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.