BIS Updates Freight Forwarder Guidance And Best Practices – Export Controls & Trade & Investment Sanctions

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has recently published
a guidance document on its new website aimed at helping freight
forwarders and exporters uphold compliance with U.S. export
controls and regulatory requirements. The document emphasizes the
significant role that freight forwarders play in securing the
global supply chain and preventing the proliferation of illegal
exports. It highlights the responsibility of freight forwarders and
exporters to work together to ensure compliance with U.S. national
security and foreign policy interests.

The guidance outlines the roles and responsibilities of freight
forwarders, including the need for clear communication with
exporters to ensure that all necessary information is provided for
compliant export transactions. In addition to a list of best
practices for freight forwarders to follow such as offering
resources to an exporter when potential compliance issues are
apparent or by conducting comprehensive screening of known parties
to a transaction even when the Freight forwarder is not filing the
EEI , the document also covers the expectations that freight
forwarders may have of exporters, emphasizing the importance of
providing accurate and complete transaction information.

Furthermore, the guidance discusses the responsibilities of
freight forwarders in non-routed and routed export transactions, as
well as the importance of selecting a reputable freight forwarder.
The document also provides an overview of antiboycott regulations
that apply to U.S. persons, including freight forwarders, and
highlights red flags for both freight forwarders and exporters to
watch out for.

Overall, the guidance aims to support freight forwarders and
exporters in their efforts to comply with U.S. export regulations
and enhance the security of the global supply chain. For more
information and resources on export compliance, freight forwarders
and exporters are encouraged to visit the BIS website. (The full
guidance can be found here.)

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guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
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