U.S. university settles export control violations related to genetically modified fruit flies

Export control violations involving unauthorized export without necessary licenses

Export control violations involving unauthorized export without necessary licenses

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce on June 24, 2024, announced a settlement with a university in the United States concerning alleged export control violations involving the unauthorized export of genetically modified fruit flies to various international research institutions without the necessary licenses. These fruit flies were modified to produce a subunit of a controlled toxin, specifically the ricin A sequences.

The settlement, which resulted from the university’s voluntary disclosure and cooperation with the BIS investigation, includes a non-monetary resolution due to the university's proactive engagement and remedial actions post-discovery. As part of the agreement, the university admitted to the 42 alleged violations and is required to implement additional export compliance training and deliver presentations on the matter to relevant communities.

Read the BIS release (June 24, 2024)

 

For more information, contact a professional with KPMG Trade & Customs services:

Doug Zuvich
Partner and Global Practice Leader
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John L. McLoughlin
Principal and East Coast Leader
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Andy Siciliano
Partner and National Practice Leader
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Steve Brotherton
Principal and Global Export and Sanctions Leader
E: sbrotherton@kpmg.com

Luis (Lou) Abad
Principal, Washington National Tax
E: labad@kpmg.com

Irina Vaysfeld
Principal
E: ivaysfeld@kpmg.com

Amie Ahanchian
Principal
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Christopher Young
Principal
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Gisele Belotto
Principal
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George Zaharatos
Principal
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Andy Doornaert
Managing Director
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Jessica Libby
Principal
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Jenna Leigh Glass
Managing Director
E: jennaleighglass@kpmg.com
 

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