Latest news with #U.S.DepartmentofState
Time Out
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time Out
Canadians just got slapped with a visa integrity fee to enter the U.S.
On the heels of a Canadian tourism ad campaign welcoming U.S. visitors to Quebec, Canadians and others are faced with more fees if they plan on staying in America for longer. The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act under the Trump administration includes a provision requiring certain travellers to pay a $250 'visa integrity fee' to enter the country. And that's not it: the fee is subject to change, and could be adjusted due to inflation. According to the White House, the act outlines a plan to strengthen U.S. border security by providing Homeland Security with necessary resources, including increased funding for ICE agents, detention centres, and the completion of the border wall. The 'visa integrity fee' is intended to support enforcement and administrative measures tied to U.S. visa policy and border protection. Another travel policy previously introduced by the Trump administration—the alien registration requirement for foreign nationals—was later amended to exempt most Canadians from fingerprinting. According to the Canadian federal government, Canadians generally do not need visitor, business, transit, or other visas to enter the United States from Canada. Will Canadians have to pay the visa integrity fee? Canadians travelling to the U.S. who apply for specific nonimmigrant visas (H-1B or F-1, for example) will be required to pay the $250 fee. What is the visa integrity fee? The visa integrity fee is a required $250 charge for non-immigrant visa applicants, added on top of all other standard visa-related fees. When will the visa integrity fee go into effect? While the act has been signed, there is still no start date. Do I need a visa to enter the USA from Canada? The U.S. Department of State outlines several cases where Canadians are required to obtain nonimmigrant visas to travel to the United States. Reasons Canadians May Need a Nonimmigrant Visa:
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business Insider
12 African countries on U.S. high-risk travel advisory as of July 2025
The United States has continued to emphasize its focus on internal security and the protection of its citizens by issuing travel advisory to Americans planning to visit several countries—many of them in Africa. The United States has issued travel advisories for certain countries focusing on citizens' safety. As of July 2025, 12 African nations have been flagged under high-risk travel categories. This demonstrates a protective strategy due to increased geopolitical and security concerns. As of July 2025, 12 African nations were listed under the official U.S. high-risk travel warning at Level 4: Do Not Travel and Level 3: Reconsider Travel, reflecting a complex mix of regional instability, weak governance, rising crime, and broader geopolitical tensions. By contrast, the other two advisory levels which are Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions and Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, indicate relatively minimal risks. These levels are typically reserved for countries with isolated security concerns or low-level threats that do not significantly disrupt travel or daily activity. African nations on level 3 & 4 travel warning The table below shows the list of African countries currently on the U.S. Department of State's travel warning list as of July 2025. S/N Country Advisory Level Date Updated 1 Libya Level 4: Do Not Travel July 16, 2025 2 Somalia Level 4: Do Not Travel May 14, 2025 3 Burkina Faso Level 4: Do Not Travel April 16, 2025 4 South Sudan Level 4: Do Not Travel March 8, 2025 5 DRC Level 4: Do Not Travel January 29, 2025 6 Nigeria Level 3: Reconsider Travel July 15, 2025 7 Mauritania Level 3: Reconsider Travel July 15, 2025 8 Burundi Level 3: Reconsider Travel April 29, 2025 9 Uganda Level 3: Reconsider Travel April 23, 2025 10 Guinea-Bissau Level 3: Reconsider Travel March 24, 2025 11 Niger Level 3: Reconsider Travel March 21, 2025 12 Chad Level 3: Reconsider Travel March 18, 2025 African nations top list While the U.S. Department of State routinely issues travel advisories to safeguard its nationals abroad, the growing number of African nations under elevated warnings indicates a renewed strategic caution toward the continent. The increasing prevalence of armed conflict, political unrest, and transnational threats has prompted Washington to tighten its stance, citing deteriorating security environments and limited consular access as major concerns. From the table, 12 African countries are currently under high-risk U.S. travel advisories. Libya, Burkina Faso, and Somalia top the Level 4: Do Not Travel list, while Nigeria, Mauritania, and Burundi appear under the Level 3: Reconsider Travel category—mainly due to ongoing conflict, insecurity, and governance-related challenges.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Rubio says 10 Americans detained in Venezuela have been released
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a nuclear cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani (not pictured), at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
The Print
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
US senators introduce bill to protect undersea cables near Taiwan from China
According to Taipei Times, the act proposes a multi-agency initiative led by the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the Departments of Defence, Homeland Security, and the US Coast Guard. The Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act, introduced by Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen, seeks to harden critical infrastructure against sabotage by the People's Republic of China (PRC). Washington, DC: In response to the rising Chinese grey zone threats, a bipartisan group of US senators introduced legislation yesterday aimed at protecting vital undersea communication cables surrounding Taiwan. The bill mandates the deployment of real-time monitoring systems, the development of rapid-response protocols, increased maritime surveillance, and greater international coordination to deter and respond to acts of undersea sabotage. Citing intelligence and recent incidents, the senators warned that Beijing's military doctrine includes targeting undersea cables to cripple communication in the event of conflict. Since February 2023, Taipei Times reported that at least 11 disruptions have occurred, most linked to vessels suspected of deliberate interference, an alarming trend that U.S. lawmakers say must not go unchallenged. 'We can't stand idle as China ramps up its tactics to isolate Taiwan, including by sabotaging its vital undersea cables,' Senator Curtis said in a press release quoted by Taipei Times. 'This bipartisan effort sends a clear message: the United States stands with our democratic partners against coercion.' Separately, Senators Curtis and Chris Van Hollen also reintroduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act to push back against Beijing's diplomatic isolation campaign. The bill clarifies that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not bar US advocacy for Taiwan's participation in international organisations. 'China has long manipulated Resolution 2758 to silence Taiwan on the world stage,' Curtis said, adding that the United Nations 'must not become a platform for that distortion.' Taipei Times noted that the House passed a version of the bill in May, but Senate action remains pending. These latest moves mark a firm bipartisan stance against Beijing's hybrid warfare tactics and its broader campaign to undermine regional security.
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Navigating ITAR and RoHS Compliance in PCB Assembly
PCB assemblies are the backbone of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones to satellites. Yet, behind every successful circuit board assembly lies a complex web of regulations that manufacturers must navigate to ensure both legal operation and market access. In the United States, two of the most critical compliance pillars for turnkey PCB assembly are ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). For PCB assembly providers in the USA, meeting these standards is not just a box-ticking exercise—it is a fundamental requirement for participating in defense, aerospace, and global electronics markets. Compliance impacts every stage of the process, from material sourcing to final shipment. This blog unpacks what ITAR and RoHS mean for circuit board assembly, highlights their key differences, outlines best practices, and addresses common challenges faced by U.S.-based manufacturers. ITAR stands for International Traffic in Arms Regulations, a set of U.S. government rules that control the export and import of defense-related articles and services. The U.S. Department of State, specifically the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), administers ITAR. Its primary goal is to prevent sensitive military technologies from falling into the wrong hands, safeguarding national security. PCB assemblies designed for military, aerospace, and defense applications are often classified as ITAR-controlled. This includes, but is not limited to: Satellite boards Guidance systems RF (radio frequency) modules Any circuit board assembly that is specifically designed for use in defense articles listed on the United States Munitions List (USML) is subject to ITAR. Even technical data, such as fabrication drawings and netlists, can be ITAR-controlled. Registration: Companies must register with the DDTC before engaging in ITAR-related manufacturing or export activities. Companies must register with the DDTC before engaging in ITAR-related manufacturing or export activities. Documentation: Detailed records of all transactions, technical data transfers, and physical movements of ITAR-controlled items must be maintained for audit purposes. Detailed records of all transactions, technical data transfers, and physical movements of ITAR-controlled items must be maintained for audit purposes. Secure Data Handling: Only U.S. persons may access ITAR-controlled data, and secure IT systems are required to prevent unauthorized access. Only U.S. persons may access ITAR-controlled data, and secure IT systems are required to prevent unauthorized access. Export Licensing: Manufacturing or exporting ITAR-controlled PCBs often requires obtaining specific licenses from the U.S. government. Manufacturing or exporting ITAR-controlled PCBs often requires obtaining specific licenses from the U.S. government. Facility and Labor Requirements: Facilities may need export-restricted zones, and all involved personnel must be U.S. persons. This impacts hiring, training, and facility access policies. RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Originating as an EU directive, RoHS restricts the use of ten hazardous materials—including lead, cadmium, mercury, and certain phthalates—in electrical and electronic equipment. The aim is to reduce environmental impact and health risks associated with electronic waste. Lead-Free Soldering: PCB assembly lines must use lead-free solder alloys, such as tin-silver-copper, and avoid fluxes containing restricted substances. PCB assembly lines must use lead-free solder alloys, such as tin-silver-copper, and avoid fluxes containing restricted substances. Material Selection: All base materials, finishes (e.g., ENIG), and components must be RoHS-compliant. Suppliers must provide documentation confirming this compliance. All base materials, finishes (e.g., ENIG), and components must be RoHS-compliant. Suppliers must provide documentation confirming this compliance. Labelling and Testing: Each shipment of RoHS-compliant circuit boards should include a Certificate of Conformance and clear labelling. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers may be used to verify the absence of restricted substances. Each shipment of RoHS-compliant circuit boards should include a Certificate of Conformance and clear labelling. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers may be used to verify the absence of restricted substances. Vendor Compliance: Manufacturers must ensure that all components and materials sourced are RoHS-compliant, often requiring supplier audits and documentation checks. Although RoHS began as an EU regulation, it has been adopted in various forms worldwide. In the U.S., states like California have implemented their own RoHS laws, and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive also influences domestic practices. U.S. manufacturers follow RoHS to access international markets and meet global customer expectations. Aspect ITAR RoHS Scope National security, defense, military Environmental health and safety Applicability Military, aerospace, defense sectors Consumer, industrial, all electronics Enforcement U.S. Department of State (DDTC) EU authorities, U.S. state agencies Penalties Severe fines, export bans, prosecution Fines, product recalls, market bans Overlap Possible for military boards exported abroad—may require both ITAR and RoHS compliance (e.g., lead-free military PCB) ITAR: Registration with DDTC, restricted access zones, and secure data systems are mandatory for ITAR-sensitive work. RoHS: Dedicated lead-free manufacturing lines, compliant soldering processes, and regular equipment audits are essential. RoHS: Material declarations, Certificates of Conformance, and batch-level traceability records must be maintained. ITAR: Controlled technical data, access logs, and export documentation are required for every transaction and transfer. ERP/MRP systems help track materials, manage documentation, and ensure traceability for both ITAR and RoHS requirements. Automated reporting aids in conflict mineral tracking and regulatory audits. Always verify a supplier's ITAR registration and RoHS certification. For ITAR-sensitive projects, selecting a U.S.-based turnkey PCB assembly provider is critical to avoid unauthorized foreign access and ensure full regulatory compliance. A U.S. defense contractor requires an RF module for a missile guidance system. Using an offshore supplier could risk unauthorized access to ITAR-controlled designs, resulting in severe penalties. The workflow involves design, secure data transfer, U.S.-person-only assembly, and detailed documentation from design to delivery—all within a registered, secure U.S. facility. A consumer electronics OEM sources components from multiple vendors. To achieve RoHS compliance, the procurement team conducts supplier audits, collects Certificates of Conformance, and ensures lead-free soldering during assembly. Regular testing and documentation are maintained to satisfy EU market requirements. Using Non-Compliant Components: Always verify supplier certifications and test materials if necessary. Always verify supplier certifications and test materials if necessary. Exporting ITAR-Controlled Designs Without Licenses: Never share technical data or products internationally without proper DDTC licensing. Never share technical data or products internationally without proper DDTC licensing. Failing to Document RoHS Conformity: Maintain up-to-date records and Certificates of Conformance for all shipments. Maintain up-to-date records and Certificates of Conformance for all shipments. Relying on Unverified Vendors: Work only with certified, U.S.-based partners for ITAR-sensitive projects and demand RoHS documentation from all suppliers. Integrate Compliance Early: Address ITAR and RoHS requirements during the design phase (DFX approach) to avoid costly redesigns or delays. Address ITAR and RoHS requirements during the design phase (DFX approach) to avoid costly redesigns or delays. Maintain a Vetted Supplier List: Regularly audit and update approved vendors to ensure ongoing compliance. Regularly audit and update approved vendors to ensure ongoing compliance. Train Teams on Regulations: Provide ongoing training for engineering, procurement, and quality teams on evolving ITAR and RoHS rules. Provide ongoing training for engineering, procurement, and quality teams on evolving ITAR and RoHS rules. Monitor Legislative Updates: Stay informed about changes, such as ITAR amendments or RoHS 3 updates, to remain compliant and competitive. Navigating ITAR and RoHS compliance in PCB assembly is not just about avoiding penalties—it is about ensuring access to critical markets, protecting sensitive technologies, and supporting environmental responsibility. For OEMs and manufacturers, working with certified, experienced domestic partners like Star Engineering provides peace of mind and a distinct competitive advantage. Star Engineering offers turnkey PCB assembly solutions that meet the highest standards of ITAR and RoHS compliance. Connect with the Star Engineering team today to ensure every circuit board assembly meets the requirements for quality, security, and global market access. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
