Antiboycott Laws

Overview

As part of its export controls practice, Crowell & Moring is often called on to advise companies on the application of the Antiboycott Law. Codified in the Export Administration Act, the Antiboycott Law is administered and enforced by the Department of Commerce's Office of Antiboycott Compliance (OAC). The law prohibits compliance with unsanctioned boycotts and is primarily targeted at the Arab League boycott of Israel.

As events in the Middle East unfold, U.S. companies are faced with traps for the unwary, which can come in many forms. Key challenges for companies include knowing how to identify boycott-related requests, when to report them, and how to address them while pursuing business opportunities. Crowell & Moring lawyers have significant experience guiding clients through this minefield.

Crowell & Moring Capabilities

Crowell & Moring's international trade lawyers advise clients on U.S. foreign trade laws that directly affect the international business activities of American corporations. Our lawyers advise clients on these policy-driven laws and regulations, including the following:

  • Antiboycott Law of the Export Administration Act, which makes it illegal for companies to comply with non-U.S. sanctioned boycotts by foreign countries
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits making payments or giving anything of value to foreign government officials in order to obtain or retain business

Even well-intentioned, but ill-informed, overseas activities can give rise to serious penalties under these laws and regulations. We routinely counsel clients on compliance issues arising under these statutes and, where required, represent them before the appropriate government agencies.

 

Insights

Client Alert | 1 min read | 03.30.23

Proposed Rule Requires Certain Contractors to Provide Export Authorizations to DCMA

On March 22, 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued a proposed rule that would amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to require certain contractors to provide export authorizations to the Defense Authorization Management Agency (DCMA)....

Representative Matters

  • Advised client companies on the screening and identification of boycott-related requests
  • Advised client companies on reporting boycott-related requests received from potential business partners in the Middle East and in responding lawfully to such requests
  • Represented client companies in enforcement actions
  • Helped client companies develop corporate antiboycott compliance programs
  • Trained client companies on the application of and compliance with the Antiboycott Law
  • Advised client companies on the implications of the Antiboycott Law in business transactions, such as joint ventures or corporate reorganizations (including closing a subsidiary in Israel, partnering with a Saudi company in a third country, and other transactions)

Insights

Client Alert | 1 min read | 03.30.23

Proposed Rule Requires Certain Contractors to Provide Export Authorizations to DCMA

On March 22, 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued a proposed rule that would amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to require certain contractors to provide export authorizations to the Defense Authorization Management Agency (DCMA)....

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Insights

Client Alert | 1 min read | 03.30.23

Proposed Rule Requires Certain Contractors to Provide Export Authorizations to DCMA

On March 22, 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued a proposed rule that would amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to require certain contractors to provide export authorizations to the Defense Authorization Management Agency (DCMA)....