The US Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, Labor, Homeland Security and the Office of the US Trade Representative (“USTR”) issued a joint advisory on 26 January saying that there may be certain supply chain related risks for companies who have Myanmar related business.

The advisory highlighted that companies should be wary of the financial, legal and reputational risks of doing business in Myanmar, especially with military-associated companies.

It recommends that companies do due diligence to ensure that they are not sourcing from or brokering through military associated companies or entities, especially those involved in the import of gems, pearls and precious metals. Diligence for supply chains that appear to be unrelated to Myanmar is also recommended to ensure that there is no benefit to the Myanmar military.

Recently the US Government has released several advisories highlighting compliance and related risks in various countries and regions.