Commerce Probes If Anthracite Coal Imports Threaten National Security

2026-12728 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Antiboycott Violations

The Department of Commerce is asking for approval to keep collecting info from businesses that voluntarily report breaking antiboycott rules. This helps catch problems faster and focus on those who don’t come clean. About 15 companies might spend 10 to 600 hours each on this, and the public has 30 days to share their thoughts before the process continues.

2026-12731 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Technology Letter of Explanation

The Department of Commerce is renewing a form called the Technology Letter of Explanation, which businesses must submit when exporting certain tech info. This helps protect U.S. national security by making sure foreign buyers promise to use the tech properly. About 5,000 companies spend up to 2 hours on this, and the government is asking for comments by late July 2026.

2026-12729 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Report of Requests for Restrictive Trade Practice or Boycott

The Department of Commerce is asking for approval to keep collecting info from businesses about requests to join foreign boycotts against U.S. allies. This helps track and stop unfair trade practices. About 423 businesses respond occasionally, spending around 1 to 1.5 hours each, with no new costs or big changes planned.

2026-12727 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Five-Year Records Retention Requirement for Export Transactions and Boycott Actions.

If you’re involved in exporting goods or handling boycott requests, you need to keep your records for five years to help with any future investigations. The government is asking for public feedback on this rule until August 24, 2026, but no big changes or costs are expected—just a reminder to keep your paperwork tidy! This helps everyone stay clear and ready if questions pop up later.

2026-10682 — In the Matter of: Hans De Geetere, Paul Parmentierlaan 121, 8300 Knokke Heist, Belgium, and Nyckeestraat 4, 8300 Knokke Heist, Belgium, Knokke-Heist Support Corporation Management, a/k/a Hasa Invest, Paul Parmentierlaan 121, 8300 Knokke Heist, Belgium, and Nyckeestraat 4, 8300 Knokke Heist, Belgium; Final Decision and Order

Hans De Geetere and his company, Knokke-Heist Support Corporation Management, challenged a temporary ban that stopped them from buying certain regulated items. The ban, which lasted 180 days and ended in February 2023, was not renewed. The government has now officially dismissed their appeal, making the decision final and effective immediately.

2026-10521 — Reporting for Calendar Year 2025 on Offsets Agreements Related to Sales of Defense Articles or Defense Services to Foreign Countries or Foreign Firms

If your U.S. company sells defense gear or services to foreign buyers and has offset deals over $5 million, you need to report your 2025 activity to the Department of Commerce by June 15, 2026. This includes any offset credits claimed over $250,000. It’s a yearly check-in to keep the government in the loop and help protect America’s defense industry.

Previous: 2026-13662 — Tennessee Valley Authority; Clinch River Nuclear Site, Unit 1; Notice of Hearing

The Tennessee Valley Authority wants to build a new nuclear power plant called Clinch River Unit 1 in Tennessee. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is holding a public hearing on August 13, 2026, to discuss the construction permit, and everyone’s invited to learn more and share their thoughts. This project could bring jobs and energy but also means careful safety checks before building starts.

Next: 2026-13664 — 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Brokering Approval (License)

The Department of State wants to keep collecting info from people who broker defense deals, like trading military stuff internationally. They’re asking for public feedback by August 6, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. About 170 folks spend around 2 hours each on this, so no big money changes, just a smooth update to keep things running right.