Anti-Boycott Laws

The U.S. Department of Commerce oversees enforcement of U.S. law that prohibits individuals and entities from participating in a boycott not approved or sanctioned by the U.S. government such as the Arab League boycott of Israel.

The range of prohibited activities under U.S. anti-boycott law include:

• Refusing to do business with Israel or Israeli companies;
• Discriminating on the basis of race, sex, national origin, or religion;
• Furnishing information to third parties on the race, sex, national origin, or religion of other parties; and
• Furnishing information to third parties about business relationships with Israel or Israeli companies.

What's Next?

Any requests or demands that Stanford-affiliated personnel or projects participate in or abide by unapproved boycotts must, by law, be reported to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). Should such a request be encountered, or for guidance on whether a specific situation falls under the restriction outlined above, contact either Global Business Services (GBS) or the Office of the General Counsel. GBS files the appropriate information return with the U.S. Government.

For additional information on U.S. law in this area, please start with the U.S. Department of Commerce.