Chemical and Biological Controls

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Chemical and Biological Controls Division (CBC) is the focal point within the United States Government (USG) for implementing dual-use export controls for chemical and biological (CB) equipment, materials and technology (e.g., toxins, chemicals, fermenters, pumps, valves). These export controls are in place for chemical and biological weapons concerns and to prevent the diversion of such items to destinations and end-users of concern. These items are generally found in Category 1 (Materials, Chemicals, Microorganisms and Toxins) and Category 2 (Materials Processing) of the CCL.

CBC carries out this responsibility by:

• Participating in multilateral export control activities with the Australia Group
• Responsible for export licensing of CB items
• Responsible for commodity classifications, advisory opinions, licensing determinations, and commodity jurisdiction requests for chemical, biological, and medical items.
• Ensuring U.S. industry interests are taken into consideration in the development of export control laws and regulations.
• Participating in interagency discussions on biological and chemical safety and security initiatives
• Managing the Materials Technical Advisory Committee

CBC plays a strong role in implementing policies that promote U.S. nonproliferation and security goals while minimizing the burden to industry and protecting company business information.

Recent Licensing Activity:

CBC processed 4539 licenses and 2001 commodity classifications in Calendar Year 2010. The top three licensed ECCNs are 2B350 (2683 licenses), 1C351 (969 licenses) and 1C350 (438 licenses)

• See all CBC ECCNS
  • What is controlled:
    • Chemicals
    • Equipment
    • General Overview

CBC is here to answer any questions you have regarding chemical and biological items, please contact us:

• Staff Directory
• CBC FAQs

For all questions pertaining to general licensing procedures or how to apply for an export license, please contact our Exporter Services Hotline at 202-482-4811.

CBC LICENSING

• In order to help exporters evaluate export requirements, the documents below provide detailed guidance on determining if a license is required and how to fill out an export license application.

• Does your item require a license?
  1. CBC ECCNs
  2. CB related advisory opinions -  Note to ECCN 2B350
  3. Deemed Export and Fundamental Research for CB related items
  4. RPL License Exception

• How to complete an application for CB items

Recent Regulations affecting CB Items

• STA –– a new license exception that authorizes the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of specified 1C351 toxins to destinations that pose relatively low risk. This rule also allows the use of license exception GOV for items controlled for CB reasons of concern.
• Implementation of Understandings reached at the June 2010 AG Plenary – this rule clarifies terms in ECCN 2B350 and updates the names of two pathogens.

TSRA LICENSING - CLASSIFICATION REQUESTS FOR MEDICAL AND AGRICULTURAL ITEMS

1. General purpose medical items

A formal commodity classification is not required from BIS for general purpose EAR99 medical items such as bandaids, dental products, catheters, surgical instruments, and first aid dressings. See OFAC regulations Parts 538.523 (c) (5) and 560.530 (c) (5).

EAR99 Illustrative List

1. Agricultural items and vitamins

A commodity classification is not required from BIS for agricultural commodities, except fertilizers, live horses, and western cedar. See OFAC regulations Parts 538.523 (c) (5) and 560.530 (c) (5).

Further information and guidance can be found at the TSRA Webpage Link and by clicking here.

AUSTRALIA GROUP – RECENT EVENTS

MATERIALS TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE – CBC UPDATES

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES