(a) When and how issued. (1) The Department of Justice may issue an initial finding of violation that identifies a violation if the Department of Justice:

(i) Determines that there has occurred a violation of any provision of this part, or a violation of the provisions of any license, ruling, regulation, order, directive, or instruction issued by or pursuant to the direction or authorization of the Attorney General pursuant to this part or otherwise under IEEPA;

(ii) Considers it important to document the occurrence of a violation; and

(iii) Concludes that an administrative response is warranted but that a civil monetary penalty is not the most appropriate response.

(2) An initial finding of violation shall be in writing and may be issued whether or not another agency has taken any action with respect to the matter.

(3) The Department shall provide the alleged violator with the relevant information that is not privileged, classified, or otherwise protected, that forms the basis for the finding of violation, including a description of the alleged violation.

(b) Opportunity to respond. An alleged violator has the right to contest an initial finding of violation in accordance with § 202.1306.

(c) Determination—(1) Determination that a finding of violation is warranted. If, after considering the response, the Department of Justice determines that a final finding of violation should be issued, the Department of Justice will issue a final finding of violation that will inform the violator of its decision. The Department shall provide the violator with the relevant information that is not privileged, classified, or otherwise protected, that forms the basis for the finding of violation. A final finding of violation shall constitute final agency action. The violator has the right to seek judicial review of that final agency action in Federal district court.

(2) Determination that a finding of violation is not warranted. If, after considering the response, the Department of Justice determines a finding of violation is not warranted, then the Department of Justice will inform the alleged violator of its decision not to issue a final finding of violation. A determination by the Department of Justice that a final finding of violation is not warranted does not preclude the Department of Justice from pursuing other enforcement actions.

(d) Representation. A representative of the alleged violator may act on behalf of the alleged violator, but any oral communication with the Department of Justice prior to a written submission regarding the specific alleged violations contained in the initial finding of violation must be preceded by a written letter of representation, unless the initial finding of violation was served upon the alleged violator in care of the representative.