International Trade - Antiboycott Legislation
Antiboycott Law Practice
As part of its export controls practice, Crowell 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 Commerce Department’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, US companies are faced with traps for the unwary. The law prohibits compliance with the boycott, which can come in many forms. Knowing how to identify boycott related requests, when to report them, and how to address them while pursuing business opportunities is a challenge. Crowell lawyers have guided companies through this minefield, and have the experience to help you as well.
Crowell lawyers have:
- 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 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 others)
Crowell & Moring Capabilities
Crowell & Moring's International Trade lawyers advise clients on US foreign trade laws that directly affect the international business activities of American corporations. Our attorneys advise clients on these policy-driven laws and regulations, including:
- Antiboycott Act, which make it illegal for companies to comply with non-US 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.
For more information on Crowell & Moring's Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Antiboycott Legislation capabilities, please contact antiboycott@crowell.com.