On February 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC) announced the launch of a new online Voluntary Self-Disclosure (VSD) Portal (the “New Portal”) intended to replace and reduce reliance on ad hoc submission methods
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CBP Launches New Forced Labor Portal
On January 21, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) announced that its Forced Labor Portal is now live. This new online portal provides a single, centralized platform for importers to submit requests for review when their shipments are detained
US Customs Announces Withhold Release Order on Coffee from Finca Monte Grande in Mexico
Move to a Single List for UK Sanctions Designations
From Wednesday, 28 January 2026, the UK Sanctions List (“UKSL”), published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, will act as the sole source of UK sanctions designations made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (“SAMLA”). OFSI’s Consolidated
Altomare SA and Kallista Removed from OFAC’s SDN List
On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the removal of Greek maritime company Altomare SA and its vessel, Kallista, from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Lists (SDN List).
OFAC originally designated Altomare
House Passes Remote Access Security Act to Limit Adversaries’ Remote Access to Critical Technology
On January 12, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelming passed (369-22) the Remote Access Security Act, modernizing U.S. export controls to address foreign adversaries’ remote access to controlled technologies through cloud computing services.
Currently, the U.S. Department of
BIS Fines Exyte $1.5 Million for Unlicensed Transfers to China’s SMIC
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) imposed a $1.5 million civil penalty on Exyte Management GmbH (“Exyte”), a Germany- headquartered engineering and procurement company, after its Shanghai affiliate Exyte Shanghai Ltd.,
China Announces New Export Controls Targeting Japan
On January 6, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) issued Announcement No. 1 [2026], imposing export controls on dual-use items destined for Japan. The measures took effect immediately, with no wind-down period.
Under the announcement, exports of all dual-use
Treasury to Issue All CBP Refunds Electronically Starting in February
The U.S. Department of the Treasury will cease issuing paper checks for all U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) refunds starting on February 6, 2026 according to an Interim Final Rule. A recipient may continue to receive paper checks
Record-Setting False Claims Act Settlement Highlights DOJ Commitment to Customs
On December 19, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a $54.4 million settlement with Ceratizit USA, LLC, a distributor of tungsten carbide products, resolving allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by evading customs duties