BIS reviewing technologies used in space

   The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is expected a play a role in the development of nation’s future space program.
   In recent years, as part of the U.S. export control reform initiative, BIS has worked with the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls to move commercially available technologies formerly subject to the controls of the U.S. Munitions List to the Commerce Control List. Specifically, this shift included certain items related to missile technology and spacecraft.
   On May 24, President Trump announced his Space Policy Directive-2, which calls for streamlining regulations on commercial use of space. BIS became part of this review through its work with the National Space Council.
   BIS published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking that seeks public comments to assist with its review of items on the CCL implemented in connection with the recent removal of items from USML’s Categories IV and XV in January 2014 and January 2017, respectively. 
   “In particular, BIS seeks comment on ways to thoughtfully streamline export control regulations for both the U.S. commercial space industry as well as our international partners to lower administrative burden, decrease regulatory compliance costs as well as increase exports thereby bolstering the U.S. space commercial sector and industrial base,” the agency said.
   For this review, BIS will review commercial space technologies, such as habitats, planetary rovers and planetary communication systems, and welcomes the industry’s recommendations for additional removals of space-related technology from the USML to CCL.
   BIS also asked commenters to quantify the current cost of compliance with USML and CCL controls.
   “Cost savings could include time saved in terms of regulatory uncertainty over whether certain items are regulated as on the USML or the CCL,” the agency said. “This reduced uncertainty, under the ‘bright line’ approach of the USML to CCL review process, would allow both BIS and industry to avoid spending hours and resources on case-by-case determinations for certain items.”
   Comments are due to BIS by April 22. For more details, access the Federal Register notice.