As we usher in 2020, now is a good time to do a yearly check on your compliance programs to identify any areas that may be lacking and regulations that may have changed during the previous year.

Training: All employees who are involved in export decision-making should receive yearly training.  Additionally, any new export involved employees should be trained within 90 days of hire and be supervised during their involvement in export activities prior to completion of this training.  Wilmarth & Associates offers comprehensive training in export compliance requirements.

Audit: A review or audit of your company’s export sales and transactions should also be carried out on an annual basis to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Laws and Regulations and with your company’s Export Policies & Procedures. This audit can be completed by a Wilmarth & Associates expert to ensure all aspects of your export compliance are reviewed and are being followed. Alternatively, Wilmarth & Associates can assist you in drafting an audit guide to be used and followed by your company’s Export Control Officer.

Registration: Yearly compliance requirements include State Department registration renewal if your company’s manufactured items or defense services fall under ITAR jurisdiction. An expiration notice will be received by email from DDTC, but you should track the expiration date in case the email is overlooked. Wilmarth & Associates is able to assist you in tracking and renewing your company’s yearly registration requirements.

Licensing: Exporters should also review expiring licenses and apply for renewal/replacement licenses several months prior to expiration to prevent a gap in licensing. A review of licenses and agreements should include a review of any licensing authority required to be replaced or amended due to Export Control Reform. Additionally, new conditions require annual reporting of the immigration and employment status of all foreign nationals under State or Commerce Department licenses.  Wilmarth & Associates is able to track all of your company’s licenses, alert you of expiring licenses, and assist you in license renewal, amendment, or replacement.

Policies & Procedures: Companies should review their Export Policies and Procedures yearly and make any necessary updates in response to changes in regulations, government agency links, or internal company procedures.  It is also a good way to reinforce (along with an audit/review) the requirements included in the Policies and Procedures for export involved employees and confirm that the written procedures are being followed and are understood. Wilmarth & Associates can assist you in in establishing or reviewing your Export Policies and Procedures.

Vendor/Supplier Certifications: Prior to your company’s transfer of controlled technical data, vendors and suppliers should be required to confirm their compliance with ITAR/EAR regulations through a supplier certification letter, which should be received and updated on an annual basis.  Wilmarth & Associates can assist your company in tracking the dates the certifications are signed to ensure new certifications are received annually.