New Export Regulation Streamlines Export Controls
Commerce Secretary Don Evans today announced a new regulation that
will streamline export controls on general purpose microprocessors,
used worldwide in technology and commercial applications such as personal
computers and cell phones.
Under
the new rule, a license will only be required to export general purpose
microprocessors to terrorist countries or for military end-uses or
end-users in countries posing national security concerns.
"This
rule furthers the President's commitment to streamline and strengthen
the U.S. export control system," said Evans. "This regulatory
change is necessary to ensure that U.S. industry can compete on a
level playing field in the growing international market for microprocessors,
while protecting vital U.S. national security interests."
The
Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published
the regulation consistent with a decision made by the Wassenaar Arrangement,
a multilateral export control regime of which the United States is
a member. The regulation was developed in consultation with and approved
by the Departments of State and Defense.
BIS
regulates the export of sensitive goods and technologies, enforces
export control, antiboycott, and public safety laws, assists other
countries on export control and strategic trade issues, assists U.S.
industry to comply with international arms control agreements, monitors
the viability of the U.S. defense industrial base, and promotes federal
initiatives and public-private partnerships to protect the nation's
critical infrastructures.