More Harmonization Needed Across Western Sanctions, Export Controls, Industry Official says

The U.S., the EU and other allied governments need a common “Western Hemisphere approach” to sanctions and export controls, which would make complying with those regulations easier, said Andreas Giger, senior director of trade compliance at German manufacturer KION Group. He said companies are particularly in need of clearer trade rules that either place certain countries off limits or allow for a range of trade instead of complex licensing requirements that can lead to confusion.

“If I'm not allowed to trade with North Korea, fine. I’m not doing it,” Giger said during a summit of European government and industry officials in Washington last week hosted by NielsonSmith. “There are other potential markets that are quite more attractive than North Korea, as an example. But I'd like to get a clear specification.”

Similarly, Giger said the EU should pursue a “common export control legislation,” including a “single view” and a “single point of contact” on license applications, although he said that is likely a longshot in the near term. He said requests for providing additional information with export license applications have “significantly increased” in Europe.