Overview
On May 5, 2015, the US Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) and the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued proposed rules releasing certain items from military export controls and enhancing export control over certain dual-use night vision items. The agencies are issuing the proposed rules, which can be accessed here and here, pursuant to the President’s Export Control Reform (ECR) initiative.
Specifically, DDTC proposes releasing certain items from control under US Munitions List (USML) Category XII under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), a category that includes fire control, range finder, optical, and guidance and control equipment. BIS would assume licensing responsibility for the items under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by creating new “600 series” Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) 6A615, 6B615 and 6D615, by revising ECCN 7A611, and by creating new ECCNs 7B611, 7C611 and 7E611.
Furthermore, BIS proposes strengthening controls over certain night vision items by expanding the scope of items controlled and by limiting the availability of license exceptions for such items. This aspect of the proposed rule could impact night vision items currently in the commercial marketplace.
DDTC and BIS have invited the public to comment on the proposed rule, and will accept comments until July 6, 2015.
We will continue to monitor developments related to export controls, including ECR.