Foreign Boycotts

Foreign countries or groups of countries may, from time to time, refuse to do business with other countries (or their companies or citizens). United States companies may not support or participate in such "boycotts" unless the U.S. Government also approves. Thus, the United States supports the United Nations sanctions against Iraq, but is opposed to the Arab League boycott against Israel. United States anti-boycott laws and regulations enforce U.S. companies' nonparticipation in unapproved boycotts.

United States anti-boycott laws and regulations apply to all individuals and companies located in the U.S. and their foreign affiliates, and govern the sale, purchase or transfer of goods or services within the U.S. or between the U.S. and a foreign country.

AFC policy:

We comply with all U.S. anti-boycott laws and regulations.

As a result:

Employees acting on behalf of AFC may not, contrary to United States law:

  • refuse to do business with countries subject to a foreign-imposed boycott (i.e. Israel) or with blacklisted companies (i.e. non-Israeli companies with which Arab league entities refuse to do business),
  • discriminate against other persons based on race, religion, sex, national origin or nationality; or
  • furnish information about the race, religion, sex, or national origin of another person.

In addition:

Employees acting on behalf of AFC:

  • may not participate in any economic or other boycott contrary to U.S. anti-boycott laws and regulations;
  • must report any such request to the Office of General Counsel.
  • must report any agreements, letters of credit, shipping instructions, or other business documents that contain requests for information related to race, religion, national origin or other suspect factors to the Office of General Counsel.

Penalties:

Violating U.S. anti-boycott laws may result in civil and criminal fines, imprisonment, and denial of export privileges.