International trade community interests are frequently driven by practical concerns of immediate consequences. Many LawCustoms visitors bring their particular interests, such as savings that can be realized from a particular transaction. Other visitors are interested in a broader picture and looking to learn the structure that shapes international trade scene. History is the bridge that brings together the structure that we have today with foundation upon which it was built. Iran is particularly interesting to the U.S. international trade community largely due to its resources and geography. Steptoe & Johnson attorneys, for example, provided a well written summary of current state of U.S. sanctions applicable to Iran in their US Sanctions on Iran: 2012 Year in Review. Other distinguished members of the international trade community have written on the topic extensively as well. Undoubtedly, compliance with U.S. laws is a matter of primary concern for U.S. persons and persons that do business with the U.S. (e.g. U.S. subsidiaries). But the mere compliance with the letter, without raising questions about the spirit of the law, is probably counterproductive to the democratic principles so fundamental to the American society. If one accepts a view that “[a]n educated citizenry is a vital requisite…
Office of Foreign Assets and Controls (OFAC) posted .pdf screen shots of its presentation symposium. Most of information is a form of restatement of governmental policies. There are some interesting points worth noting with respect to BIS. If OFAC authorizes an export to Iran, no BIS license is required Luxury goods to N. Korea include: luxury automobiles; yachts; gems; jewelry; other fashion accessories; cosmetics; perfumes; furs; designer clothing; luxury watches; rugs and tapestries; electronic entertainment software and equipment; recreational sports equipment; tobacco; wine and other alcoholic beverages; musical instruments; art; and antiques and collectible items including but not limited to rare coins and stamps. OFAC and BIS share jurisdiction with respect to Sudan BIS Contact List for Clarifications and Questions: Main (Foreign Policy Division a.k.a. FPD) (202) 482-4252 Director, FPD Joan Roberts (202) 482-0171 jroberts@bis.doc.gov Cuba, Iran, Syria Tony Christino (202) 482-3241 tchristi@bis.doc.gov N. Korea, Sudan, Burma Susan Kramer (202) 482-0117 skramer@bis.doc.gov