U.S. Commerce Department Expands Export Restrictions on Russia

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) today is further restricting trade with Russia in response to Russia's continued actions supporting separatists in Ukraine.

BIS will institute a policy denying export, reexport or foreign transfer of certain items for use in Russia's energy sector that may be used for exploration or production from deepwater, Arctic offshore, or shale projects that have the potential to produce oil. While these sanctions do not target or interfere with the current supply of energy from Russia or prevent Russian companies from selling oil and gas to any country, they make it difficult for Russia to develop long-term, technically challenging future projects.

In addition to these energy sector restrictions, BIS will add another Russian defense technology company – OJSC United Shipbuilding Corporation – to the Entity List based on a determination it is involved, or poses a significant risk of becoming involved, in activities contrary to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States. Designation on the Entity List imposes a license requirement for the export, reexport or foreign transfer of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations to the designated entities, with a presumption of denial.

Today's actions are being taken in conjunction with an announcement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that it also will impose sanctions on a number of parties.

BIS controls exports and reexports of commodities, technology, and software to support national security and foreign policy , including nuclear , chemical and biological weapons, and missile non-proliferation, human rights, regional stability, and curbing terrorism. Criminal penalties and administrative sanctions can be imposed for violations of the Export Administration Regulations. For more information, please visit www.bis.doc.gov.