Monthly Archives: March 2019

Comment Now on Future Space and Missile Export Controls

DDTC Requests Comments on USML Categories IV and XV

As a part of the ongoing review of the United States Munitions List (USML), the Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) published a notice on March 8, 2019 (84 FR 8486) requesting comments on USML Categories IV (Launch Vehicles, Guided Missiles, Ballistic Missiles, Rockets, Torpedoes, Bombs, and Mines) & XV (Spacecraft and Related Articles).  The Department of Commerce published a companion notice (84 FR 8485) requesting comments on Commerce Control List (CCL) Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) 0A604, 0B604, 0D604, 0E604, 9A604, 9B604, 9D604, and 9E604.

The review seeks to ensure a bright line between the USML and CCL, where the USML:

  • Does not inadvertently control items in normal commercial use
  • Accounts for technological developments, and
  • Properly implements the national security and foreign policy objectives of the United States.

In particular, DDTC requests comments on the following topics:

  • New or emerging technologies that warrant control
  • Articles that have entered into normal commercial use
  • Articles that may enter commercial use in the next five years
  • How to distinguish between space-based optical telescopes for astrophysics missions and those used for Earth observation without specifically listing missions (e.g., the James Webb Space Telescope (ECCN 9A004.u)
  • Definitions regarding space optics in XV(a)(7) & XV(e)(2)
  • Clarification of spacecraft “servicing” under XV(a)(12)
  • Potential control status of the future Lunar Gateway
  • Cost savings for industry from shifting control of items from the USML to CCL

In addition to overlapping topics described above, BIS requests comments on the following:

  • licensing requirements for 9A515 technologies, such as habitats, planetary rovers, and planetary systems such as communications and power
  • space-related technologies which may warrant further review

Comments under both notices may be submitted until April 22, 2019.  Please see the Federal Register Notices (State and Commerce) for additional details.

Comment on the Voluntary Disclosure Process

On March 8, 2019, DDTC also published a notice (84 FR 8558) requesting comments on the Voluntary Disclosure information collection.  This request is part of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval process which evaluates the necessity and reporting burden of the information collection.  The elements of a Voluntary Disclosure are detailed in ITAR §127.12.  Voluntary Disclosures are currently submitted to DDTC in hard copy, but the DS-7787 electronic form is in development.

Comments may be submitted until May 7, 2019.  Please see the Federal Register Notice for additional details.

Test the Next Commodity Jurisdiction Application

On March 15, 2019, DDTC announced testing for the updated Commodity Jurisdiction (CJ) application on the DECCS system.  Visit the DDTC website on March 20th for instructions.  Testing will be open through March 26th.