2021 Compliance Risk Index Released Today

/ GCSG/

GCSG releases third annual Compliance Risk Index (CRI)

The CRI provides business, compliance, and risk professionals with an easy to understand overall risk score and rating, at the country-level, based on assessing five risk domains

PRAIRIEVILLE, LA., August 15, 2022 – The 2021 Compliance Risk Index (CRI) was released today by Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG). The 2021 CRI is the third publication of the index. The CRI measures compliance risk in more than 200 countries and territories.  It provides the reader with a calculated overall composite risk score and assigns a composite risk rating across five domains (Governance and Regulatory, Bribery and Corruption, Trade, Financial, and Data Privacy) and a risk score and rating within each domain for each country.    

The domains are assessed using 26 publicly available data sources such as the World Bank, World Economic Forum, and the Heritage Foundation.  Based on our analysis and algorithms the information is processed and a score and rating is assigned.     

“With today’s fast-paced compliance and risk environment and the recent trade wars and global pandemic companies are looking to diversify their supply chains and reduce their compliance risk.”  said Jonathan Mellard, Founder, GCSG.

The CRI is a tool for business, compliance and risk professionals to assist with understanding their potential compliance risk in their ongoing operations and with their M&A activity. 

“Our compliance risk index provides the users access to our knowledge and experience without having to formally engage us.  And then, as needed we can provide direct client support with our international advisory, audit and due diligence services,” added Mellard. 

Access the 2021 Compliance Risk Index: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/compliance-risk-index

** *** **

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG)

GCSG is headquartered in Louisiana, USA. We guide and partner with our clients to reduce their compliance risk and help protect their bottom line and reputation. We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Data Privacy, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance.

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

CISA Issues a Fact-Sheet: Protecting Personal Information from Ransomware-Caused Data Breach

/ GCSG/

The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently released a fact sheet to assist government and private sector organizations with protecting sensitive and personal information from a ransomware-caused data breach.

Summary

“All organizations are at risk of falling victim to a ransomware incident and are responsible for protecting sensitive and personal data stored on their systems...CISA encourages organizations to adopt a heightened state of awareness and implement the recommendations below.” (3)

  • Preventing Ransomware Attacks

    • Maintain offline, encrypted backups of data and regularly test your backups.

    • Create, maintain, and exercise a basic cyber incident response plan, resiliency plan, and associated communications plan.

    • Mitigate internet-facing vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.

    • Reduce the risk of phishing emails.

    • Practice good cyber hygiene.

  • Protecting Sensitive and Personal Information

    • Know what personal and sensitive information is stored on your systems and who has access to it.

    • Implement physical security best practices.

    • Implement cybersecurity best practices.

    • Ensure your cyber incident response and communications plans include response and notification procedures for data breach incidents.

  • Responding to Ransomware-Caused Data Breaches

    • Secure network operations and stop additional data loss.

    • If no initial mitigation actions appear possible, take a system image and memory capture of a sample of affected devices.

    • Follow notification requirements as outlined in your cyber incident response plan.

More details are provided in the CISA fact-sheet(3). For additional information and guidance beyond the CISA fact-sheet, refer to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) web page titled “Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business”(4).

References

  1. CISA: “Home Page”

  2. CISA: “Protecting Sensitive and Personal Information from Ransomware-Caused Data Breach” - Web Page

  3. CISA: “Protecting Sensitive and Personal Information from Ransomware-Caused Data Breaches” - Fact Sheet (pdf)

  4. FTC: “Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business” - Web Page

Germany's New Corporate Supply Chain Due Diligence Law

/ GCSG/

On Friday, June 11, 2021 the German Bundestag passed a law that requires companies to report on human rights and environmental abuses in their direct supply chains. The law affects companies with their head office in Germany as well as subsidiaries of multinationals that are based in Germany. It becomes effective in the following phases:

  • 2023 for companies with 3,000 or more employees

  • 2024 for companies with 1,000-2,999 employees

To learn more click here for a pdf of recent seminar slides on this topic by King & Wood Mallesons Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH.

2020 Compliance Risk Index Released Today

/ GCSG/

GCSG releases second annual Compliance Risk Index (CRI)

The CRI provides business, compliance, and risk professionals with an easy to understand overall risk score and rating, at the country-level, based on assessing five risk domains

PRAIRIEVILLE, LA., April 26, 2021 – The 2020 Compliance Risk Index (CRI) was released today by Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG). The 2020 CRI is the second publication of the index. The CRI measures compliance risk in more than 200 countries and territories.  It provides the reader with a calculated overall composite risk score and assigns a composite risk rating across five domains (Governance and Regulatory, Bribery and Corruption, Trade, Financial, and Data Privacy) and a risk score and rating within each domain for each country.    

The domains are assessed using 26 publicly available data sources such as the World Bank, World Economic Forum, and the Heritage Foundation.  Based on our analysis and algorithms the information is processed and a score and rating is assigned.     

“With today’s fast-paced compliance and risk environment and the recent trade wars and global pandemic companies are looking to diversify their supply chains and reduce their compliance risk.”  said Jonathan Mellard, Founder, GCSG.

The CRI is a tool for business, compliance and risk professionals to assist with understanding their potential compliance risk in their ongoing operations and with their M&A activity. 

“Our compliance risk index provides the users access to our knowledge and experience without having to formally engage us.  And then, as needed we can provide direct client support with our international advisory, audit and due diligence services,” added Mellard. 

Access the 2020 Compliance Risk Index: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/compliance-risk-index

** *** **

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG)

GCSG is headquartered in Louisiana, USA. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Data Privacy, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance.

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

GCSG Marks 5th Year in Business

/ GCSG/

Press Release

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG) marks fifth anniversary

GCSG celebrates growth and impact in its fifth year  

PRAIRIEVILLE, Louisiana, March 1, 2021 – GCSG, an advisory, audit and due diligence firm focused on helping companies manage compliance risk and protect their reputation, marks our fifth anniversary today.  Five years after our launch, GCSG continues to deliver innovative solutions to our growing client base across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Our expertise focuses on the often overlapping compliance risks involving trade compliance, anti-bribery and corruption, fraud, data privacy, and third party risk management.  Our core values of integrity, service, and accountability matched with common sense solutions help our clients reduce risk, stay compliant, protect their reputation, and facilitate efficient sales and trade.     

“Year five is a transition milestone for any company.  We’d like to take a moment to thank every client, vendor, partner, employee, and sub-contractor who has been on this journey with us. Every one of them has contributed to our success. We wouldn’t have reached this milestone and achieved as much without them.” says Jonathan Mellard, Founder, GCSG.

Over the years, we’ve passed a lot of promising milestones and we’ve launched several new products and services, including but not limited to the following:

  • Increased our global client base 20x;

  • Helped build and improve compliance programs in the US, Europe, and Asia;

  • Conducted risk assessments, audits, and investigations in the US, Europe, and Asia;

  • Launched our third-party due diligence reports, a global compliance risk index, country specific risk profiles; and

  • Expanded key network partnerships in Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

“As we continue our growth into the future we look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional value to our clients as we remain committed to our core values of integrity, a service mindset, and being accountable to our clients and our profession,” added Mellard. 

 ** *** **

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG)

GCSG is headquartered in Louisiana, USA. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Data Privacy, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance.

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Follow us online:

·         Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/globalcompliancesg

·         LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-compliance-solutions-group-llc

Signup for our monthly global compliance news update email: http://eepurl.com/crXHmL

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

Happy New Year 2021 from GCSG!

/ GCSG/

The GCSG team wishes you a Happy New Year!  We extend our best wishes to you for a 2021 full of health as well as personal and professional success.

   We owe our success in 2020 to our clients and partners and we are very grateful to you for partnering with GCSG.  We look forward to continuing our successful partnership in 2021!   

   For our clients and vendors make sure to take advantage of our offer, through January 30th, to make a special corporate donation on your behalf to one of the charities listed below.  Send a contact form with just the name of one of the two charities listed below in the subject or body of the form and we will make a donation to the charity you've chosen.   

Happy New Years,

GCSG Team

** *** **

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG)

GCSG is headquartered in Louisiana, USA. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance.

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Follow us online:

·         Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/globalcompliancesg

·         Twitter – https://twitter.com/GCSGLLC

·         LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-compliance-solutions-group-llc

Signup for our monthly global compliance news update email: http://eepurl.com/crXHmL

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

Merry Christmas from GCSG!

/ GCSG/

The GCSG team wishes you and yours a happy and safe Christmas holiday season.  We extend our best wishes for a New Year full of promise and success.  

   From now through the last week in January 2021, GCSG will make a special corporate donation on behalf of our clients and other business partners.  We'd like to invite our clients and vendors to choose one of the charities listed below to receive a donation. 

   Send a contact form with just the name of one of the three charities listed below in the subject or body of the form and we will make a donation to the charity you've chosen.   

   This holiday season we are grateful to you for partnering with GCSG, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership in 2021. 

Merry Christmas,

The GCSG Services Team

** *** **

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG)

GCSG is headquartered in Louisiana, USA. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance.

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Follow us online:

·         Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/globalcompliancesg

·         Twitter – https://twitter.com/GCSGLLC

·         LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-compliance-solutions-group-llc

Signup for our monthly global compliance news update email: http://eepurl.com/crXHmL

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

Happy Thanksgiving from GCSG!

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

Happy Thanksgiving from GCSG!

GCSG wishes you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for all our clients and vendors and for the many successes we have achieved together this past year!

We are always here to guide and partner with our clients to reduce compliance risk and help protect their bottom line and reputation.  We strive to exceed our clients expectations by providing high quality compliance products and services while staying true to our core values of integrity, service and accountability.

Kindest regards,

GCSG Services Team

** *** **

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG) is headquartered in Louisiana, USA. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance.

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Follow us online:

·         Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/globalcompliancesg

·         Twitter – https://twitter.com/GCSGLLC

·         LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-compliance-solutions-group-llc

Signup for our monthly global compliance news update email: http://eepurl.com/crXHmL

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

BIS final rule expands end use/user and licensing in Russia, China, Venezuela

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

On April 28, 2020 the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)(1) published a final rule (the “Rule”)(2) that amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to expand license requirements on exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of items intended for military end use or military end users in the People’s Republic of China (China), Russia, or Venezuela.

Summary

The Rule:

  • Expands the licensing requirements for China to include “military end users,” in addition to “military end use”;

  • Broadens the list of items for which the licensing requirements and review policy apply;

  • Expands the definition of “military end use"(4);

  • Creates a new reason for control and the associated review policy for regional stability for certain items exported to China, Russia, or Venezuela; and

  • Adds Electronic Export Information (EEI)(5) filing requirements in the Automated Export System (AES)(6) for exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela.

Details

The Rule expands license requirements for exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of items intended for military end use or military end users in China, Russia, or Venezuela by expanding the requirement in 744.21(7) of the EAR to include military end users in China. “This expansion will require increased diligence with respect to the evaluation of end users in China, particularly in view of China’s widespread civil-military integration.(2)”

In addition, the Rule adds items to the list of those subject to license requirements in 744.21 subject to the military end-use and end-user license requirements in Supplement No. 2 to part 744.(8) The Rule adds the following ECCNs in the categories of materials processing, electronics, telecommunications, information security, sensors and lasers, and propulsion: 2A290, 2A291, 2B999, 2D290, 3A991, 3A992, 3A999, 3B991, 3B992, 3C992, 3D991, 5B991, 5A992, 5D992, 6A991, 6A996, and 9B990. Additionally, the Rule expands the range of items under ECCNs 3A992, 8A992, and 9A991 included in Supplement No. 2 to part 744.

The Rule adopts a license review policy of presumption of denial in 744.21(e).(7) The Rule broadens the definition of “military end use”(4) by identifying each element of the definition of “use” so that any one of the six elements standing alone, is sufficient.

In addition, the Rule relocates the existing license requirements for items described in a.y paragraph of a 9x515 or “600 series” ECCN to China, Russia, or Venezuela from 744.21 to the license requirements sections of the relevant ECCNs on the Commerce Control List (CCL)(9).

Finally, the Rule expands EEI filing requirements for exports to China, Russia, or Venezuela. The Rule revises 758.1(10) of the EAR to require filing for items destined to China, Russia, or Venezuela regardless of the value of the shipment, unless the shipment is eligible for License Exception GOV. Even if no license is required to ship an item to those destinations, the EEI filing must include the correct ECCN regardless of reason for control. Some exceptions from filing found in 758.1(c) are retained.

Background

  • On June 19, 2007, BIS published license requirements of certain items intended for military end use in China.(11)

  • On September 17, 2014, BIS expanded the license requirements to include military end uses and end users in Russia.(12)

  • On November 7, 2014, BIS expanded these license requirements to include military end uses and end users in Venezuela.(13)

The Rule is effective June 29, 2020.

Contact the professionals at GCSG for more information on this development.

References

  1. Bureau of Industry and Security: “Home Page”

  2. Federal Register: “85 FR 23459-23470” - 4/28/2020. Corrections published 6/3/2020 to include each revised ECCN in full (whereas the 4/28/20 publication only published the revised portions of each ECCN.(3)

  3. Federal Register: “85 FR 34306-34323” - 6/3/2020

  4. Military end use: “The EAR’s current definition of military end use refers both to direct use (for parts, components or subsystems of weapons and other defense articles) and indirect use (weapon design and development, testing, repair and maintenance). This rule broadens the definition of military end use beyond any item for the ‘‘use,’’ ‘‘development,’’ or ‘‘production’’ to include any item that supports or contributes to the operation, installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul, refurbishing, ‘‘development,’’ or ‘‘production,’’ of military items.”(2) See 744.21(f) for the definition of “military end use”.(7)

  5. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Basic Import Export: “EEI” - 1/15/2014

  6. U.S. Census Bureau: “AES” - 2020

  7. eCFR: “15 CFR 744.21”

  8. eCFR: “Supplement No. 2 to part 744”

  9. BIS: “CCL”

  10. eCFR: “15 CFR 758.1”

  11. Federal Register: “72 FR 33646-33662” - 6/19/2007

  12. Federal Register: “79 FR 55608-55615” - 9/17/2014

  13. Federal Register: “79 FR 66288-66290” - 11/7/2014

BIS amends EAR to implement Australia Group decisions

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

On June 17, 2020 the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)(1) published a final rule(2) that updates the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement decisions made at the February 2020 Australia Group(3) meeting. The rule amends Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) 1C350, 1C351 and 2B352 on the Commerce Control List (CCL) by:

  • Adding twenty-four (24) precursor chemicals, as well as mixtures in which at least one of these chemicals constitutes 30% or more of the weight of the mixture to ECCN 1C350.d;

  • Amending ECCN 1C351 by adding Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-related coronavirus); and

  • Amending ECCN 2B352 by adding a technical note to indicate that cultivation chamber holding devices controlled in 2B352.b.2.b include single-use cultivation chambers with rigid walls.

The following twenty-four (24) precursor chemicals are now controlled under ECCN 1C350:

  • (C.A.S. #589–57–1) Diethyl chlorophosphite;

  • (C.A.S. #762–77–6) Ethyl chlorofluorophosphate;

  • (C.A.S. #1498–51–7) Ethyl dichlorophosphate;

  • (C.A.S. #460–52–6) Ethyl difluorophosphate;

  • (C.A.S. #754–01–8) Methyl chlorofluorophosphate;

  • (C.A.S. #677–24–7) Methyl dichlorophosphate;

  • (C.A.S. #22382–13–4) Methyl difluorophosphate;

  • (C.A.S. #14277–06–6) N,NDiethylacetamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #53510–30–8) N,NDiethylbutanamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #90324–67–7) N,NDiethylformamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #1342789–47–2) N,NDiethylisobutanamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #84764–73–8) N,NDiethylpropanamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #1315467–17–4) N,NDiisopropylbutanamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #857522–08–8) N,NDiisopropylformamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #2909–14–0) N,NDimethylacetamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #1340437–35–5) N,NDimethylbutanamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #44205–42–7) N,NDimethylformamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #321881–25–8) N,NDimethylisobutanamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #56776–14–8) N,NDimethylpropanamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #1339586–99–0) N,NDipropylacetamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #1342422–35–8) N,NDipropylbutanamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #48044–20–8) N,NDipropylformamidine;

  • (C.A.S. #1342700–45–1) N,NDipropylisobutanamidine; and

  • (C.A.S. #1341496–89–6) N,NDipropylpropanamidine.

Note: Mixtures in which at least one of the chemicals listed in ECCN 1C350.d constitutes 30% or more of the weight of the mixture are also controlled under this ECCN.

Contact the professionals at GCSG for more information on this development.

References

  1. Bureau of Industry and Security: “Home Page”

  2. Federal Register: “85 FR 36483-36492” - June 17, 2020

  3. Australia Group: “Home Page”

GCSG Issues Philippines Compliance Profile

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG) issues Philippines country compliance risk profile

GCSG distributes Philippines, our eighth country compliance risk profile – our risk profiles provide business, compliance, and risk professionals with a snapshot of relevant governance, trade compliance, anti-bribery and corruption, and data privacy risks

PRAIRIEVILLE, LA – GCSG, a professional compliance management consulting company, today issues the Philippines our eighth country compliance risk profile.  The risk profiles are intended for business, compliance and risk professionals concerned with governance, trade compliance, anti-bribery and corruption compliance, and data privacy risks in countries in which they do business. 

Each risk profile is designed to provide a snapshot of a targeted set of compliance risks within each country to assist the user with understanding the risks in that country as they look to diversify their supply chains, acquire a new business, or improve their knowledge of a country they currently operate within. 

“We are excited to build on our client focused services with the launch of our free country compliance risk profiles because we believe they will bring value to the user,” said Jonathan Mellard, Founder, GCSG. 

Each risk profile provides a concise view of relevant legislation, risks, and the current environment.  Every risk profile incorporates a risk ranking for each category and for the country overall.  The risk ranking is determined using our Compliance Risk Index (CRI), a tool that analyzes a combination of publicly available factors and then calculates and assigns a score for potential risk at the country level.   

Our first seven profiles were Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, India, and Turkey. Interested parties should periodically check our country risk profiles web page as we continue, over time, to add more profiles.

Access the Philippines risk profile: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/s/Philippines-Country-Risk-Profile_2020.pdf

Access all of our country risk profiles: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/country-risk-profiles

** *** **

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG) is headquartered in Louisiana, USA.  We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. 

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Follow us online:

·         Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/globalcompliancesg

·         Twitter – https://twitter.com/GCSGLLC

·         LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-compliance-solutions-group-llc

Signup for our monthly global compliance news update email: http://eepurl.com/crXHmL

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

GCSG Issues Turkey Compliance Risk Profile

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG) issues Turkey country compliance risk profile

GCSG distributes Turkey, our seventh country compliance risk profile – our risk profiles provide business, compliance, and risk professionals with a snapshot of relevant governance, trade compliance, anti-bribery and corruption, and data privacy risks

PRAIRIEVILLE, LA – GCSG, a professional compliance management consulting company, today issues Turkey our seventh country compliance risk profile.  The risk profiles are intended for business, compliance and risk professionals concerned with governance, trade compliance, anti-bribery and corruption compliance, and data privacy risks in countries in which they do business. 

Each risk profile is designed to provide a snapshot of a targeted set of compliance risks within each country to assist the user with understanding the risks in that country as they look to diversify their supply chains, acquire a new business, or improve their knowledge of a country they currently operate within. 

“We are excited to build on our client focused services with the launch of our free country compliance risk profiles because we believe they will bring value to the user,” said Jonathan Mellard, Founder, GCSG. 

Each risk profile provides a concise view of relevant legislation, risks, and the current environment.  Every risk profile incorporates a risk ranking for each category and for the country overall.  The risk ranking is determined using our Compliance Risk Index (CRI), a tool that analyzes a combination of publicly available factors and then calculates and assigns a score for potential risk at the country level.   

Our first six profiles were Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and India. Interested parties should periodically check our country risk profiles web page as we continue, over time, to add more profiles.

Access the Turkey risk profile: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/s/Turkey-Country-Risk-Profile_2020-zmkm.pdf

Access all of our country risk profiles: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/country-risk-profiles

** *** **

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG) is headquartered in Louisiana, USA.  We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. 

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Follow us online:

·         Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/globalcompliancesg

·         Twitter – https://twitter.com/GCSGLLC

·         LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-compliance-solutions-group-llc

Signup for our monthly global compliance news update email: http://eepurl.com/crXHmL

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

GCSG Issues India Compliance Risk Profile

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG) issues India country compliance risk profile

GCSG distributes India, our sixth country compliance risk profile – our risk profiles provide business, compliance, and risk professionals with a snapshot of relevant governance, trade compliance, anti-bribery and corruption, and data privacy risks

PRAIRIEVILLE, LA – GCSG, a professional compliance management consulting company, today issues India our sixth country compliance risk profile.  The risk profiles are intended for business, compliance and risk professionals concerned with governance, trade compliance, anti-bribery and corruption compliance, and data privacy risks in countries in which they do business. 

Each risk profile is designed to provide a snapshot of a targeted set of compliance risks within each country to assist the user with understanding the risks in that country as they look to diversify their supply chains, acquire a new business, or improve their knowledge of a country they currently operate within. 

“We are excited to build on our client focused services with the launch of our free country compliance risk profiles because we believe they will bring value to the user,” said Jonathan Mellard, Founder, GCSG. 

Each risk profile provides a concise view of relevant legislation, risks, and the current environment.  Every risk profile incorporates a risk ranking for each category and for the country overall.  The risk ranking is determined using our Compliance Risk Index (CRI), a tool that analyzes a combination of publicly available factors and then calculates and assigns a score for potential risk at the country level.   

Our first five profiles were Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and China. Interested parties should periodically check our country risk profiles web page as we continue, over time, to add more profiles.

Access the India risk profile: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/s/India-Country-Risk-Profile.pdf

Access all of our country risk profiles: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/country-risk-profiles

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Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC

Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG) is headquartered in Louisiana, USA.  We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. 

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Follow us online:

·         Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/globalcompliancesg

·         Twitter – https://twitter.com/GCSGLLC

·         LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-compliance-solutions-group-llc

Signup for our monthly global compliance news update email: http://eepurl.com/crXHmL

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

BIS amending EAR to expand license requirements for military end users and uses

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

The Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)(1). The rule will:

  • Expand the licensing requirements for China to now include “military end users”, in addition to those intended for “military end use”.

  • Broaden the items for which the licensing requirements and review policy apply.

  • Expand the definition of “military end use”.

  • Create a new reason for control and associated review policy for regional stability for certain items to China, Russia, or Venezuela; and

  • Add Electronic Export Information filing requirements in the Automated Export System (AES) for exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela.

Contact us to learn more.

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

DDTC Revises FAQs regarding US Persons abroad

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

On April 6, 2020 the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) issued updated FAQs regarding US persons abroad and requests for authorization to provide defense services. The FAQs and published responses state:

  1. Q: “If I request authorization for defense services that describe my current employment, do I need to cease the activities that constitute defense services until I receive authorization from DDTC?”

    A: “An applicant may proceed with the described activities on a provisional basis unless otherwise notified by DDTC.  U.S. persons who believe they may have been furnishing defense services without authorization and request authorization for current or future defense services may disclose their activities as part of their request for authorization in lieu of submitting a separate voluntary disclosure to DTCC. Such disclosures will be treated as voluntary disclosures pursuant to ITAR § 127.12 and should contain the information requested in § 127.12(c)(2).”

  2. Q: “Will DDTC provide a “safe harbor” period for US persons who request authorization for defense services they are currently performing without a license?”

    A: “DDTC encourages regulated persons to obtain all required authorizations for their activities, given the U.S. national security and foreign policy reasons for which defense services are regulated. U.S. persons who believe they may have been furnishing defense services without authorization, and request authorization for current or future defense services, may disclose their activities in conjunction with their request for authorization. Such disclosures will be treated as voluntary disclosures pursuant to ITAR § 127.12 and should contain the information requested in § 127.12(c)(2). To the extent that DDTC learns of the prior unauthorized furnishing of defense services in a disclosure, the facts will be reviewed subject to the totality of the facts and circumstances. DTCC will consider the non-adoption of the 2015 proposed rule, as well as the recent promulgation of this FAQ guidance and good faith efforts by an applicant to comply with the ITAR.”

Contact us to learn more.

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

References

  1. DDTC - Licensing FAQs 1 - 04/06/2020.

  2. DDTC - Licensing FAQs 2 - 04/06/2020.

GCSG: Our Commitment Remains - We are Here to Help

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

COVID-19: Our commitment remains - we are here for our clients during and after the crisis to partner with you to reduce risk and protect your business

GCSG hopes you and your families are safe and we wish the very best for you, your families, and your business during these challenging times. It’s been an unbelievable last few weeks as we all face personal and professional challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic. Amid these stressful times we remain dedicated to our clients and committed to our mission to reduce your risk and protect your business with integrity, accountability, and a service mind-set.

We are committed to:

  • Prioritizing your needs. While you prioritize your businesses urgent issues we are available, whenever needed, to assist you in the capacity you need to best reduce your burden and help manage your risks.

  • Remaining open for business. GCSG has always emphasized remote work for our personnel. As a result we are well-suited to ensure no business disruption will occur for the products and services we provide our clients.

  • Keeping our clients informed. We remain dedicated to keeping you informed about key import and export (trade) compliance, anti-bribery and corruption, fraud, data privacy, anti-trust, and governance issues during this fast moving environment. Sign up for our monthly global compliance updates newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/crXHmL

  • Flexible payment terms. GCSG is proud to be a high-quality compliance management firm that also happens to be cost-efficient. Our remote work arrangements help us maintain this efficiency. As your businesses cut back on cost during the crisis we will be flexible in our payment terms to help you meet your goals during a tight spending environment.

We bring additional value during times of supply chain and manufacturing disruptions by:

  • Leaning on our own unique experiences. GCSG personnel have extensive experience:

    • Managing risk during a crisis both in an in-house capacity working for global manufacturing companies as well as in our current capacity as management consultants;

    • Advising on the best approach to alleviate a compliance issue during a crisis;

    • Prioritizing compliance risks in a lean environment;

    • Auditing and conducting investigations during high-stress periods for a business and location; and

    • Conducting M&A and third-party due diligence under tight deadlines while helping our clients make wise decisions on new acquisitions and third-party partnerships in a fluid environment.

  • Leveraging our large global network. GCSG has established relationships with well over 100 global firms and independent contractors specialized in legal, compliance, privacy, and due diligence matters that provide us and our clients with access to real-time on-the-ground knowledge and support in many jurisdictions around the world.

Just as each mornings rising sun brings hope we’ll make it through this uncertain environment—as we live out the values of integrity and service.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Mellard, Founder

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Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

W www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

GCSG Celebrates International Women's Day 2020

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

GCSG will raise awareness and take action for equality as we celebrate International Women's Day 2020

Today, March 8 GCSG celebrates a global day set aside to recognize Women's achievements

PRAIRIEVILLE, Louisiana, March 8, 2020 – GCSG, a professional compliance management consulting company focused on helping companies manage compliance risk in their business, celebrates International Women's Day.

"Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women’s Day successful. So make International Women’s Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women."(1)

GCSG celebrate’s women’s achievements and commits to raise awareness against bias and to manage our business in a way that take’s action for equality.

For more information: (1) https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

#EachforEqual

#IWD2020

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Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC (GCSG)

GCSG is headquartered in Louisiana, USA.  We provide international Advisory, Audit, and Due Diligence products and services wherever our global clients are located across a range of industries in the areas of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Import, Export, and Customs Compliance, Drug Precursor, and Distilled Spirits Plant Compliance. We reduce risk and help protect our client’s business by guiding and partnering with them to solve challenging compliance issues. 

For more information about GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/about-us

Contact

E   info@globalcompliancesg.com

Follow us online:

·         Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/globalcompliancesg

·         Twitter – https://twitter.com/GCSGLLC

·         LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-compliance-solutions-group-llc

European Parliament approves EU-Vietnam trade agreement

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

On February 12, 2020 the European Parliament approved the EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements (the “Agreement”).(1) The Agreement is set to enter into force in 2020 after Vietnam completes their ratification process. It is expected that the Vietnamese National Assembly will ratify the Agreement in the summer of 2020. All EU Member States must also ratify the Agreement.

Once fully implemented the Agreement will eliminate most tariffs on goods traded between EU member states and Vietnam. The Agreement represents the most comprehensive trade agreement between the EU and a developing nation. Vietnam’s developing nation status was taken into consideration and is why they were given a longer period of 10-years to eliminate duties related to many products. Some key points for the Agreement(2) include:

  • EU pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and machinery will have free import conditions into Vietnam as of entry into force;

  • The Agreement contains provisions addressing non-tariff barriers in the automotive sector; and

  • EU companies will be able to participate on an equal footing with Vietnamese companies in bids for government authorities and state-owned enterprises.

For more information:

  • Visit the European Commission’s EU-Vietnam trade agreement web page(3) at: https://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/eu-vietnam-agreement/

  • Contact the professionals at GCSG: http://www.globalcompliancesg.com/contact

References

  1. European Commission - Press corner: “Commission welcomes European Parliament’s approval of EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements” - 12 February 2020

  2. European Commission - “EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements” text

  3. European Commission - “EU-Vietnam Agreement” web page

US Treasury Publishes List of Countries Requiring Boycott Cooperation

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

On February 10, 2020 the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) published the current list of countries requiring cooperation with an international boycott.(1) On the basis of the best information currently available to Treasury they listed the following countries as requiring or potentially requiring participation in, or cooperation(2) with an international boycott:

  • Iraq

  • Kuwait

  • Lebanon

  • Libya

  • Qatar

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Syria

  • United Arab Emirates

  • Yemen

References

  1. Department of the Treasury, Office of the Secretary Federal Register publication - 85 FR 7618

  2. Participation and cooperation are defined in section 999(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Source: FindLaw - 26 U.S.C. 999

US CBP 2020 Trade Symposium Registration Now Open

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 2020 Trade Symposium registration is now open. The Trade Symposium will be held in Anaheim, California on March 10-11 at the Hilton Anaheim.

Key Details

  • The focus will be on International Trade Organizations, Inter-agency Collaboration, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

  • The registration fee is $210 USD.

  • Registration closes on Monday, February 10 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

  • Cancellations must be received in writing on or before February 21 for a full refund.

  • CBP has a hotel room block for $169.

  • Host hotel is the Hilton, Anaheim.