Best Sanctions & Export Controls Lawyers in Livonia

1. About Sanctions & Export Controls Law in Livonia, United States

In Livonia, United States, sanctions and export controls regulate how goods, technology and services move across borders. Compliance is primarily a federal matter, enforced nationwide, including the Detroit metropolitan area surrounding Livonia. Local ordinances do not create separate export control obligations, but they do interact with federal rules when you conduct business in Livonia.

The core frameworks are sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and export controls managed by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). These rules cover licensing, prohibitions, and penalties for violations that affect U.S. national security and foreign policy goals. Consulting an attorney who understands the nuances of these regimes can prevent costly mistakes.

OFAC describes its role as enforcing economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.

For export controls, BIS explains that the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) govern dual-use and certain military items, while ITAR covers defense articles and services. Violations can lead to civil penalties, criminal penalties, or both, depending on the severity and intent of the conduct. OFAC sanctions information and BIS EAR overview provide current program details and licensing guidance.

Livonia residents and Michigan businesses should recognize that federal immigration or customs agencies rarely override export control requirements. Instead, they work in concert with U.S. courts and regulatory bodies to enforce trade restrictions. This guide highlights practical, jurisdiction-specific considerations for Livonia.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Scenario 1 - A Livonia manufacturer faces a potential OFAC violation. Your company shipped a component that ended up in a sanctioned country through a distributor. You need guidance on self reporting, mitigation steps, and possible penalties. An attorney can assess whether a license exception applies and help with voluntary disclosures.

• Scenario 2 - Deemed exports to foreign nationals on site in Livonia. A Livonia-based software firm hosts foreign workers who access controlled technology. You require a deemed export analysis and licensing plan to avoid unauthorized transfers.

• Scenario 3 - End use and end user checks for a Michigan export. Your shipment includes dual-use equipment that could be used in prohibited ways. You need a licensing strategy and due diligence process to confirm end users.

• Scenario 4 - Inadvertent involvement with a sanctioned entity. A Livonia supplier discovers a contract with an entity on an OFAC sanctions list. You need to unwind the deal and implement screening to prevent future violations.

• Scenario 5 - License application or license exception in jeopardy. A Livonia business requests an export license and faces delays or denials. An attorney can help with administrative strategy and appeal options.

In each scenario, a sanctions and export controls attorney can help with risk assessment, internal audits, government filings, and strategic counseling tailored to Livonia operations. An attorney can also help you implement a compliant export control program and train staff to recognize red flags.

3. Local Laws Overview

Livonia and Michigan do not impose separate export controls on top of federal law. The applicable regimes are the federal IEEPA framework and the EAR/ITAR regimes, with enforcement actions pursued under federal authority. Below are the key federal laws and regulations you should know as a Livonia business or resident dealing with international trade.

• International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) - 50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq. This statute grants the President authority to restrict foreign commerce in times of national emergency and forms the legal basis for most sanctions programs. The act has been in force since 1977 and is complemented by executive orders and OFAC designations. U.S. Code

• Export Administration Regulations (EAR) - 15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774. Administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security, EAR controls dual-use items and several military items. Licenses or license exceptions are required for many exports, reexports, and transfers. BIS EAR overview

• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) - 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130. Administered by the Department of State via the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, ITAR governs defense articles and defense services. DDTC ITAR overview

• Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions - enforcement of sanctions programs under various 31 C.F.R. sections and country designations. OFAC updates lists and program requirements frequently, including for entities and jurisdictions that affect Livonia-based businesses. OFAC programs

Recent trends include ongoing expansion of sanctions programs and tightening of licensing controls for specific regions and technologies. Livonia businesses should routinely review OFAC and BIS notices to stay compliant with evolving rules. The agencies frequently publish updates to sanctioned entities, destinations, and licensing criteria.

OFAC emphasizes that it continually updates sanctions programs to reflect national policy goals.

BIS notes that export controls are continuously refined, including end-use checks and licensing requirements for emerging technologies.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

5. Additional Resources

• Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) - U.S. Department of the Treasury - Administers sanctions programs and country information. Useful for identifying designated entities and prohibited transactions. OFAC official site

• Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) - Export Administration Regulations - Regulates export controls, licensing, and compliance for dual-use items. BIS official site

• Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) - ITAR - Oversees licensing for defense articles and services. DDTC official site

6. Next Steps

1. Step 1 Determine your exposure by listing all items, destinations, and personnel involved in your Livonia operations. Gather product specifications, end-use statements, and current licenses or licenses in process. Complete this within 1-2 weeks.

2. Step 2 Check licensing requirements and sanctions status using BIS, ITAR, and OFAC resources. Create a matrix of items against licensing triggers in 3-5 days.

3. Step 3 Compile a target list of Livonia or Detroit metro area attorneys who specialize in sanctions and export controls. Request references and confirmation of export controls experience. Allow 1-2 weeks for outreach and initial contact.

4. Step 4 Schedule consultations with 2-3 attorneys to discuss case strategy, fees, and timelines. Bring your documentation package and a prepared questions list. Expect meetings within 2-3 weeks.

5. Step 5 Decide on a licensing approach or defense strategy. If licensing is needed, work with counsel to prepare filings and respond to government inquiries. Timeline varies by case but plan 4-12 weeks for initial licensing matters.

6. Step 6 Implement a Livonia export controls compliance program. Include staff training, ongoing screening, and internal audit procedures. A practical program can be built within 4-8 weeks after engagement.

7. Step 7 Establish ongoing monitoring and yearly reviews. Schedule periodic updates to address OFAC and BIS changes. Ongoing effort should be part of your annual compliance calendar.