On Sep. 1 The Associated Press reported the United Arab Emirates announced a new law Friday permitting it to ban or restrict shipments for national security or foreign policy reasons.

The passage of the law was announced by the country’s president، Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The new law permits authorities to ban or restrict imports, exports or pass-through shipments for reasons of health, safety, environmental concerns, national security or foreign affairs. It creates a new commission for setting these rules, and membership will include federal ministries and executives from private companies.

U.S. intelligence agencies have collected evidence that at least 11 individuals and companies operating in the United Arab Emirates are smuggling electronic components and devices, sometimes through Iran.