Defence

US State Department Issues IFCA Section 1245(e) Report on Iranian Materials and IRGC-Controlled Sectors

The US State Department has reaffirmed the list of metals and industrial materials subject to sanctions risk under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act for the late 2025 reporting period. While no new materials were added, businesses must maintain rigorous supply chain due diligence for listed metals and alloys to avoid secondary sanctions linked to Iran’s defense and construction sectors.

9 Apr 2026, 17:44federalregister.govUnited States

Bulgaria Consults on Draft Decree Adopting Import-Control Lists for Defence-Related Products and Dual-Use Items

Bulgaria is consulting on updated control lists for defense and dual-use items to align with EU standards, with implementation planned for June 2026. Impacted businesses must re-evaluate product classifications to ensure continued compliance with licensing and registration obligations for cross-border trade.

5 Apr 2026, 18:22strategy.bgBulgaria

Germany (BAFA) Extends General Export Authorisations and Introduces AGG No. 47 for War-Weapon Exports

Germany's BAFA has extended most General Authorisations to March 2027 and introduced a new complementary license (AGG No. 47) for war-weapons-related exports effective April 2026. Exporters must implement new formal sanctions-compliance declarations and adapt to tightened reporting requirements to maintain streamlined access for dual-use and defense goods.

5 Apr 2026, 05:12bafa.deGermany

EU Member States Issue Non-Paper On European Competitiveness Fund Proposal

Ten EU Member States have issued a joint position calling for a streamlined European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) to drive innovation and reduce strategic dependencies through 2034. Businesses should anticipate a shift toward competitive, high-impact funding instruments that prioritize private investment leverage and simplified access for innovative scale-ups and SMEs.

3 Apr 2026, 17:53zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlEuropean UnionAustriaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIrelandLuxembourgNetherlandsSpainSweden

US H.R. 8169: Expedited Consideration of Entity List Changes

US House Bill 8169 proposes to expedite congressional review for modifications to the Entity List, streamlining the process for adding or removing trade-restricted entities. This shift toward faster regulatory action increases the need for dynamic supply chain screening and heightens the risk of sudden disruptions to international trade partnerships.

2 Apr 2026, 17:34congress.govUnited States

Netherlands IPLO Updates Omgevingswet Guidance On Permit Granting, Supervision and Enforcement With National Government

The Dutch government has updated procedural guidance for coordinating permit applications between local and national authorities under the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet). Businesses managing complex industrial or infrastructure projects should prepare for standardized digital collaboration workflows and tighter adherence to the eight-week statutory decision window.

2 Apr 2026, 17:25iplo.nlNetherlands

U.S. Launches "Project Vault" Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve

The U.S. has launched "Project Vault," a $12 billion public-private strategic reserve to secure critical minerals for civilian industrial use. This initiative signals a shift toward state-backed supply chain security, offering manufacturers potential relief from mineral volatility while prioritizing domestic mining and expedited permitting.

1 Apr 2026, 19:13govinfo.govUnited States

UK Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) Changes OIEL Amendment Request Process

The UK ECJU has restricted Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL) amendments to administrative updates, effective March 2026. Substantive changes to goods or destinations now require full new applications, increasing the administrative burden and lead times for expanding export operations.

1 Apr 2026, 18:44gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Coreper II Provisional Agenda for 1 April 2026 Includes Omnibus IX Automotive, Critical Minerals and Cybersecurity Package

The EU Council is advancing key legislative files on April 1, 2026, including the Omnibus IX automotive package, critical minerals supply chain resilience, and a new cybersecurity framework. These developments signal a strategic push for streamlined vehicle technical standards and enhanced supply chain security, requiring cross-functional alignment on product compliance and sourcing.

29 Mar 2026, 19:06data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

France National Assembly Tables Bill No. 2600 On Screening Of Foreign Investments In Strategic Sectors

France introduced Bill No. 2600 in March 2026 to significantly broaden the screening of foreign investments in strategic sectors, including energy, health, and critical raw materials. This proposal signals a shift toward stricter oversight of cross-border M&A, with potential mandates for R&D localization and patent protection to safeguard national economic sovereignty.

29 Mar 2026, 17:52assemblee-nationale.frFrance

Estonia Sends Draft Law On Drone Detection And Countermeasures For Coordination

Estonia has initiated inter-ministerial coordination for a draft law modernizing drone detection and neutralization powers, with entry into force planned for July 2026. Businesses operating critical infrastructure or managing large public events must account for expanded state authority to deploy signal jammers and conduct airspace surveillance.

28 Mar 2026, 20:31eelnoud.valitsus.eeEstonia

US Senate Introduces S.4212 to Prioritise Warfighter Needs Over Buybacks and Executive Pay for DoD Contractors

US Senate Bill S.4212, introduced in March 2026, proposes requiring Department of Defense contractors to prioritize operational needs over share buybacks and executive pay. This signals increasing bipartisan pressure on defense suppliers to align capital allocation with national security priorities, potentially impacting future procurement terms and corporate financial planning.

28 Mar 2026, 20:27congress.govUnited States

US Department of Veterans Affairs Issues Biennial Report on Toxicant Exposure at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2)

The US VA's 2025 biennial report on K2 air base toxicant exposure finds no elevated health risks to date, despite detecting depleted uranium at background levels. These findings provide the scientific baseline for upcoming VA rulemaking that may expand 'presumptive condition' status for veterans exposed to toxic substances.

28 Mar 2026, 09:34govinfo.govUnited States

European Parliament SEDE Amendments on Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Health Emergency Preparedness

The European Parliament is advancing amendments to the Union Civil Protection Mechanism to strengthen CBRN threat response and centralized stockpiling of medical countermeasures. Manufacturers of dual-use equipment and medical supplies should anticipate increased EU-level procurement coordination and potential capacity pre-registration requirements.

28 Mar 2026, 09:33europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

European Commission President Outlines EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement and Security Partnership in Sydney Speech

The EU and Australia have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and a new Security and Defence Partnership to eliminate tariffs and liberalise investment. Companies should anticipate deeper integration of critical raw material value chains and streamlined market access, underpinned by shared environmental and labour standards.

27 Mar 2026, 17:13ec.europa.euEuropean UnionAustralia

UK Updates Sudan Sanctions Statutory Guidance With Regime Summary

The UK government updated its Sudan sanctions guidance in March 2026, providing a consolidated summary of asset freezes, trade prohibitions, and director disqualifications. Companies with financial or trade links to Sudan should review their due diligence processes to ensure compliance with restrictions on military goods and designated entities.

27 Mar 2026, 08:12gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Updates Central African Republic Sanctions Statutory Guidance With Summary of Purposes, Scope and Prohibitions

The UK government updated its Central African Republic sanctions guidance in March 2026 to provide a clearer summary of regime purposes, scope, and prohibitions. Businesses should review this consolidated overview to ensure robust compliance with existing asset freezes and military export restrictions.

27 Mar 2026, 08:11gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Adds Summary of Somalia Sanctions Scope and Prohibitions to Statutory Guidance

The UK government updated its Somalia sanctions guidance in March 2026 to provide a consolidated summary of trade, financial, and maritime prohibitions. While no new obligations are created, the streamlined guidance enhances compliance visibility for exporters of military and dual-use goods to conflict-affected regions.

27 Mar 2026, 08:10gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Updates Statutory Guidance On Iran Nuclear Sanctions Regime

The UK government updated statutory guidance for the Iran nuclear sanctions regime in March 2026, clarifying prohibitions on trade, finance, and technical services. Businesses must ensure rigorous supply chain screening for restricted materials, including graphite and uranium, to mitigate criminal liability and civil enforcement risks.

27 Mar 2026, 08:08gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Updates Lebanon Sanctions Statutory Guidance Summary

The UK government updated its Lebanon sanctions guidance in March 2026 to clarify the scope of trade prohibitions on military goods and technology. While the underlying legal obligations remain unchanged, businesses must ensure their trade compliance and reporting frameworks account for these specific military-related restrictions.

27 Mar 2026, 08:08gov.ukUnited Kingdom