The Bureau of Industry and Security within the Department of Commerce has issued a final rule amending the Export Administration Regulations, or EAR, to eliminate license requirements for specific space technologies sent to Australia, Canada and the U.K.
The rule aims to strengthen space collaboration with the three countries and covers spacecraft and other items involving remote sensing or space-based logistics, assembly or servicing, the BIS said Thursday.
At the same time, the bureau released an interim final rule updating the EAR to reduce export control requirements on certain space-related items sent to more than 40 U.S. allies and partners. The change is intended to support NASA programs and boost U.S. global leadership in space technology. Interested parties may submit comments on the rule to the Regulations.gov federal rulemaking portal.
The BIS is also seeking feedback on a proposed rule to transfer jurisdiction of certain space-related defense articles that have ceased to provide a significant military or intelligence advantage from the State Department’s U.S. Munitions List to the Commerce Control List. Target technologies include satellites designed to refuel other spacecraft and those built for autonomous collision avoidance.
According to Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, the EAR updates and the proposed rule are important to deepen international partnerships, enable a globally strong and competitive space industrial base and grow the economy.
