U.S. ISSUES INTERIM RULES FOR EXPORTS TO SANCTIONED COUNTRIES

U.S. ISSUES INTERIM RULES FOR EXPORTS TO SANCTIONED COUNTRIES The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Export Administration and the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control have issued new interim rules for exports of agricultural commodities and medical supplies to Cuba, Sudan, Libya and Iran.
   Under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSRA) of 2000, the president must terminate any unilateral agricultural and medical sanctions, except in cases of exports to designated terrorist countries that are subject to export requirements outlined in the legislation.
   The TSRA does not require the president, however, to terminate unilateral sanctions for agricultural and medical commodities that fall under the U.S. Munitions List.
   BXA will create a new license exception for agricultural commodities from the United States to Cuba, while OFAC will implement the TSRA requirements for agricultural and medical commodities to Iran, Sudan and Libya.
   This interim rule becomes effective on July 26. Comments from the industry must be received by the agencies by Sept. 10.