New (Free) Compliance Resources!

We are excited to announce the addition of two valuable documents to our Free Resources tab: the European Commission’s guidance note for European operators, and the Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) Export Compliance Program Manual. Both resources are designed to help you successfully audit or design an effective compliance program. 

European Commission Guidance Note to European Operators:

This guidance note was published to assist European operators in understanding the necessary steps for conducting EU-required due diligence, particularly to prevent sanctions circumvention from Russia. However, its application extends beyond the context of Russia. Under EU law, operators are required to perform due diligence when trading with third countries to ensure no one in the supply chain is evading sanctions.

Key highlights include:

• • Risk Assessment: strategic risk assessments to help companies identify and mitigate risks

• • Enhanced Due Diligence Guidelines: detailed steps to implement enhanced due diligence measures for operators who may be exposed to higher risks

• • Red Flags: a comprehensive list of circumvention red flags to help companies identify suspicious activities

Using this guidance note as a practical tool can help European operators effectively manage their due diligence processes and reduce risk.

BIS Export Compliance Program Manual:

The BIS guide outlines critical elements of an effective export compliance program. It provides detailed explanations on how to tailor a compliance program to fit an organization’s specific needs, whether auditing an existing program or building one from scratch.

Key highlights include:

• • Risk Assessment: instructions on conducting thorough risk assessments to identify potential issues

• • Export Authorization: explanations on understanding and obtaining necessary export licenses

• • Internal Controls: insights into establishing internal controls including screening procedures, audit trails, and regular compliance checks

Now that we’ve added these resources to our website, you can access and leverage them to strengthen your existing compliance program, minimize risks, and ensure adherence to international trade regulations.

As always, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements. Whether you need a thorough audit of your current compliance practices or assistance in designing a new program, our team of experts is ready to assist!