Terrorism Designation Removed From Sudan

The State Department issued a notice Dec. 17 officially rescinding Sudan’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism (see 2010230022), which is expected to loosen certain export restrictions against the country under the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Administration Regulations. Sudan likely will no longer be subject to antiterrorism controls under the EAR and will be allowed to import a range of U.S. commercial goods, including electronics and software, according to a Dec. 14 post by Wiley Rein lawyers. Those trade restrictions have not yet been lifted, but the process should start soon, according to a Dec. 16 post by Akin Gump. The law firm urged companies to continue to be “diligent” and asses which remaining federal and state restrictions, including state level divestment sanctions regarding Sudan, as well as contractual or other relevant restrictions regarding Sudan still in place, may affect new business opportunities.”