The US Department of Commerce has extended the export restrictions imposed on the Russian airlines Utair and Azur Air for 180 days. The corresponding resolution was added to the electronic database of the federal register (a collection of documents from the US government) on Monday.

"I hereby grant the request <…> to renew the temporary denial order [in granting export privileges] issued in this matter on October 3, 2022. <…> I find that renewal of this order is necessary <…>," says the resolution on Utair company signed by Matthew Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement. The same document was issued for Azur Air.

The resolutions take effect immediately and extend the restrictions for 180 days.

As follows from the document, on March 7, the US Bureau of Industry and Security filed requests to extend sanctions against both airlines. According to the trade department, the request was submitted more than 20 days before the expiration date of the order. Copies of documents demanding the resumption of restrictions were sent to UTair and Azur Air.

The restrictions prevent airlines from engaging in transactions subject to US export regulations, including the export and re-export of software and technology from the US.

On February 24, 2022, the United States introduced export control measures for aviation-related products supplied to Russia. It implies "the introduction of additional requirements for licensing and restricting access to most license exceptions for export, re-export and transfer within the country." When considering license applications in accordance with the sanctions regime, a "presumption of refusal" applies.