Export.gov has announced that registration is available for a number of upcoming export-based webinars to be held in 2012. General topics such as free trade agreements, export credit and financing, export documentation, and avoiding customs penalties on export shipments will be covered, as well as target products for select export markets such as biocides in the European Union and aerospace and defense in Turkey.

On March 6, 2012, the Office of Foreign Assets Control announced one change to its "Specially Designated Nationals" list. SDNs are (i) individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries or (ii) individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not country-specific. The assets of listed SDNs are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them.

The Bureau of Industry and Security has submitted two proposed rules to the Office of Management and Budget for approval that would revise the Commodity Control List for (1) auxiliary and miscellaneous items, and (2) protective personnel equipment, shelters, and related items, that would no longer be controlled on the U.S. Munitions List (USML). (Submitted 03/09/12)

The State Department has submitted two proposed rules to the Office of Management and Budget for approval that would amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations for U.S. Munitions List (USML) Categories X (Protective Personnel Equipment) and XIII (Auxiliary Military Equipment). (Submitted 03/09/12)

Export.gov has announced the following series of trade missions that are scheduled for March through December 2012:

The Census Bureau has issued AES Broadcast #2012019 as part of a new series of monthly educational broadcast messages on the Automated Export System. This month, Census is highlighting enhancements to AES edits on Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) licensed exports. Effective April 11, 2012, additional AES edits will be placed on Electronic Export Information (EEI) reported under AES License Codes C30 (BIS Licenses), C31 (BIS Special Comprehensive Licenses) and C51 (BIS License Exception Agricultural Commodities AGR) to improve statistics on licensed exports and prevent inadvertent errors.

On March 7, 2012, the Office of Foreign Assets Control added one individual to its "Specially Designated Nationals" list. SDNs are (i) individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries or (ii) individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not country-specific. The assets of listed SDNs are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has announced a series of "reverse" trade missions to the U.S. and worldwide conferences and workshops which link U.S. businesses with foreign buyers.

The Bureau of Industry and Security has updated its commodity classification webpage to include information received from an additional five companies (for a total of 58) that have requested that the information available on their companies’ websites, and/or their companies’ export control points of contact, be accessible via the BIS website.

The Bureau of Industry and Security has posted an updated schedule for its export control and compliance training outreach efforts. BIS states its training seminars provide the opportunity to learn firsthand from experienced U.S. Government officials about export control policies, regulations and procedures.