The U.S. Code (USC) outlines penalties for violations of U.S. export law. Are these penalties civil, criminal, or both?

The penalties for violations of U.S. export law as outlined in the U.S. Code can be both civil and criminal. This duality reflects the serious nature of export law violations, which can range from inadvertent errors to deliberate attempts to evade regulations designed to protect national security and foreign policy interests.

Civil penalties typically involve monetary fines and can also include the denial of export privileges. These penalties serve as a deterrent and a means to enforce compliance among individuals and companies engaged in international trade.

On the other hand, criminal penalties can include imprisonment and substantial fines, reflecting the severity of intentional misconduct or egregious violations. Criminal charges can arise when there is willful disregard for export control laws or when actions taken are found to be fraudulent.

Thus, the comprehensive enforcement mechanism of both civil and criminal penalties highlights the rigor with which the U.S. government approaches export compliance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established regulations to ensure safe and secure international trade practices.