Export Control Laws

Export Control Laws and the Laws of International Trade

United States export control laws

In the United States, governmental export controls and economic sanctions laws that could impair the ability of companies to compete in international markets. Many business activities are subject to various restrictions under the United States export controls and trade and economic sanctions laws, including the U.S. Commerce Department’s Export Administration Regulations and economic and trade sanctions regulations maintained by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. When businesses fail to comply with these laws and regulations, such businesses and certain of their employees could be subject to civil or criminal penalties and reputational harm. Obtaining the necessary authorizations, including any required license, for a particular transaction may be time-consuming, is not guaranteed, and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities.

Furthermore, United States export control laws and economic sanctions laws prohibit certain transactions with United States embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments, persons and entities. Although most U.S. companies take precautions to prevent transactions with U.S. sanction targets, the possibility exists that they could inadvertently provide their services to persons prohibited by U.S. sanctions. This usually result in negative consequences to such companies, including government investigations, penalties and reputational harm.

Worldwide export control laws

Export Control in Merger and Acquisitions

Countries covered

Extraterritorial application

Entity-based sanctions

Other export statutes

Due diligence under other export statutes than Sanctions Law

Other export control laws: The TWEA and IEEPA

Export Control Compliance and Administration

Commerce, Licenses and Enforcement

Resources

In the United States

For information about Export Control Laws in the context of international trade, click here

Resources

Export Control Laws

Export Control Laws