Export Enforcement: Risks, Red Flags & Regulatory Response

Description

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) continues to place significant emphasis on enforcement of U.S. export controls, making it critical for companies engaged in international business to understand their obligations under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the consequences of noncompliance. This session will examine the BIS export enforcement environment and help participants recognize where export control risks can arise within everyday business operations. Participants will learn how to identify potential violations and red flags, understand key enforcement considerations, and prepare their organizations to appropriately respond when a compliance concern or BIS inquiry arises. 

Topics will include: 

- Overview of BIS and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 

- Current BIS export enforcement priorities and trends 

- Risks, penalties, and repercussions of EAR violations 

- Recognizing and responding to export compliance red flags 

- Restricted parties, end users, end uses, and destination concerns 

- Deemed export considerations and licensing requirements 

- Identifying potential export control violations 

- Managing an inquiry or outreach from BIS 

- Internal escalation and documentation when a compliance issue is identified 

- Practical steps companies can take to reduce enforcement risk 

Recommended for: Export and trade compliance professionals, legal and contracts teams, customer service personnel, logistics and shipping teams, purchasing and procurement personnel, management, and others involved in international transactions.

Instructor: Tom Cook, Blue Tiger International

Tom is Managing Director of Blue Tiger International (bluetigerintl.com), an international business consultancy advising on supply chain management, trade compliance, purchasing, trade and disruption management, global business and logistics. Tom was former CEO of American River International in NY and Apex Global Logistics Supply Chain Operation in LA. Tom has over 35 years’ experience in assisting companies all over the world manage their import and export operations.  He is a member of the NY District Export Council and serves on the board of directors of the National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC).  Tom is also the Director of the National Institute of World Trade (niwt.org), a 30-year-old educational and training organization, based in NY.  Both Blue Tiger International and the National Institute of World Trade are strategic partners of the Department of Commerce.  Tom has authored over 20 books on global trade, the latest published in January 2026 entitled “Managing and Mitigating the Impact of Tariffs, Pandemics, and Trade Disruptions in the Global Supply Chain.”