Sanctions & enforcement — shadow fleets + SMIC/DPRK + Supermicro/$252M smuggling + drone bans
Key Questions
What waivers have been issued for Iran and Russia oil?
The US granted waivers allowing 3.55M barrels/day of Iran/Russia oil, involving shadow fleet and OFAC scrutiny. UK seized Russian tankers. These measures balance enforcement with energy needs.
What is the US policy on foreign drones like DJI?
The US banned DJI drones and FCC router bans target security risks from China. China jails drone hobbyists under strict laws. These actions ramp up enforcement on foreign tech.
What enforcement actions target SMIC and DPRK?
OFAC listed DPRK for AI activities, and SMIC supplied Iran. Supermicro faces charges for $2.5B Nvidia dealings and $170M GPU smuggling. Lists shrank on March 18 amid ramps in compliance.
What are the gaps in chip smuggling enforcement?
Chip smuggling persists via routes like Hong Kong, with Supermicro cases exposing vulnerabilities. Russia sources semis despite bans, prompting export penalties. Startups need compliance tools to navigate risks.
How is AI technology export enforcement evolving?
Enforcement signals for AI tech exports are intensifying, per Alvarez & Marsal insights. Monthly sanctions reports highlight shadow fleets and delistings. Companies must monitor to avoid violations.
Supermicro $2.5B Nvidia smuggling +$252M BIS SK sub penalty, RASA cloud bill; US Iran/RU waivers (3.55M b/d), UK Russia tankers, FCC routers/DJI bans, OFAC DPRK AI, SMIC Iran; lists shrink Mar18. Enforcement ramps compliance tools for startups.