BIS issues guidance on Iran re-export issues

BIS issues guidance on Iran re-export issues The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security last week issued guidance on actions that exporters can take to prevent the illicit diversion of items to support Iran's nuclear weapons or ballistic missile programs.
   The guidance is part of an interagency effort to counter Iran's pursuit of technology that could enable it to develop weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them, BIS said in a statement. It follows enforcement and administrative actions taken last week by BIS and other agencies against 75 entities the agency believes is involved in a global procurement network which sought to illegally acquire U.S.-origin dual-use and military components for the Iranian government.

Mancuso

   'The United States maintains an embargo against Iran, and companies must remain vigilant that exports are not diverted to Iran through other countries,' Commerce Under Secretary Mario Mancuso said. 'As evidenced by the enforcement actions taken last week, the Iranian government is using front companies to procure items useful to its WMD programs. U.S. companies should pay particular attention to transactions involving nuclear or missile technology to identify any red flags involving potential diversion.”
   All exports to Iran are subject to the Export Administration Regulations and the Department of the Treasury's Iranian Transactions Regulations. Exporters should seek authorization from Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control prior to exporting to Iran. If OFAC authorizes such an export or re-export, no separate authorization from BIS is necessary.
   For more information on the guidelines proposed by BIS, go to www.bis.doc.gov/complianceandenforcement/iranguidance.htm.