U.S. Department of State Publishes Changes to Regulations That Control Exports of Satellites and Related Items

The U.S. Department of State published regulations today that will fundamentally change the nature of U.S. export controls on satellites and related parts and components. These changes to Category XV (Spacecraft and Satellites) of the U.S. Munitions List (USML) allow most commercial, scientific, and civil satellites and their parts and components to move to the Department of Commerce’s Commerce Control List (CCL). These changes are part of the President’s Export Control Reform Initiative, and will increase the competitiveness of cutting-edge, well-paying U.S. manufacturing and technology sectors by better aligning our export controls with national security priorities.

This revision removes from the USML:

a) Communication satellites that do not contain classified components;

b) Remote sensing satellites with certain performance parameters;

c) Any spacecraft parts, components, accessories, attachments, equipment, or systems that are not specifically identified in the revised category; and

d) Most radiation-hardened microelectronic microcircuits.

Furthermore, the rule allows satellites controlled by the CCL that incorporate certain parts and components controlled by the USML to remain CCL-controlled, if certain conditions are met. It also removes from the USML certain spacecraft, while supporting the U.S. National Space Policy by creating conditions that allow the U.S. Government to more easily host payloads on commercial satellites.

The changes to the controls on radiation-hardened microelectronic microcircuits take effect 45 days after publication of the rule, while the remainder of the changes takes effect 180 days after publication.

Information on the Export Control Reform Initiative can be found at http://export.gov/ecr/. For additional information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs’ Office of Congressional and Public Affairs atPM-CPA@state.gov.