that it believes that China will agree to impose new UN sanctions on North Korea..." (Click here for the article) - USA, China, North Korea

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Global Trade Growth is About to Slow, Morgan Stanley Says - MH&L

"Signs are pointing to a looming slowdown in global trade growth according to Morgan Stanley.  Each component of the bank's proprietary global trade leading indicator -- save for the U.S. dollar -- declined in April to mark back-to-back drops for the index, which is used to forecast real activity with a one-month lead." (Click here for the article) - Global

Qualcomm settles FCPA charges in hiring case for $7.5 million - The FCPA Blog

"The Securities and Exchange Commission said Tuesday that Qualcomm Incorporated agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by hiring relatives of Chinese government officials." (Click here for the article) - China, USA

Singapore Customs Issues Best Practices Advisory Document

Singapore Customs recently issued an advisory document that included basic import requirements, common issues of non-compliance, red flags, and a list of some Best Practices.

Some of the Best Practices listed for traders included:

• Request copies of the Customs permits taken up under your company name from your service provider
• Request itemized invoice/receipts from service providers/consolidators
• Report to Singapore Customs and/or relevant Competent Authorities on any discrepancy detected as appropriate
• Ensure that your service providers/consolidators are aware of the permit conditions and comply with them accordingly
• Ensure that the hauliers engaged comply with the requirement to produce the containers at the red lane for clearance, when directed to do so

Key Links:

• Singapore Customs
• Singapore Customs - "Advisory: Customs Requirements & Best Practices for Import of Goods"

US Attorney General Issues Charging and Sentencing Principles

On Friday, May 12 US Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum providing charging and sentencing principles for the US Department of Justice (DOJ).  The DOJ in its press release said "This policy was formulated after extensive consultation with Assistant U.S. Attorneys at both trial and appellate level, as well as U.S. Attorneys and Main Justice Attorneys.  It ensures that the Department enforces the law fairly and consistently, advances public safety and promotes respect for our legal system."

The guiding principles within the memo include:

• Prosecutors should charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense
• Prosecutors must disclose to the sentencing court all facts that impact the sentencing guidelines or mandatory minimum sentences, and should in all cases seek a reasonable sentence under the factors in 18 U.S.C. § 3553

In addition, the memo rescinds any previous policy of the DOJ that is inconsistent with the above guiding principles.

Key Links:

• AG Memorandum for all federal prosecutors
• DOJ Press Release - "Attorney General Sessions Issues Charging and Sentencing Guidelines to Federal Prosecutors"
• US Department of Justice
• 9-27.000 - Principles of Federal Prosecution
• 9-28.000 - Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

US President Issues Executive Order Addressing Trade Agreement Violations and Abuses - The White House (Click here for the EO) - USA

India bans all trade with North Korea - CNN Money

"North Korea has lost one of its biggest trading partners after India banned most dealings with the country." (Click here for the article) - India, North Korea

Huawei's Plano office responds to NYT report about investigation into smartphone maker's sales to Iran, Syria, others - The Dallas Morning News

"American officials are investigating whether the company violated American trade controls on Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria, according to an administrative subpoena..." (Click here for the article) - China, USA

UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) confirmed investigation opened into KBR, Inc. - SFO News Releases (Click here for the news release) - UK, USA

FBI agents raid offices, government buildings across Texas in statewide corruption probe - Hearst Newspapers, LLC

"The FBI descended on a host of city and county government buildings...across Texas, executing search warrants as part of a public corruption probe..." (Click here for the article) - USA

India bans most trade with North Korea

On April 21, the Indian government announced it was banning most trade with North Korea.  The only exceptions are for food and medicine.  The changes to Indian trade policy in regards to North Korea, now bring it into line with United Nations (UN) sanctions on North Korea.

Until recently India was the third largest trading partner with North Korea, behind China and Saudi Arabia.  From 2015-2016 India exported $111 million in goods to North Korea and imported around $88 million. 

In addition, India has stated that it will freeze funds and financial assets held within its territory by the North Korean government.  

Key Links:

• CNN Money - "North Korea cut off by 3rd biggest trading partner"
• Government of India: Ministry of External Affairs - "Democratic People's Republic of Korea - Non-Proliferation order, April 21, 2017"
• Most recent UN Security council resolution concerning North Korea - "Resolution 2321 (2016)"

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world, that we deliver on Monday morning's.

UK's failure to deal with customs fraud could affect post-Brexit trade deal with the EU - IBTimes Co., Ltd.

"EU expected to seek 2bn from Britain for not stopping Chinese gangs undervaluing imported goods." (Click here for the article) - UK, European Union

China Indicts Former Statistics Bureau Director Wang for Bribery - Bloomberg

"Wang Baoan, former head of China's National Bureau of Statistics, was indicted on suspicion of accepting bribes, the official Xinhua News Agency reported Tuesday." (Click here for the article) - China

Brazilians fight back against corruption - with the help of a purple plug-in - theguardian

"Released before what is expected to be the highest general strike in decades, Colour of Corruption is an online political scorecard that details criminal allegations against members of the cabinet, the upper and lower houses of parliament, state governors, their deputies - and even the president." (Click here for the article) - Brazil

US President slaps first tariffs on Canadian lumber  - CNN Money

"The Trump administration is hitting Canada with stiff tariffs of up to 24% on lumber shipped into the United States." (Click here for the article) - USA

US Attorney General Stresses Continued FCPA Enforcement - Wall Street Journal

"The US attorney general stressed Monday that prosecutors won't relent in their pursuit of foreign-bribery cases." (Click here for the article) - USA

US Administration Launches National Security Probe on Steel Imports - Wall Street Journal

"The Trump administration has opened a wide-ranging probe into whether to curb steel imports in the name of national security, ramping up its campaign to give a more economic nationalist tinge to American trade policy." (Click here for the article) - USA

US administration launches investigation into aluminum imports - CNN

"President Donald Trump on Thursday will formally order an investigation into the effect of aluminum imports on US national security." (Click here for the article) - USA

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting compliance news bites, from around the world, that we deliver every Monday morning. 

Identity Fraud Cases Skyrocket in Netherlands - NLTimes.nl

"The number of reports about identity fraud in the Netherlands more than doubled last year, according to figures from the Identity Fraud Hotline." (Click here for the article) - Netherlands

How hackers made off with millions - Thomson Reuters

"It's been a little over a year since the New York Federal Reserve and the SWIFT international transaction system were breached in a cyber-attack that resulted in $81 million stolen from a Bangladesh central bank account - one of the biggest known bank thefts in history" (Click here for the article) - USA, Bangladesh

Report Faults Wells Fargo's Law Department in Sham-Accounts Scandal - Law.com

"The report, released Monday, was commissioned by Wells Fargo last year after the bank agreed to pay $185 million to settle accusations that employees opened as many as 2.2 million unauthorized accounts by transferring funds without customers consent from existing accounts." (Click here for the article) - USA

The money machine: how a high-profile corruption investigation fell apart - Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies

"The 2014 summit - much like David Cameron's highly publicized global Anti-Corruption Summit in 2016 - was intended to show Britain's determination to live up to its responsibilities.  Instead, the case of the $23m collapsed within a year - when a British judge ruled that the SFO had built its case on 'conjecture and suspicion', and ordered the money returned to its owner." (Click here for the article) - Britain, Ukraine

North Korea oil imports, airline among possible US sanctions targets - Thomson Reuters

"...the Trump administration is focusing its North Korea strategy on tougher economic sanctions, possibly including an oil embargo, banning its airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang..." (Click here for the article) - USA, North Korea, China

How one of the world's biggest oil firms secured a $1.3 billion deal mired in corruption allegations - BuzzFeed

"On the evening of 17 February 2016...the chief executive of oil giant Shell, picked up his phone...The topic of their conversation: a 'dawn raid' on the company's headquarters earlier that day by Dutch police investigating a controversial $1.3 billion Nigerian oil deal struck five years previously." (Click here for the article) - Netherlands, Italy, Nigeria

Trump considers trade order that could lead to duties - CNBC

"U.S. President Donald Trump is considering an executive order to launch a trade investigation that could lead to supplemental duties in certain product categories..." (Click here for the article) - USA

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

Barclays CEO pay slashed after he tried to identify whistleblower - CNN Money

"The American boss of one of Britain's top banks will have his pay slashed after he admitted trying to unmask a whistleblower" (Click here for the article) 

Top 50 Airfreight Forwarders - Transport Topics (Click here for the article)

Swedish defense industry uneasy over proposed export controls - Defense News

"A Swedish government plan to introduce a new legislative bill that would restrict arms exports to so-called non-democracies is causing disquiet.." (Click here for the article)

Japan orders Yusen Logistics to shut down customs operations - JOC.com

"Japanese authorities have ordered Yusen Logistics Co. to completely suspend its customs clearance operations in the country for more than two months for violating the Customs Brokerage Act by making false declarations." (Click here for the article)

BIS publishes FAQs on HK export/re-export documentation requirements

In an update to our February 20, 2017 article which detailed upcoming export/re-export documentation requirements for certain Hong Kong shipments, the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has recently published a FAQs page with more details. 

The rule is effective April 19, 2017.  Click here for the original article. 

Key Link(s):

• BIS - FAQs
• Commerce Control List
• Federal Register Notice: Support Document Requirements With Respect to Hong Kong
• Hong Kong's Trade and Industry Department (HKTID)
• HKTID - Strategic Commodities Control System
• HKTID - Control Status of Common Dual-Use Products
• The Australia Group
• The Missile Technology Control Regime
• The Nuclear Suppliers Group
• The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies
• 15 CFR 734.13 - 734.14 (Export and Re-Export) 
• 15 CFR 740 (License Exceptions)
• 15 CFR 748 (Application Classification Advisory and License)
• 15 CFR 762 (Recordkeeping)