The legal community has been cautiously observing a slew of pronouncements indicating a surge in enforcement of export controls and sanctions from the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the U.S. Department of Justice. These apprehensions aren’t new yet recent upgrades in resources and inter-agency collaboration offer some idea on the administration’s current approach to enforcement. This view is shared by attorneys at Akin. Some however remain skeptical.
Patterns are starting to emerge that suggest how this latest approach to enforcement could unfold. The numerous declarations promising increased scrutiny might not be overly exaggerated. Indeed, ample anecdotal evidence suggests a tangible hike in enforcement activities, although it is yet too early to glean definitive trends.
Law360 has published a detailed analysis on this potential development, which looks into further details concerning the likely heightened focus on export controls and sanctions from U.S. Federal agencies.
Although, professionals in the trade bar and other legal sectors continue to approach these announcements with a measure of caution and curiosity.