Export Administration Regulations: Establishment of License Exception Intra-Company Transfer (ICT), 57554-57564 [E8-23506]
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57554
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 73, No. 193
Friday, October 3, 2008
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
Policy Division, 14th & Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW., Room 2705, Washington,
DC 20230, ATTN: RIN 0694–AE21.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steven Emme, Regulatory Policy
Division; Telephone: 202–482–2440; Email: semme@bis.doc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Background
Bureau of Industry and Security
Presidential Directives on U.S. Export
Control Reform and Deemed Export
Advisory Committee
On January 22, 2008, the President
announced a package of directives to
ensure that the export control policies
and practices of the United States
support the National Security Strategy
of 2006, while facilitating the United
States’ continued international
economic and technological leadership.
These directives focus the export
control system to meet the
unprecedented security challenges as
well as the economic challenges faced
by the United States, due to the
increasing worldwide diffusion of high
technology and impact of global
markets.
The directives recognize that the
economic and technological
competitiveness of the United States is
essential to meet long-term national
security interests. Export controls must,
therefore, cover the export and reexport
of sensitive items without unduly
burdening U.S. economic
competitiveness and innovation. This is
particularly critical in light of the
current and increasing globalization of
research, development, and production,
as well as the rise of new economic
competitors and the diffusion of global
supply networks that challenge U.S.
economic and technological
competitiveness.
Shortly before the President
announced the package of directives on
U.S. export control reforms, the Deemed
Export Advisory Committee (DEAC)
presented its findings to the Secretary of
Commerce on deemed export controls.
The DEAC, a federal advisory committee
established by the Secretary, undertook
a comprehensive examination of the
national security, technology, and
competitiveness aspects of the deemed
export rule. A deemed export is the
release of technology and source code
subject to the EAR to foreign nationals
in the United States that is ‘‘deemed’’ to
be an export to the home country or
15 CFR Parts 740 and 772
[Docket No. 071213838–81132–01]
RIN 0694–AE21
Export Administration Regulations:
Establishment of License Exception
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Bureau of Industry and
Security, Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would
amend the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR) to establish a new
license exception entitled ‘‘IntraCompany Transfer (ICT).’’ This license
exception would allow an approved
parent company and its approved
wholly-owned or controlled in fact
entities to export, reexport, or transfer
(in-country) many items on the
Commerce Control List (CCL) among
themselves for internal company use.
Prior authorization from the Bureau of
Industry and Security (BIS) would be
required to use this license exception.
This rule describes the criteria pursuant
to which entities would be eligible to
use License Exception ICT and the
procedure by which they must apply for
such authorization. This proposed rule
is one of the initiatives in the export
control directive announced by the
President on January 22, 2008.
DATES: Comments must be received by
November 17, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by RIN 0694–AE21, by any of
the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• E-mail: rpd2@bis.doc.gov. Include
‘‘RIN 0694–AE21’’ in the subject line of
the message.
• Fax: 202–482–3355
• Mail/Hand Delivery: Steven Emme,
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau
of Industry and Security, Regulatory
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countries of the foreign national. In its
final report, which was issued in
December 2007, the DEAC concluded
that the deemed export rule ‘‘no longer
effectively serves its intended purpose
and should be replaced with an
approach that better reflects the realities
of today’s national security needs and
global economy.’’ In order to address
this concern, the DEAC made several
recommendations, including creating a
category of ‘‘Trusted Entities’’ that
voluntarily elect to qualify for
streamlined treatment after meeting
certain criteria. Further, the DEAC
recommended that these ‘‘Trusted
Entities’’ include subsidiaries abroad so
that individuals and ideas could move
within the company structure without
the need for separate deemed export
licenses.
It is in the context of the President’s
directives on U.S. export control
reforms and with respect to the DEAC’s
recommendations on deemed export
controls that BIS is proposing this rule
creating a license exception for intracompany transfers.
The Impact of U.S. Export Controls on
Intra-Company Transfers
As global markets and manufacturing
continue to evolve, many parent
companies have numerous operations in
multiple countries for distribution,
service and repair, manufacturing and
development, product testing, and other
uses. In this environment, parent
companies increasingly export
commodities, software, and technology
to their foreign branches, subsidiaries,
and/or ultimate foreign parent
companies around the world.
Consequently, many companies may
need multiple export licenses from BIS
under a variety of scenarios for their
own internal operations. For example,
to conduct day-to-day operations, many
companies in the United States must
export commodities, software, and
technology to their foreign branches and
subsidiaries, resulting in the need for
export licenses. In addition, companies
may also require reexport licenses to
transfer items among their foreign
branches, foreign subsidiaries, and/or
their ultimate foreign parent companies,
located in multiple countries. On
occasion, a company will have several
branches or subsidiaries within the
same foreign country and must then
seek authorization to make in-country
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transfers of technology and other items
between those entities. Finally,
releasing technology and source code
subject to the EAR to foreign national
employees at locations of the company
in the United States or at the location of
another foreign branch or subsidiary
could generate the need for deemed
export or deemed reexport licenses.
Generally, obtaining these licenses for
intra-company transfers can negatively
impact transactions due to the delay
involved in waiting for a licensing
decision. Moreover, obtaining licenses
for intra-company transfers can hinder
more than just individual transactions;
they can also hinder product
development and the ability to be first
to market—activities key to the
competitiveness of U.S. companies. For
many companies, product development
entails large capital investments,
compressed product cycles, and
intensive coordination of research and
development. With the current licensing
requirements in place, however, many
companies with U.S. operations may be
forced to segregate their research and
development activities. For instance,
while waiting for the approval of a
deemed export license, U.S. employees
and certain foreign national employees
would be precluded from collaborating
together on projects. Furthermore, once
the license is approved, companies may
still need to segregate their research and
development activities in the future
because product breakthroughs could
exceed the licensing parameters and
require a new round of export licensing.
Establishment of License Exception ICT
In order to facilitate secure exports,
reexports, and in-country transfers to,
from, and among a parent company and
its wholly-owned or controlled in fact
entities, the Bureau of Industry and
Security is proposing to amend the
Export Administration Regulations
(EAR) to create License Exception IntraCompany Transfer (ICT). License
Exception ICT, which would be set forth
in new § 740.19 of the EAR, would
provide companies a process for intracompany exports, reexports, and incountry transfers without individual
licenses. This license exception would
allow parent companies and the entities
that the parent company wholly owns or
controls in fact to export, reexport, and
transfer (in-country) many items on the
Commerce Control List (CCL) among
themselves for internal company use.
The grant of ICT would be restricted to
those approved companies and those
Export Control Classification Numbers
(ECCNs) that are authorized by BIS.
Companies authorized to use License
Exception ICT would benefit because it
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would relieve them of some of the
administrative requirements of
obtaining, tracking, and reporting on
individual licenses and would reduce
the lag time, expense, and uncertainty
in the licensing process. This license
exception would also improve research
and development and other internal
company activities, thus leading to
improved competitiveness and
innovation for companies with
operations in the United States.
In proposing this license exception for
intra-company exports, reexports, and
in-country transfers, BIS recognizes that
industry and government share the goal
of protecting controlled commodities,
software, and technology, since these
often represent proprietary information
and property. Moreover, BIS also
recognizes that many companies devote
considerable financial and workforce
resources to ensuring compliance with
export controls. BIS would authorize
License Exception ICT for those
companies that demonstrate effective
internal control plans, submit annual
reports on their use of ICT, and agree to
audits by BIS officials as requested.
By authorizing this license exception
for companies that have effective
internal control plans and have agreed
to audits, BIS can focus its resources on
evaluating transactions involving lesserknown items and entities to better
prevent exports to persons who may act
contrary to U.S. national security and
foreign policy interests. Greater focus on
such transactions would increase the
national security value of the remaining
reviews of individual license
applications.
Definitions
For purposes of this rule, BIS is
defining multiple terms used with
respect to License Exception ICT. These
terms are ‘‘controlled in fact,’’
‘‘employee,’’ and ‘‘parent company.’’
This rule would amend § 772.1 of the
EAR to include these new definitions as
described below.
First, BIS is amending the definition
of ‘‘controlled in fact’’ in § 772.1 by
applying aspects of the definition of the
same term set forth in § 760.1(c) of the
EAR to specify the circumstances in
which one entity will be presumed to
have control over another entity for
purposes of License Exception ICT. In
order to include any entity in its
application to use License Exception
ICT, the parent company must either
wholly own or control in fact that
individual entity.
Next, BIS is amending § 772.1 to add
the term ‘‘employee,’’ for purposes of
License Exception ICT, to refer to
persons who work, with or without
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compensation, in the interest of an
entity that is an approved eligible user
or an approved eligible recipient of ICT.
Such persons must work at the
approved eligible entity’s locations,
including overseas locations, or at
locations assigned by the approved
eligible entity, such as at remote sites or
on business trips. This definition may
include permanent employees,
contractors, and interns.
Finally, BIS is amending § 772.1 to
add the term ‘‘parent company,’’ which
will be defined for purposes of License
Exception ICT, to mean any entity that
wholly owns or controls in fact a
different entity, such as a subsidiary or
branch. The parent company does not
have to be an ultimate parent company,
as that term is referred to in the
definition of parent company; it may be
wholly-owned or controlled by another
entity or other entities. Also, the parent
company does not need to be
incorporated in or have its principal
place of business in the United States.
However, in order to be eligible for and
use License Exception ICT, the parent
company must be incorporated in or
have its principal place of business in
a country listed in Supplement No. 4 to
part 740 (see new § 740.19(b)(1)). This
definition does not include colleges and
universities. Thus, the research
conducted by colleges and universities
that is not fundamental research (see
§ 734.8(a) of the EAR) and that requires
a license would not qualify for License
Exception ICT. However, a university
professor who enters into a contractual
relationship with a company to conduct
proprietary research could qualify as an
‘‘employee’’ if all conditions in that
definition are met.
Information Required for Submission to
BIS for Review to Use License Exception
ICT
In order to avail themselves of License
Exception ICT, a ‘‘parent company’’ and
the entities that it wholly owns or
‘‘controls in fact’’ must maintain an
internal control plan, hereinafter
referred to as an ICT control plan. Upon
implementation of the ICT control plan,
the parent company, as the eligible
applicant under new § 740.19(b)(1),
must submit the plan to BIS for review
pursuant to new § 740.19(e).
Additionally, the eligible applicant
must submit documentation showing
that the ICT control plan has been
implemented. Such documentation
should include a representative sample
of records showing effective compliance
with the screening, training, and selfevaluation elements of the ICT control
plan, as described below in further
detail.
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Along with the ICT control plan and
supporting documentation, the eligible
applicant parent company must list the
wholly-owned entities and controlled in
fact entities that the applicant parent
company intends to be eligible users
(see new § 740.19(b)(2)) or eligible
recipients (see new § 740.19(b)(3)(i)) of
this license exception. It is possible for
an entity to be both an eligible user and
an eligible recipient. For itself, and for
each eligible user and eligible recipient
entity, the eligible applicant parent
company must list any individual or
group that has at least a 10% ownership
interest. Finally, the eligible applicant
parent company must list the ECCNs of
the items it plans to export, reexport, or
transfer (in-country) under ICT; provide
a narrative describing the purpose for
which the requested ECCNs will be used
and the anticipated resulting
commodities, if applicable; disclose its
relationship with each entity that is
intended to be an eligible user and/or
eligible recipient; and provide a signed
statement by a company officer of the
eligible applicant parent company
stating that each entity will allow BIS to
conduct audits on the use of License
Exception ICT.
ICT Control Plan
An ICT control plan seeks to ensure
that items on the Commerce Control List
will not be exported, reexported, or
transferred in violation of this license
exception. As this license exception
may be used for commodities, software,
and technology, the ICT control plan
must address how the parent company
and the entities that it wholly owns or
controls in fact, as eligible users and
eligible recipients, will maintain items
authorized for export, reexport, or
transfer by this license exception within
the company structure, as authorized by
BIS.
Within the ICT control plan, eligible
applicants must describe how certain
mandatory elements will be met. These
mandatory elements, which are listed in
new § 740.19(d)(1), include corporate
commitment to export compliance, a
physical security plan, an information
security plan, personnel screening
procedures, a training and awareness
program, a self-evaluation program, a
letter of assurance for software and
technology, non-disclosure agreements,
and end-user list reviews. All of these
elements are aspects of export control
compliance programs that establish
effective internal control plans. In turn,
these internal control plans generate an
increased level of awareness of export
control compliance issues among
employees and help secure a company’s
proprietary information.
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For the required ICT control plan
elements in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through
(d)(1)(vi) of new § 740.19, BIS is not
specifying how each company must
achieve them due to the varying
characteristics of companies. However,
paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(vi) do
contain illustrative examples of
evidence that a company may use in its
descriptions detailing how it will
implement those mandatory elements.
While companies may include
additional elements in their ICT control
plan, they must, at a minimum, describe
how the minimum mandatory elements
set forth in § 740.19(d)(1) will be met.
One mandatory element—the selfevaluation program in paragraph
(d)(1)(vi)—requires the creation and
performance of regular internal selfaudits, creation of a checklist of critical
areas and items to review, and
development of corrective procedures or
measures implemented to correct
identified deficiencies. If any identified
deficiencies rise to the level of a
violation of the EAR, the company
should make a voluntary self-disclosure
pursuant to § 764.5.
If a company plans to use this license
exception for commodities only, then
the company may state in the ICT
control plan that the mandatory
elements of the ICT control plan set
forth in paragraphs (d)(1)(iii)
(information security plan), (d)(1)(iv)
(personnel screening procedures),
(d)(1)(vii) (letter of assurance for
software and technology), (d)(1)(viii)
(signing of non-disclosure agreements),
and (d)(1)(ix) (review of end-user lists)
are not applicable because the license
exception will be used for commodities
only and not used for software or
technology. Similarly, if a company
plans to use this license exception for
software (excluding source code) only,
or if a company plans to use this license
exception for commodities and software
(excluding source code) only, then the
company may state in the ICT control
plan that the mandatory elements found
in paragraphs (d)(1)(iv) (personnel
screening procedures), (d)(1)(viii)
(signing of non-disclosure agreements),
and (d)(1)(ix) (review of end-user lists)
are not applicable because the license
exception will be used for software
(excluding source code) only, or, if
appropriate, for software (excluding
source code) and commodities only, and
not used for technology or source code.
Mandatory Requirements for
Technology and Source Code Under an
ICT Control Plan
Entities that seek to be approved
eligible users and/or eligible recipients
of this license exception must ensure
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that non-U.S. national employees,
wherever located, sign non-disclosure
agreements before receiving technology
or source code under this license
exception. Such non-disclosure
agreements must state that the employee
agrees not to release any technology or
source code in violation of the EAR, and
such agreements must be binding as
long as the technology or source code
remains subject to export controls,
regardless of the signatory’s
employment relationship with the
employer. In other words, even if the
signatory’s employment relationship
with the employer were severed, the
signatory would remain prohibited from
releasing any technology or source code
received under License Exception ICT
while employed. The non-disclosure
agreement must also specify that the
prohibition would remain in effect until
the technology or source code no longer
required a license to any destination
under the EAR.
In addition, entities that seek to be
approved eligible users and/or eligible
recipients of ICT must screen non-U.S.
national employees who are also foreign
national employees in the country in
which they are working against lists of
end-user concern. This screening
requirement applies if such individuals
are to receive technology or source code
under ICT. The lists of end-users of
concern are compiled by the U.S.
government and may be accessed at the
BIS Web site at https://www.bis.doc.gov.
Upon publication of a final rule, BIS
plans to provide guidance on its website
with respect to screening such
employees for purposes of ICT.
Non-U.S. national employees are
those employees who are not U.S.
citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or
protected individuals under the
Immigration and Naturalization Act (8
U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). Foreign national
employees are those non-U.S. national
employees, wherever located, who are
not citizens or legal permanent residents
of the country in which they work. For
instance, a German national working in
the United States and a German national
working in France are both considered
foreign national employees for purposes
of this rule (and more generally for
purposes of the EAR). However, a
French national working in France is
not a foreign national employee from
the perspective of BIS. Therefore, all
foreign national employees are non-U.S.
national employees, but not all non-U.S.
national employees are foreign national
employees. This distinction is important
because the non-disclosure agreement
element in an ICT control plan applies
to the German national working in
France as well as to the French national
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working in France. Thus, it applies to
non-U.S. national employees who
would otherwise be permitted to receive
technology or source code subject to the
EAR, if not for the grant of ICT, under
a deemed export license, deemed
reexport license, license to a facility
where the employee works, or other
license exception.
Unlike the non-disclosure agreement
requirement, the screening element
applies only to foreign national
employees. Hence, it would apply to a
German national working in France but
not to a French national working in
France. The release of technology or
source code subject to the EAR to a
foreign national employee may occur
under a deemed export or deemed
reexport license or by operation of a
license exception, but it may also occur
under a license that has been issued to
a facility. For example, a technology
license approved for a French facility
may have a condition allowing all EU
nationals to receive the technology as
well as the French employees. The
screening requirement is intended to
apply to all foreign national employees
receiving technology or source code
under ICT that would otherwise require
a license, whether it be through a
license for a deemed export or deemed
reexport, a license issued to a facility, or
other license exception.
Additionally, foreign national
employees of companies located in the
United States must comply with U.S.
immigration laws and maintain current
and valid visa authorization.
Authorization From BIS to Use License
Exception ICT
Following receipt of the ICT control
plan and all information required under
new § 740.19(e)(1), BIS will review and
refer the submission to the reviewing
agencies consistent with §§ 750.3 and
750.4 of the EAR and Executive Order
12981, as amended by Executive Orders
13020, 13026, and 13117. In order to
determine ICT eligibility, BIS will
consider prior licensing history of the
eligible applicant parent company and
its wholly-owned or controlled in fact
entities that are part of the authorization
request, demonstration of an effective
ICT control plan, need for this license
exception within the company structure
as articulated by the applicant parent
company, and relationship of the
wholly-owned or controlled in fact
entities to the eligible applicant parent
company.
Upon reaching a decision, BIS will
inform the eligible applicant parent
company in writing if it may use this
license exception pursuant to new
§ 740.19(f). BIS will specify the terms of
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the ICT authorization, including
identifying the wholly-owned or
controlled in fact entities of the eligible
applicant parent company that may use
ICT and the ECCNs of the items that
may be exported, reexported, or
transferred (in-country) for internal
company use under ICT. After receiving
authorization, approved parent
companies and their approved whollyowned or controlled in fact entities, if
covered under the ICT control plan, may
use this license exception to export,
reexport, or transfer (in-country)
approved commodities, software, and/or
technology among themselves for
internal company use only. Any entity
that seeks to become an eligible user
and/or eligible recipient, as described in
new §§ 740.19(b)(2) and 740.19(b)(3)(i),
must be specifically covered by the ICT
control plan submitted to BIS and
maintain the ICT control plan of the
eligible applicant parent company.
Exports, reexports, and in-country
transfers for any purpose other than
internal company use are not authorized
under License Exception ICT. With
respect to an item that has been
exported, reexported, or transferred (incountry) pursuant to License Exception
ICT, the entity must submit a license
application if required under the EAR
before using the item for a purpose other
than that covered by this license
exception. Also, should control of the
approved eligible applicant parent
company change, then use of License
Exception ICT is no longer valid. The
newly-controlled eligible applicant
parent company must re-submit the
information required for ICT
authorization, as described in new
§ 740.19(g)(3).
Annual Reporting Requirements
After submitting a request for
authorization to use License Exception
ICT pursuant to new § 740.19(e) and
after receiving approval from BIS,
approved eligible applicant parent
companies must submit an annual
report to BIS on the use of this license
exception by itself and by its approved
wholly-owned or controlled in fact
entities. Specifically, approved eligible
applicant parent companies must list
the name, nationality, and date of birth
of each foreign national employee, as
described in note 2 to new
§ 740.19(b)(3)(ii), who has received
technology or source code under this
license exception. The requirement is
limited to those employees, who would
have required a license to receive
technology or source code if not for ICT,
and who are not citizens or legal
permanent residents of the country in
which they are employed. Therefore, it
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applies to foreign national employees
working in the United States and to
foreign national employees working
outside of the United States.
Also, approved eligible applicant
parent companies must submit the
names of those foreign national
employees, as described in note 2 to
new § 740.19(b)(3)(ii), who previously
received technology or source code
under this license exception and have
ended their employment. This
requirement does not apply to those
who have merely switched positions
within the company structure of the
parent company, so long as the new
employer is an approved eligible entity
under the same parent company. BIS is
requesting this information in order to
examine the use of License Exception
ICT and measure its effectiveness.
Further, a company officer must certify
to BIS that the approved eligible
applicant parent company and its
approved eligible users and eligible
recipient entities are in compliance with
the terms and conditions of ICT. This
certification should include the results
of the self-evaluation described in
paragraph (d)(1)(vi) of this section.
Auditing Use of License Exception ICT
BIS will conduct audits of approved
eligible applicant parent companies and
their approved wholly-owned or
controlled in fact entities to ensure
proper compliance with License
Exception ICT. These reviews will take
place approximately once every two
years. Generally, BIS will give notice to
the relevant parties before conducting
an audit. However, if BIS has reason to
believe that an entity is improperly
using ICT, BIS may conduct an
unannounced audit at its discretion that
is separate from the biennial audit.
Restrictions on the Use of License
Exception ICT and the Direct Product
Rule
Consistent with other license
exceptions, License Exception ICT is
subject to the restrictions on the use of
all license exceptions, which are set
forth in § 740.2 of the EAR. Therefore,
ICT cannot be used for certain items,
such as items controlled for missile
technology reasons or certain items that
are ‘‘space qualified.’’ Moreover, ICT is
subject to revision, suspension, or
revocation, in whole or in part, without
notice.
Also, new § 740.19(c) lists restrictions
on using ICT. For instance, items
controlled for Encryption Items (EI)
reasons and items controlled for
Significant Items (SI) reasons are
ineligible for export, reexport, or
transfer (in-country) under ICT. At this
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time, License Exception ENC will
remain the primary resource for
providing the authorization necessary
for many intra-company transfers of
encryption items. Further, no items
exported, reexported, or transferred
within country under this license
exception may be subsequently
exported, reexported, or transferred for
purposes other than internal company
use, unless done so in accordance with
the EAR. However, items that have been
exported, reexported, or transferred (incountry) under License Exception ICT
may not be subsequently exported,
reexported, or transferred (in-country)
under License Exception APR (see
§ 740.16).
Finally, note that whether the foreign
direct product of U.S. software or
technology exported from abroad,
reexported, or transferred under License
Exception ICT is subject to the EAR is
determined under § 736.2(b)(3) of the
EAR, when the foreign direct product is
exported from abroad, reexported, or
transferred (in-country) for other than
internal use within a Country Group D:1
country or Cuba.
Although the Export Administration
Act expired on August 20, 2001, the
President, through Executive Order
13222 of August 17, 2001, 3 CFR, 2001
Comp., p. 783 (2002), as extended by the
Notice of July 23, 2008, 73 FR 43603
(July 25, 2008), has continued the
Export Administration Regulations in
effect under the International
Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Rulemaking Requirements
1. This proposed rule has been
determined to be significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
2. Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, no person is required
to respond to nor be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a collection
of information, subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.) (PRA), unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) Control Number. This proposed
rule contains a collection previously
approved by the OMB under control
numbers 0694–0088, ‘‘Multi-Purpose
Application,’’ which carries a burden
hour estimate of 58 minutes to prepare
and submit form BIS–748.
Miscellaneous and recordkeeping
activities account for 12 minutes per
submission. In addition, this proposed
rule contains a new collection for
reporting, recordkeeping, and auditing
requirements, which would be
submitted for approval to use License
Exception ICT, carries an estimated
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burden of 19.6 hours for companies
having an existing internal control plan
and 265.6 hours for companies not
having an existing internal control plan
in place. A request for new collection
authority will be submitted to OMB for
approval. Public comment will be
sought regarding the burden of the
collection of information associated
with preparation and submission of
these proposed voluntary requirements.
BIS estimates that this rule will reduce
the number of multi-purpose
application forms that must be filed by
582 annually. Send comments regarding
this burden estimate or any other aspect
of this collection information, including
suggestions for reducing the burden, to
Jasmeet K. Seehra, Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), and to
the Regulatory Policy Division, Bureau
of Industry and Security, Department of
Commerce, as indicated in the
ADDRESSES section of this proposed rule.
3. This rule does not contain policies
with Federalism implications as that
term is defined in Executive Order
13132.
4. The Regulatory Flexibility Act
(RFA), as amended by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), 5 U.S.C.
601 et seq., generally requires an agency
to prepare a regulatory flexibility
analysis of any rule subject to the notice
and comment rulemaking requirements
under the Administrative Procedure Act
(5 U.S.C. 553) or any other statute,
unless the agency certifies that the rule
will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
entities. Under section 605(b) of the
RFA, however, if the head of an agency
certifies that a rule will not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities, the
statute does not require the agency to
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis.
Pursuant to section 605(b), the Chief
Counsel for Regulations, Department of
Commerce, certified to the Chief
Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business
Administration, that this proposed rule,
if promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities for
the reasons explained below.
Consequently, BIS has not prepared a
regulatory flexibility analysis.
The EAR applies to all entities that
export, reexport, or transfer
commodities, software, and technology
that are subject to the EAR. The EAR
potentially affects any entity in any
sector that chooses to export, reexport,
or transfer items subject to the EAR.
Thus, while this proposed rule could
potentially have a significant economic
impact on small entities, BIS believes
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that this proposed rule will not impact
a substantial number of small entities.
BIS does not have data on the total
number of small entities that are
potentially impacted by the
requirements of the EAR, but BIS does
maintain data on actual licenses applied
for by entities of all sizes. In order to
examine the number of small entities
that would be impacted by this
proposed rule, BIS examined the
licensing data to find approved licenses
that would potentially qualify as an
intra-company transfer. Using this data
as well as using estimated burden hours
in gaining ICT authorization, BIS
conducted a cost-benefit analysis to see
which entities would likely choose to
apply for authorization. BIS also
examined all approved licenses that
could qualify as intra-company transfers
to determine whether any entities were
small entities.
Upon initial examination of licensing
data from 2004 to 2006, BIS found that
approximately 200 companies had
licenses approved that could potentially
qualify as an intra-company transfer. Of
those companies, the vast majority
consisted of large parent companies,
medium-sized companies, or companies
that were owned by larger domestic or
foreign companies. This result supports
the premise that entities that would
avail themselves of ICT must be large
enough to have subsidiaries or branches
located in different countries that the
entities control in fact.
To look at which of those
approximately 200 companies would
most likely choose to apply for ICT
authorization, BIS conducted a costbenefit analysis by estimating the
burden hours involved in gaining ICT
authorization as well as with complying
with recordkeeping and reporting
requirements under ICT. BIS
determined that over a three-year period
it would take 280.8 hours (or 16,848
minutes) for a company without an
internal control program to seek ICT
authorization and 34.8 hours (or 2088
minutes) for a company with an existing
internal control program to seek ICT
authorization. The threshold by which
companies would likely be inclined to
apply for authorization to use ICT is the
point at which the burden of applying
for licenses over a three-year period (at
70 minutes per license) exceeds the total
ICT burden hours over three years (at
16,848 minutes for companies without
an existing internal control program or
at 2088 minutes for companies with an
internal control program). In order to
meet that threshold, companies without
an internal control program would have
to apply for about 241 licenses over a
three-year period, and companies with
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an existing internal control program
would have to apply for about 30
licenses per year over a three-year
period. Only two companies meet the
241 license threshold, and those
companies are not small entities under
the North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS)
standards. Sixteen companies meet the
30 license threshold or come close
(within five licenses) of meeting the
threshold, and none of those companies
is a small entity under the NAICS
standards. In addition to burden hours,
companies without an existing internal
compliance program may be less likely
to choose to seek ICT authorization
because additional investments would
likely need to be made to implement an
internal control program. While these
upfront investments could greatly vary
depending on company size as well as
the type and number of items in the
company portfolio, it is likely that
companies would need to invest in
physical and information security as
well as incur travel expenses to visit
overseas facilities to ensure that the
internal compliance program is
operating effectively. All of these
additional costs would likely increase
the burden in any cost-benefit analysis
and would likely make an entity of any
size that does not have an internal
compliance program less likely to seek
ICT authorization and thus not be
impacted by this proposed rule.
Even if an entity without an internal
compliance program utilizes a different
cost-benefit analysis and decides to
apply for ICT authorization, BIS
licensing data shows that the potential
ICT candidate would not be a small
entity. Only four companies, for which
public information was available, were
found to qualify as small entities under
the NAICS. However, the potential
intra-company licenses approved for
these four entities would all be
ineligible under License Exception ICT.
The items approved for export were all
items listed under § 740.2 that are
restricted for export, reexport, or incountry transfer under all license
exceptions. Therefore, no small entity
was found to have licenses that were
approved by BIS over a three-year
period that would qualify under ICT.
Consequently, this proposed rule would
not affect a significant number of small
entities.
This proposed rule was mandated by
the President in National Security
Presidential Directive (NSPD) 55. While
this proposed rule will increase burden
hours for those entities choosing to seek
authorization for License Exception ICT,
BIS licensing data and publicly
available information show that no
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small entities in the period of review
received approved licenses for intracompany transfers that would be
eligible for License Exception ICT.
Thus, a substantial number of small
entities will not be impacted by this
proposed rule.
List of Subjects
15 CFR Part 740
Administrative practice and
procedure, Exports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
15 CFR Part 772
Exports.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, parts 740 and 772 of the
Export Administration Regulations (15
CFR 730–774) are amended as follows:
PART 740—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 15 CFR
part 740 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.;
E.O. 13026, 61 FR 58767, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp.,
p. 228; E.O. 13222, 66 FR 44025, 3 CFR, 2001
Comp., p. 783; Notice of July 23, 2008, 73 FR
43603 (July 25, 2008).
2. Section 740.19 is added to read as
follows:
§ 740.19
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT).
(a) Scope. This license exception
authorizes exports, reexports, and incountry transfers of items on the
Commerce Control List for internal
company use among approved eligible
applicants, eligible users, and eligible
recipients, as described in paragraphs
(b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) respectively, of
this section. Use of License Exception
ICT is limited to those entities and those
ECCNs that are authorized by BIS,
pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section.
(b) Eligibility.
(1) Eligible applicant. The eligible
applicant is the ‘‘parent company,’’ as
that term is defined in section 772.1,
that institutes an ICT control plan, as
described in paragraph (d) of this
section, and that applies for
authorization from BIS to use this
license exception. The eligible applicant
must be incorporated in or have its
principal place of business in any
country listed in Supplement No. 4 to
part 740. In addition, the eligible
applicant may be, but is not required to
be, the ultimate parent company, as that
term is referred to in the definition of
‘‘parent company’’ set forth in section
772.1; hence the eligible applicant may
be owned or controlled by other entities.
However, the ultimate parent company
cannot be an eligible user under this
license exception unless it is also the
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57559
eligible applicant. Application
requirements are set forth in paragraph
(e) of this section.
(2) Eligible users. Eligible users may
be eligible applicants, as described in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and
their wholly-owned or ‘‘controlled in
fact’’ entities that implement and
maintain the ICT control plan of the
eligible applicant and that are included
in the applications submitted by eligible
applicants pursuant to paragraph (e) of
this section. Eligible applicants must
ensure that each eligible user
implements the eligible applicant’s ICT
control plan, including the use of nondisclosure agreements as described in
paragraph (d)(1)(viii) of this section.
(3) Eligible recipients.
(i) Entities. Eligible recipients of items
under this license exception may be
eligible applicants as described in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, eligible
users as described in paragraph (b)(2) of
this section, and eligible applicants’
other wholly-owned or controlled in
fact companies that implement and
maintain the ICT control plan of the
eligible applicant and that are named in
the applications submitted by the
eligible applicant pursuant to paragraph
(e) of this section. Eligible applicants
must ensure that each eligible recipient,
as described in this paragraph,
implements the eligible applicant’s ICT
control plan, including the use of nondisclosure agreements as described in
paragraph (d)(1)(viii) of this section.
(ii) Non-U.S. national employees
receiving technology or source code.
Non-U.S. national employees (wherever
located) of entities that are eligible
applicants, eligible users, and/or eligible
recipients of this license exception may
be eligible recipients of technology and
source code under this license
exception provided the non-U.S.
national employees sign non-disclosure
agreements with their employer in
which the non-U.S. national employees
agree not to release any technology or
source code in violation of the EAR.
Additionally, if non-U.S. national
employees are also foreign national
employees in their country of
employment, then such non-U.S.
national employees must also be
screened by the appropriate eligible user
against end-user lists compiled by the
U.S. government. For further
information on employees, nondisclosure agreements, and screening
requirements, see §§ 772.1,
740.19(d)(1)(viii), and 740.19(d)(1)(ix)
respectively.
Note 1 to Paragraph (B)(3)(II) of this
Section: Non-U.S. national employees are
those employees who are not U.S. citizens,
lawful permanent residents of the United
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States, or individuals protected under the
Immigration and Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C.
1324b(a)(3)). Non-U.S. national employees
include those working in the United States
and outside of the United States.
Furthermore, non-U.S. national employees
include those employees who would
otherwise be permitted to receive technology
or source code only under: (1) A deemed
export or deemed reexport license; (2) a
license issued to a facility, and the employee
is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the
same country where the facility is located;
and (3) a license issued to a facility, but the
employee is not a citizen or legal permanent
resident of the country where the facility is
located; (4) another authorization such as a
license exception other than ICT.
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Note 2 to Paragraph (B)(3)(II) of this
Section: Foreign national employees are
those non-U.S. national employees who are
not citizens or legal permanent residents of
the country in which they are employed.
Foreign national employees include those
employees who would otherwise receive
technology or source code under: (1) A
deemed export or deemed reexport license;
or (2) a license to a facility, but the employee
is not a citizen or legal permanent resident
of the country where the facility is located;
or (3) another authorization such as a license
exception other than ICT.
(4) Eligible uses. Items exported,
reexported, or transferred within
country under this license exception
may be exported, reexported, or
transferred only for purposes of the
internal company use by approved
eligible applicants and approved
eligible users of this license exception,
as described in paragraphs (b)(1) and
(b)(2) respectively, of this section.
(c) Restrictions.
(1) No item may be exported,
reexported, or transferred within
country under this license exception to
destinations in or nationals of Country
Group E or North Korea.
(2) No item exported, reexported, or
transferred within country under this
license exception may be subsequently
exported, reexported, or transferred for
purposes other than the internal
company use of approved eligible
applicants, eligible users, and eligible
recipients, as described in paragraphs
(b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3)(i) respectively,
of this section, unless done so in
accordance with the EAR. See paragraph
(c)(3) of this section for further
restrictions.
(3) No items that have been exported,
reexported, or transferred (in-country)
under License Exception ICT may be
subsequently exported, reexported, or
transferred (in-country) under License
Exception APR (see § 740.16).
(4) No release of technology or source
code is authorized under this license
exception to foreign national employees
whose visa or authority to work has
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been revoked, denied, or is otherwise
not valid. It is the responsibility of the
exporter to ensure that foreign national
employees working in the United States
maintain a valid U.S. visa if they are
required to hold a visa from the United
States.
(5) No release of technology or source
code is authorized under this license
exception to a foreign national
employee, as described in note 2 to
paragraph (b)(3)(ii), if that employee or
a prior employer of that employee is
listed on any of the end-user lists of
concern compiled by the U.S.
government. In such instances, eligible
applicants (or eligible users, as
appropriate) should obtain the
appropriate authorization required
under the EAR.
(6) No items controlled for Encryption
Items (EI) reasons under ECCNs 5A002,
5D002, or 5E002 may be exported,
reexported, or transferred (in-country)
under this license exception.
(7) No items controlled for Significant
Items (SI) reasons may be exported,
reexported, or transferred (in-country)
under this license exception.
(d) ICT control plan. Prior to
submitting an application to BIS under
paragraph (e) of this section, and before
making any exports, reexports, or incountry transfers under this license
exception, eligible applicants must
implement an ICT control plan that is
designed to ensure compliance with this
license exception and the EAR. In
addition, eligible users and eligible
recipient entities must implement the
ICT control plan of the eligible
applicant. Under an ICT control plan,
which may be a component of a more
comprehensive export compliance
program, all entities that seek to use this
license exception must ensure that
commodities, software, and technology,
where applicable, will not be exported,
reexported, or transferred in violation of
this license exception. With their
application for authorization (as
described in paragraph (e) of this
section) to use this license exception,
eligible applicants must submit a copy
of the ICT control plan and must
specifically note which of their whollyowned or controlled in fact entities are
covered by the plan. BIS may require
the eligible applicant to modify the ICT
control plan before authorizing use of
this license exception. Paragraph (d)(1)
of this section lists the mandatory
elements of an ICT control plan.
Paragraph (d)(2) of this section lists
exceptions to addressing certain
mandatory elements in paragraph (d)(1)
in the ICT control plan.
(1) Mandatory elements of an ICT
control plan. The following elements are
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mandatory, subject to the exceptions in
paragraph (d)(2) of this section. The ICT
control plan must describe how each
mandatory element will be
implemented. In order to provide
guidance, the mandatory elements
described in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through
(d)(1)(v) include illustrative examples of
evidence demonstrating how the
element may be addressed. Note that
these illustrative examples are
guidelines only; satisfying the five
required elements in paragraphs (d)(1)(i)
through (d)(1)(v) of this section is
dependent upon the nature and
complexity of company activities, the
type of items that will be exported,
reexported, or transferred under this
license exception (i.e., commodities,
software, and/or technology), the
countries involved, and the relationship
between the eligible users and eligible
recipients of this license exception, as
described in paragraphs (b)(2) and
(b)(3)(i) respectively of this section.
With respect to the other four elements
of the ICT control plan, eligible
applicants must fulfill certain specified
requirements. For paragraphs (d)(1)(vi),
(d)(1)(vii), (d)(1)(viii), and (d)(1)(ix) of
this section, no illustrative examples are
included. Note, however, that to satisfy
the self-evaluation element in paragraph
(d)(1)(vi) of this section, establishing
self-audits, creating a checklist, and
developing corrective measures are
required, but the self-audits may be
structured in a manner that works best
for the eligible applicant and its whollyowned or controlled in fact entities. In
order to use this license exception for
technology or software, a letter of
assurance, consistent with §§ 740.19(c)
and 740.6, must be provided by a
company officer of the eligible
applicant. Additionally, in order to use
this license exception for non-U.S.
national employees, wherever located,
to receive technology or source code
under this license exception, submitting
a template or sample of the nondisclosure agreement to be used is a
mandatory element. Also, in order to
use this license exception for non-U.S.
national employees who are also foreign
national employees, reviewing lists of
end-users of concern compiled by the
U.S. government is a mandatory
element.
(i) Corporate commitment to export
compliance. Evidence of a corporate
commitment to export compliance may
include: An organizational chain of
command for export controls
compliance issues and related issues of
concern; senior management member(s)
responsible for export controls
compliance, who are able to
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demonstrate how compliance issues are
resolved; internal recordkeeping
requirements in accordance with the
EAR; maintenance of a sound
commodity classification methodology;
and commitment of resources to
implement and maintain an ICT control
plan.
(ii) Physical security plan. Evidence of
a physical security plan may include:
Methods of physical security that
prevent the transfer of commodities,
software, and technology on the
Commerce Control List outside of the
internal company structure; and
organization and maintenance of up-todate building layouts, including a
description of physical security
measures, such as secured doors and
badges as well as biometric, guard, and
perimeter controls.
(iii) Information security plan.
Evidence of an information security
plan may include: Organization and
maintenance of up-to-date virtual
security layouts and descriptions of
what information security methods are
in place, such as password protection,
firewalls, segregated servers, nonnetwork computers, and intranet
security.
(iv) Personnel screening procedures.
Evidence of personnel screening
procedures may include: Thorough prescreening analysis of new foreign
national employees, as described in note
2 to paragraph (b)(3)(ii), which includes,
but is not limited to, criminal
background, driver’s license, and credit
history, before allowing them to receive
technology or source code through a
license or license exception.
(v) Training and awareness program.
Evidence of a training and awareness
program may include: Creation,
scheduling, and performance of regular
training programs (for all employees
working in areas relevant to export
controls) to inform employees about
export controls and limits on their
access to technology or source code.
(vi) Self-evaluation program.
Evidence of a self-evaluation program
must include the following three
components: Creation and performance
of regular internal self-audits, which
may be conducted through the use of
internal and/or external resources
depending upon the needs and demands
of the organization; creation of a
checklist of critical areas and items to
review, including identification of any
deficiencies; and development of
corrective procedures or measures
implemented to correct identified
deficiencies. Note: Disclosure of
identified deficiencies and corrective
actions will be considered when
evaluating effective ICT control plans
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under paragraph (f)(2). Failure to
disclose this information could result in
revocation, as noted in paragraph (j).
Any violations of the EAR that are
uncovered in the process of conducting
this self-evaluation should be disclosed
to BIS in accordance with the voluntary
self-disclosure procedures found in
section 764.5.
(vii) Letter of assurance for software
and technology. A company officer of
the eligible applicant must submit a
signed statement on company letterhead
stating that under this license exception,
the eligible applicant and each eligible
user and/or eligible recipient entity will
not export, reexport, or transfer (incountry) software (including the source
code for the software) and technology,
consistent with paragraph (c)(1) of this
section and consistent with paragraphs
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of § 740.6.
(viii) Signing of non-disclosure
agreements. Non-disclosure agreements
not to release any technology or source
code must be binding with respect to
any technology or source code that has
been released or otherwise provided to
any non-U.S. national employee,
wherever located, on the basis of this
license exception, until such technology
or source code no longer requires a
license to any destination under the
EAR, regardless of whether the non-U.S.
national’s employment relationship
with the company remains in effect.
Non-disclosure agreements should be
completed in both English and the nonU.S. national employee’s native
language.
(ix) Review of end-user lists. Foreign
national employees, as described in note
2 to paragraph (b)(3)(ii), who are eligible
to receive technology or source code
under this license exception, must be
screened against all lists of end-users of
concern compiled by the U.S.
government. In addition, prior
employers of the foreign national
employees must also be screened. These
lists can be accessed at https://
www.bis.doc.gov. See paragraph (c)(5) of
this section for specific restrictions.
(2) Exceptions to certain mandatory
elements of an ICT control plan.
(i) If this license exception will be
used only for commodities, then the ICT
control plan elements described in
paragraphs (d)(1)(iii), (d)(1)(iv),
(d)(1)(vii), (d)(1)(viii), and (d)(1)(ix) are
not mandatory. In this situation, the ICT
control plan must state that this license
exception will be used for commodities
only and not used for software or
technology.
(ii) If this license exception will be
used only for software (excluding source
code), or if this license exception will be
used only for commodities and software
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(excluding source code), then the ICT
control plan elements described in
paragraphs (d)(1)(iv), (d)(1)(viii), and
(d)(1)(ix) are not mandatory. In this
situation, the ICT control plan must
state that this license exception will be
used for software (excluding source
code) only, or will be used for
commodities and software (excluding
source code) only, and not used for
technology or source code.
(e) Information required for grant of
ICT authorization.
(1) Prior to the export, reexport, or incountry transfer of items on the
Commerce Control List under this
license exception, an eligible applicant,
as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this
section, must submit the following
information to BIS:
(i) For the eligible applicant: Full
name of company; location of company
headquarters; location of principal place
of business; complete physical
addresses (listing a post office box is
insufficient) of company’s headquarters
and principal place of business; post
office box if used as an alternate
address; location of registration or
incorporation; ownership of company,
including listing all individuals or
groups that have at least a 10%
ownership interest; and need for
License Exception ICT, including listing
the ECCNs of the items that will be
exported, reexported, or transferred (incountry) under this license exception
and a detailed narrative describing the
intended use of the items covered by the
listed ECCNs and the anticipated
resulting commodities, where relevant;
(ii) For each company, separate from
the eligible applicant, that is intended to
be an eligible user or eligible recipient
that will export, reexport, transfer (incountry), or receive items under this
license exception: Full name of entity;
location of entity’s principal place of
business; complete physical address
(listing a post office box is insufficient)
of entity’s principal place of business;
post office box if used as an alternate
address; location of entity’s registration
or incorporation; relationship of the
entity to the eligible applicant; and
ownership of company, including
listing all individuals or groups that
have at least a 10% ownership interest,
where relevant;
(iii) Name and contact information of
the employee(s) responsible for
implementing the ICT control plan of
the eligible applicant and its whollyowned or controlled in fact entities that
are eligible users and/or eligible
recipients;
(iv) A full copy of the ICT control
plan, as described in paragraph (d) of
this section, covering the eligible
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applicant and its wholly-owned or
controlled in fact entities that are
eligible users and/or eligible recipients;
(v) Documentation showing
implementation of screening, training,
and self-evaluation elements in the ICT
control plan, as described in paragraphs
(d)(1)(iv), (d)(1)(v), (d)(1)(vi), and
(d)(1)(ix), where applicable; and
(vi) A signed statement, on company
letterhead, by a company officer of the
eligible applicant that states each
eligible user and/or eligible recipient
entity will allow BIS, at the agency’s
discretion, to conduct audits to ensure
compliance with this license exception.
(2) Submit all required information to:
Bureau of Industry and Security, Attn:
License Exception ICT, HCHB Room
2705, 14th Street & Pennsylvania Ave.,
NW., Washington, DC 20230.
(f) Review of License Exception ICT
submissions. Upon receipt of completed
information required under paragraph
(e)(1) of this section, BIS will conduct
a review described in paragraph (f)(1) of
this section. During the review, BIS will
use the factors described in paragraph
(f)(2) of this section to determine
authorization. In addition to informing
the eligible applicant whether it may
use this license exception, BIS will
provide the terms of the ICT
authorization including which whollyowned or controlled in fact entities may
use this license exception and the
ECCNs of the items that may be
exported, reexported, or transferred
under this license exception. BIS will
respond in writing to the eligible
applicant once a decision is reached.
(1) Processing procedures. For
purposes of review only, License
Exception ICT submissions will be
reviewed in the manner that license
applications are reviewed pursuant to
§§ 750.3 and 750.4 of the EAR and
Executive Order 12981, as amended by
Executive Orders 13020, 13026, and
13117.
(2) Review factors. The following
factors will be considered in
determining License Exception ICT
authorization: Prior licensing history;
demonstration of an effective ICT
control plan; and need for the license
exception, as expressed in the
submission for ICT authorization,
including the requested ECCNs and the
relationship of the wholly-owned or
controlled in fact entities to the parent
company or other entities of national
security or foreign policy concern. BIS
will also consider any deficiencies,
including violations of the EAR, that are
uncovered as part of the self-evaluation
element of the eligible applicant’s ICT
control plan described in (d)(vi) of this
part, and, if appropriate, disclosed to
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BIS in accordance with section 764.5, as
well as any corrective action that was
subsequently taken.
(g) Changes to Submitted Information
Following Receipt of Authorization.
(1) Before an entity not previously
identified in an approved eligible
applicant’s initial submission under
paragraph (e) of this section may use
this license exception, the approved
eligible applicant must submit the
information regarding the new entity in
accordance with paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of
this section to BIS at the address listed
in paragraph (e)(2) of this section. This
submission will undergo the same
process of review as the initial
submission, which is described in
paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
(2) After obtaining authorization to
use this license exception, an approved
eligible applicant may request License
Exception ICT eligibility for additional
ECCNs that were not previously
identified in its initial submission. To
make such a request, the approved
eligible applicant must submit the
necessary information required under
paragraph (e)(1)(i) regarding the
additional ECCNs to BIS at the address
listed in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
This submission will undergo the same
process of review as the initial
submission, which is described in
paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
(3) If control of an approved eligible
applicant changes after obtaining prior
authorization to use this license
exception (e.g., through change of
ownership, acquisition, or merger),
authorization to use this license
exception will no longer be valid. Under
such circumstances, the new eligible
applicant must submit all information
required under paragraph (e)(1) of this
section to obtain new authorization to
use this license exception. This
submission will undergo the same
process of review described in
paragraph (f)(1) of this section. The new
eligible applicant and its wholly-owned
or controlled in fact entities may export,
reexport, or transfer within country
items under this license exception only
upon receipt of written authorization
from BIS. See the definition of
‘‘controlled in fact’’ in § 772.1 for
further information regarding changes in
ownership.
(4) If an approved eligible applicant’s
control of an approved eligible user or
eligible recipient entity changes after
obtaining prior authorization to use this
license exception (e.g., through a
different organization’s acquisition or
merger of the approved eligible user or
eligible recipient entity), the newlycontrolled eligible user or eligible
recipient entity must immediately
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terminate use of this license exception.
In addition, the approved eligible
applicant must notify BIS in writing of
the removal of the newly-controlled
entity from use of this license exception
within fifteen (15) days after the change
in control. Notification letters should be
submitted to the address in paragraph
(g)(5) of this section. Subject to
paragraph (g)(3) of this section, the
approved eligible applicant and its other
approved eligible users and/or eligible
recipient entities may continue to use
this license exception. See the
definition of ‘‘controlled in fact’’ in
§ 772.1 for further information.
(5) After obtaining authorization to
use this license exception, if the legal
name of an approved eligible applicant,
eligible user, or eligible recipient entity
of this license exception, as described in
paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3)(i) of
this section respectively, changes, the
approved eligible applicant must notify
BIS of the name change within fifteen
(15) days after the name change. Subject
to paragraph (g)(3) of this section, the
approved eligible applicant may
continue to use this license exception
after the name change but must submit
a letter informing BIS of the name
change to the Director of the Office of
Exporter Services at: Office of Exporter
Services, HCHB Room 2705, 14th Street
& Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington,
DC 20230.
(h) Annual reporting requirement.
(1) After receiving authorization to
use License Exception ICT pursuant to
paragraph (e) of this section, approved
eligible applicants must submit the
following information to BIS on an
annual basis:
(i) The name, nationality, and date of
birth of foreign national employees, as
described in note 2 to paragraph
(b)(3)(ii) of this section, who have
received technology or source code
under License Exception ICT during the
prior reporting year.
(ii) The name, nationality, and date of
birth of foreign national employees, as
described in note 2 to paragraph
(b)(3)(ii), who are subject to the
reporting requirement in paragraph
(h)(1)(i) of this section and who have
terminated their employment with the
approved eligible applicant, eligible
user, or eligible recipient entity. This
requirement does not apply to
employees subject to the reporting
requirement in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and
(h)(1)(ii) of this section who have
changed positions within the parent
company’s structure (i.e., among the
approved eligible applicant parent
company’s wholly-owned or controlled
in fact entities that are approved eligible
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users and/or eligible recipients of this
license exception).
(iii) A certification signed by a
company officer stating that the
approved eligible applicant and its
approved eligible users and eligible
recipient entities are in compliance with
the terms and conditions of License
Exception ICT. This certification should
include the results of the selfevaluations described in paragraph
(d)(1)(vi) of this section.
(2) Annual reports must be submitted
to and received by BIS no later than
February 15 of each year, and must
cover the period of January 1 through
December 31 of the prior year. Reports
must be submitted to the address listed
in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
(i) Auditing use of License Exception
ICT.
(1) Biennial audit. BIS will review the
use of License Exception ICT by the
approved eligible applicant and its
approved eligible users and/or eligible
recipients approximately once every
two years. Generally, BIS will give
reasonable notice to approved eligible
applicants in advance of an audit of
their use of License Exception ICT. As
part of the biennial audit, BIS may
request that an approved eligible
applicant and its approved eligible users
and/or eligible recipient entities submit
all or part of their records described in
paragraph (h) of this section.
(2) Discretionary audit. BIS may
conduct special unannounced system
reviews if BIS has reason to believe an
approved eligible applicant or one of its
approved eligible users and/or eligible
recipients has improperly used or failed
to comply with the terms and
conditions of License Exception ICT.
(j) Revision, Suspension, and
Revocation of License Exception ICT.
Consistent with § 740.2(b), BIS may
revise, suspend, or revoke authorization
to use License Exception ICT in whole
or in part, without notice. Factors that
might warrant such action may include,
but are not limited to, the following: use
of ICT for other than internal company
use, release of controlled items to
unauthorized entities or destinations,
failure to maintain the ICT control plan
initially submitted to BIS as part of the
application, and failure to comply with
reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
(k) Recordkeeping requirements. In
addition to the recordkeeping
requirements set forth in part 762 of the
EAR, entities that are approved eligible
applicants, eligible users, and/or eligible
recipients of this license exception, as
described in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2),
and (b)(3)(i) of this section respectively,
must retain copies of their ICT control
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plan and associated materials, including
signed non-disclosure agreements.
Entities that are approved eligible
applicants, eligible users, and/or eligible
recipients must also maintain records,
by ECCN, of the items on the Commerce
Control List that have been exported,
reexported, or transferred within
country under the authority of this
license exception. For foreign national
employees receiving technology or
source code under ICT, approved
eligible applicants, eligible users, and
eligible recipient entities are required to
record only the initial release of such
technology or source code to a given
foreign national employee; subsequent
release of the same technology or source
code to that same foreign national
employee does not require additional
recordkeeping. However, if a foreign
national receives technology or source
code under ICT that is controlled under
a different ECCN, then the initial receipt
of the different technology or source
code must also be recorded. Such
records must be made available to BIS
on request.
3. Supplement No. 4 to part 740 is
added to read as follows:
Supplement No. 4 to Part 740—
Countries in Which Eligible Applicants
Must Be Incorporated In or Have Their
Principal Place of Business in For
License Exception Intra-Company
Transfer (ICT) Eligibility
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Korea, South
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
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57563
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
PART 772—[AMENDED]
4. The authority citation for part 772
is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; E.O. 13222, 66 FR 44025,
3 CFR, 2001 Comp., p. 783; Notice of July 23,
2008, 73 FR 43603 (July 25, 2008).
5. Section 772.1 is amended:
a. By amending the definition of
‘‘Controlled in fact’’ as set forth below;
and
b. By adding, in alphabetical order,
the definitions of ‘‘Employee’’ and
‘‘Parent company’’, as follows:
§ 772.1 Definitions of Terms as Used in the
Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
*
*
*
*
*
Controlled in fact. For purposes of
License Exception ICT only (see
§ 740.19 of the EAR), the term
‘‘controlled in fact’’ means the authority
or ability of an entity, which has been
routinely exercised in the past, to
establish the general policies or day-today operations of a different
organization, such as a subsidiary,
branch, or office. An entity will be
presumed to have control over a
different organization when:
(a) The entity beneficially owns or
controls (whether directly or indirectly)
more than 50 percent of the outstanding
voting securities of the different
organization;
(b) The entity operates the different
organization pursuant to the provisions
of an exclusive management contract; or
(c) Members of the entity’s governing
body (i.e., board of directors) comprise
a majority of the comparable governing
body of the different organization.
For purposes of the Special
Comprehensive License (part 752 of the
EAR), controlled in fact is defined as it
is under the Restrictive Trade Practices
or Boycotts (§ 760.1(c) of the EAR).
*
*
*
*
*
Employee. For purposes of License
Exception ICT only (see § 740.19 of the
EAR), ‘‘employee’’ means any person
who works, with or without
compensation, in the interest of an
entity that is an approved eligible user
(see § 740.19(b)(2)) or an entity that is an
approved eligible recipient (see
§ 740.19(b)(3)(i)). The person must work
at the approved eligible entity’s
locations or at locations assigned by the
approved eligible entity, such as at
remote sites or on business trips. This
definition may include permanent
employees, contractors, and interns.
*
*
*
*
*
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Parent company. For purposes of
License Exception ICT only (see
§ 740.19 of the EAR), ‘‘parent company’’
means any entity that wholly-owns or
controls in fact a different entity, such
as a subsidiary or branch. The parent
company may be incorporated in and
conduct its principal place of business
inside the United States or outside of
the United States, but certain location
restrictions apply (see § 740.19(b)(1) and
Supplement No. 4 to part 740). The
parent company itself may also have an
ultimate parent company, meaning the
parent company is wholly-owned or
controlled in fact by another entity or
other entities. See also the definition of
‘‘controlled in fact’’ in this section for
further information.
*
*
*
*
*
Dated: September 29, 2008.
Christopher R. Wall,
Assistant Secretary for Export
Administration.
[FR Doc. E8–23506 Filed 10–2–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–33–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
43 CFR Part 8360
[WO–250–1220–PM–24 1A]
RIN 1004–AD96
Visitor Services
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
The Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) proposes to amend
its regulations to remove the Land and
Water Conservation Fund Act (LWCFA)
as one of the authorities of our
Recreation regulations, in accordance
with the Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act of 2004 (REA). The
rule will also amend and reorder the
prohibitions to separate those that apply
specifically to campgrounds and picnic
areas from those with more general
applications. The reordering is
necessary to broaden the scope to
include all areas where standard
amenity, expanded amenity, and special
recreation permit fees are charged under
REA. The proposed rule would remove
an unnecessary provision that has been
interpreted to require the BLM to
publish supplementary rules concerning
failure to pay fees established by the
recreation regulations, thus relieving the
BLM from publishing such separate
specific supplementary rules for each
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area. Finally, it will make technical
changes to maintain consistency with
other BLM regulations.
DATES: We will accept comments and
suggestions on the proposed rule until
December 2, 2008. The BLM will not
necessarily consider any comments
received after the above date in making
its decision on the final rule.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any of the following methods listed
below:
Mail: U.S. Department of the Interior,
Director (630), Bureau of Land
Management, Mail Stop 401 LS, 1849 C
St., NW., Attention: [RIN: 1004–AD96]
Washington, DC 20240.
Personal or messenger delivery: 1620
L Street, NW., Room 401, Washington,
DC 20036.
Federal eRulemaking Portal:
www.regulations.gov.
For
information on the substance of the
proposed rule, please contact Hal
Hallett at (202) 452–7794 or Anthony
Bobo Jr. at (202) 452–0333. For
information on procedural matters,
please contact Chandra Little at (202)
452–5030. Persons who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the Federal Information
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339
to contact the above individuals during
normal business hours. FIRS is available
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a
week, to leave a message or question
with the above individuals. You will
receive a reply during normal business
hours.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
I. Public Comment Procedures
II. Background
III. Discussion of Proposed Rule
IV. Procedural Matters
I. Public Comment Procedures
Electronic Access and Filing Address
You may view an electronic version of
this proposed rule at the BLM’s Internet
home page at www.blm.gov or at
https://www.regulations.gov. You may
comment via the Internet to: https://
www.regulations.gov. If you submit your
comments electronically, please include
your name and return address in your
Internet message.
Written Comments
Confine written comments on the
proposed rule to issues pertinent to the
proposed rule and explain the reason for
any recommended changes. Where
possible, reference the specific section
or paragraph of the proposal which you
are addressing. The BLM need not
consider or include in the
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Administrative Record for the final rule
comments which it receives after the
comment period close (see DATES), or
comments delivered to an address other
than those listed above (see ADDRESSES).
Before including your address, phone
number, e-mail address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment, including your
personal identifying information, may
be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Reviewing Comments Submitted by
Others
Comments, including the names and
street addresses, and other contact
information, will be available for public
review at the address listed under
ADDRESSES during regular business
hours (7:45 am to 4:15 pm), Monday
through Friday, except holidays.
II. Background
The passage of the REA, 16 U.S.C.
6801 et seq., required the BLM to
change its fee management regulations,
policies, and procedures to bring them
into compliance with this law. The BLM
has already accomplished this by
including in part 2930 all recreation fee
management regulations including the
requirement that visitors pay fees before
occupying a campground or picnic area.
The BLM is now amending part 8360 to
complete the regulatory changes made
necessary by the law, including removal
of any language pertaining to recreation
fees. In addition, the section dealing
with the collection of fossils was
modified to include common plant
fossils, reflecting long established BLM
policies. Other changes were made to
group related regulations in the same
section to simplify language and clarify
the intent, and to resolve
inconsistencies between existing
provisions.
III. Discussion of Proposed Rule
Section 8360.0–3
Authority
The proposed rule removes the Land
and Water Conservation Fund Act
(LWCFA) (16 U.S.C. 460l–6a) as an
authority for the regulations. The
enactment of the REA changed the
BLM’s authority to collect recreation
fees. Recreation fees that were
previously authorized under the
LWCFA are now included under REA.
The BLM’s policies and procedures
have also been revised to reflect this
new and revised authority.
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 193 (Friday, October 3, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57554-57564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-23506]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 193 / Friday, October 3, 2008 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 57554]]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of Industry and Security
15 CFR Parts 740 and 772
[Docket No. 071213838-81132-01]
RIN 0694-AE21
Export Administration Regulations: Establishment of License
Exception Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
AGENCY: Bureau of Industry and Security, Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This proposed rule would amend the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR) to establish a new license exception entitled
``Intra-Company Transfer (ICT).'' This license exception would allow an
approved parent company and its approved wholly-owned or controlled in
fact entities to export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) many items
on the Commerce Control List (CCL) among themselves for internal
company use. Prior authorization from the Bureau of Industry and
Security (BIS) would be required to use this license exception. This
rule describes the criteria pursuant to which entities would be
eligible to use License Exception ICT and the procedure by which they
must apply for such authorization. This proposed rule is one of the
initiatives in the export control directive announced by the President
on January 22, 2008.
DATES: Comments must be received by November 17, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 0694-AE21, by any
of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: rpd2@bis.doc.gov. Include ``RIN 0694-AE21'' in the
subject line of the message.
Fax: 202-482-3355
Mail/Hand Delivery: Steven Emme, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Regulatory Policy Division,
14th & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230, ATTN:
RIN 0694-AE21.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Emme, Regulatory Policy
Division; Telephone: 202-482-2440; E-mail: semme@bis.doc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Presidential Directives on U.S. Export Control Reform and Deemed Export
Advisory Committee
On January 22, 2008, the President announced a package of
directives to ensure that the export control policies and practices of
the United States support the National Security Strategy of 2006, while
facilitating the United States' continued international economic and
technological leadership. These directives focus the export control
system to meet the unprecedented security challenges as well as the
economic challenges faced by the United States, due to the increasing
worldwide diffusion of high technology and impact of global markets.
The directives recognize that the economic and technological
competitiveness of the United States is essential to meet long-term
national security interests. Export controls must, therefore, cover the
export and reexport of sensitive items without unduly burdening U.S.
economic competitiveness and innovation. This is particularly critical
in light of the current and increasing globalization of research,
development, and production, as well as the rise of new economic
competitors and the diffusion of global supply networks that challenge
U.S. economic and technological competitiveness.
Shortly before the President announced the package of directives on
U.S. export control reforms, the Deemed Export Advisory Committee
(DEAC) presented its findings to the Secretary of Commerce on deemed
export controls. The DEAC, a federal advisory committee established by
the Secretary, undertook a comprehensive examination of the national
security, technology, and competitiveness aspects of the deemed export
rule. A deemed export is the release of technology and source code
subject to the EAR to foreign nationals in the United States that is
``deemed'' to be an export to the home country or countries of the
foreign national. In its final report, which was issued in December
2007, the DEAC concluded that the deemed export rule ``no longer
effectively serves its intended purpose and should be replaced with an
approach that better reflects the realities of today's national
security needs and global economy.'' In order to address this concern,
the DEAC made several recommendations, including creating a category of
``Trusted Entities'' that voluntarily elect to qualify for streamlined
treatment after meeting certain criteria. Further, the DEAC recommended
that these ``Trusted Entities'' include subsidiaries abroad so that
individuals and ideas could move within the company structure without
the need for separate deemed export licenses.
It is in the context of the President's directives on U.S. export
control reforms and with respect to the DEAC's recommendations on
deemed export controls that BIS is proposing this rule creating a
license exception for intra-company transfers.
The Impact of U.S. Export Controls on Intra-Company Transfers
As global markets and manufacturing continue to evolve, many parent
companies have numerous operations in multiple countries for
distribution, service and repair, manufacturing and development,
product testing, and other uses. In this environment, parent companies
increasingly export commodities, software, and technology to their
foreign branches, subsidiaries, and/or ultimate foreign parent
companies around the world. Consequently, many companies may need
multiple export licenses from BIS under a variety of scenarios for
their own internal operations. For example, to conduct day-to-day
operations, many companies in the United States must export
commodities, software, and technology to their foreign branches and
subsidiaries, resulting in the need for export licenses. In addition,
companies may also require reexport licenses to transfer items among
their foreign branches, foreign subsidiaries, and/or their ultimate
foreign parent companies, located in multiple countries. On occasion, a
company will have several branches or subsidiaries within the same
foreign country and must then seek authorization to make in-country
[[Page 57555]]
transfers of technology and other items between those entities.
Finally, releasing technology and source code subject to the EAR to
foreign national employees at locations of the company in the United
States or at the location of another foreign branch or subsidiary could
generate the need for deemed export or deemed reexport licenses.
Generally, obtaining these licenses for intra-company transfers can
negatively impact transactions due to the delay involved in waiting for
a licensing decision. Moreover, obtaining licenses for intra-company
transfers can hinder more than just individual transactions; they can
also hinder product development and the ability to be first to market--
activities key to the competitiveness of U.S. companies. For many
companies, product development entails large capital investments,
compressed product cycles, and intensive coordination of research and
development. With the current licensing requirements in place, however,
many companies with U.S. operations may be forced to segregate their
research and development activities. For instance, while waiting for
the approval of a deemed export license, U.S. employees and certain
foreign national employees would be precluded from collaborating
together on projects. Furthermore, once the license is approved,
companies may still need to segregate their research and development
activities in the future because product breakthroughs could exceed the
licensing parameters and require a new round of export licensing.
Establishment of License Exception ICT
In order to facilitate secure exports, reexports, and in-country
transfers to, from, and among a parent company and its wholly-owned or
controlled in fact entities, the Bureau of Industry and Security is
proposing to amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to
create License Exception Intra-Company Transfer (ICT). License
Exception ICT, which would be set forth in new Sec. 740.19 of the EAR,
would provide companies a process for intra-company exports, reexports,
and in-country transfers without individual licenses. This license
exception would allow parent companies and the entities that the parent
company wholly owns or controls in fact to export, reexport, and
transfer (in-country) many items on the Commerce Control List (CCL)
among themselves for internal company use. The grant of ICT would be
restricted to those approved companies and those Export Control
Classification Numbers (ECCNs) that are authorized by BIS.
Companies authorized to use License Exception ICT would benefit
because it would relieve them of some of the administrative
requirements of obtaining, tracking, and reporting on individual
licenses and would reduce the lag time, expense, and uncertainty in the
licensing process. This license exception would also improve research
and development and other internal company activities, thus leading to
improved competitiveness and innovation for companies with operations
in the United States.
In proposing this license exception for intra-company exports,
reexports, and in-country transfers, BIS recognizes that industry and
government share the goal of protecting controlled commodities,
software, and technology, since these often represent proprietary
information and property. Moreover, BIS also recognizes that many
companies devote considerable financial and workforce resources to
ensuring compliance with export controls. BIS would authorize License
Exception ICT for those companies that demonstrate effective internal
control plans, submit annual reports on their use of ICT, and agree to
audits by BIS officials as requested.
By authorizing this license exception for companies that have
effective internal control plans and have agreed to audits, BIS can
focus its resources on evaluating transactions involving lesser-known
items and entities to better prevent exports to persons who may act
contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
Greater focus on such transactions would increase the national security
value of the remaining reviews of individual license applications.
Definitions
For purposes of this rule, BIS is defining multiple terms used with
respect to License Exception ICT. These terms are ``controlled in
fact,'' ``employee,'' and ``parent company.'' This rule would amend
Sec. 772.1 of the EAR to include these new definitions as described
below.
First, BIS is amending the definition of ``controlled in fact'' in
Sec. 772.1 by applying aspects of the definition of the same term set
forth in Sec. 760.1(c) of the EAR to specify the circumstances in
which one entity will be presumed to have control over another entity
for purposes of License Exception ICT. In order to include any entity
in its application to use License Exception ICT, the parent company
must either wholly own or control in fact that individual entity.
Next, BIS is amending Sec. 772.1 to add the term ``employee,'' for
purposes of License Exception ICT, to refer to persons who work, with
or without compensation, in the interest of an entity that is an
approved eligible user or an approved eligible recipient of ICT. Such
persons must work at the approved eligible entity's locations,
including overseas locations, or at locations assigned by the approved
eligible entity, such as at remote sites or on business trips. This
definition may include permanent employees, contractors, and interns.
Finally, BIS is amending Sec. 772.1 to add the term ``parent
company,'' which will be defined for purposes of License Exception ICT,
to mean any entity that wholly owns or controls in fact a different
entity, such as a subsidiary or branch. The parent company does not
have to be an ultimate parent company, as that term is referred to in
the definition of parent company; it may be wholly-owned or controlled
by another entity or other entities. Also, the parent company does not
need to be incorporated in or have its principal place of business in
the United States. However, in order to be eligible for and use License
Exception ICT, the parent company must be incorporated in or have its
principal place of business in a country listed in Supplement No. 4 to
part 740 (see new Sec. 740.19(b)(1)). This definition does not include
colleges and universities. Thus, the research conducted by colleges and
universities that is not fundamental research (see Sec. 734.8(a) of
the EAR) and that requires a license would not qualify for License
Exception ICT. However, a university professor who enters into a
contractual relationship with a company to conduct proprietary research
could qualify as an ``employee'' if all conditions in that definition
are met.
Information Required for Submission to BIS for Review to Use License
Exception ICT
In order to avail themselves of License Exception ICT, a ``parent
company'' and the entities that it wholly owns or ``controls in fact''
must maintain an internal control plan, hereinafter referred to as an
ICT control plan. Upon implementation of the ICT control plan, the
parent company, as the eligible applicant under new Sec. 740.19(b)(1),
must submit the plan to BIS for review pursuant to new Sec. 740.19(e).
Additionally, the eligible applicant must submit documentation showing
that the ICT control plan has been implemented. Such documentation
should include a representative sample of records showing effective
compliance with the screening, training, and self-evaluation elements
of the ICT control plan, as described below in further detail.
[[Page 57556]]
Along with the ICT control plan and supporting documentation, the
eligible applicant parent company must list the wholly-owned entities
and controlled in fact entities that the applicant parent company
intends to be eligible users (see new Sec. 740.19(b)(2)) or eligible
recipients (see new Sec. 740.19(b)(3)(i)) of this license exception.
It is possible for an entity to be both an eligible user and an
eligible recipient. For itself, and for each eligible user and eligible
recipient entity, the eligible applicant parent company must list any
individual or group that has at least a 10% ownership interest.
Finally, the eligible applicant parent company must list the ECCNs of
the items it plans to export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) under
ICT; provide a narrative describing the purpose for which the requested
ECCNs will be used and the anticipated resulting commodities, if
applicable; disclose its relationship with each entity that is intended
to be an eligible user and/or eligible recipient; and provide a signed
statement by a company officer of the eligible applicant parent company
stating that each entity will allow BIS to conduct audits on the use of
License Exception ICT.
ICT Control Plan
An ICT control plan seeks to ensure that items on the Commerce
Control List will not be exported, reexported, or transferred in
violation of this license exception. As this license exception may be
used for commodities, software, and technology, the ICT control plan
must address how the parent company and the entities that it wholly
owns or controls in fact, as eligible users and eligible recipients,
will maintain items authorized for export, reexport, or transfer by
this license exception within the company structure, as authorized by
BIS.
Within the ICT control plan, eligible applicants must describe how
certain mandatory elements will be met. These mandatory elements, which
are listed in new Sec. 740.19(d)(1), include corporate commitment to
export compliance, a physical security plan, an information security
plan, personnel screening procedures, a training and awareness program,
a self-evaluation program, a letter of assurance for software and
technology, non-disclosure agreements, and end-user list reviews. All
of these elements are aspects of export control compliance programs
that establish effective internal control plans. In turn, these
internal control plans generate an increased level of awareness of
export control compliance issues among employees and help secure a
company's proprietary information.
For the required ICT control plan elements in paragraphs (d)(1)(i)
through (d)(1)(vi) of new Sec. 740.19, BIS is not specifying how each
company must achieve them due to the varying characteristics of
companies. However, paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(vi) do contain
illustrative examples of evidence that a company may use in its
descriptions detailing how it will implement those mandatory elements.
While companies may include additional elements in their ICT control
plan, they must, at a minimum, describe how the minimum mandatory
elements set forth in Sec. 740.19(d)(1) will be met. One mandatory
element--the self-evaluation program in paragraph (d)(1)(vi)--requires
the creation and performance of regular internal self-audits, creation
of a checklist of critical areas and items to review, and development
of corrective procedures or measures implemented to correct identified
deficiencies. If any identified deficiencies rise to the level of a
violation of the EAR, the company should make a voluntary self-
disclosure pursuant to Sec. 764.5.
If a company plans to use this license exception for commodities
only, then the company may state in the ICT control plan that the
mandatory elements of the ICT control plan set forth in paragraphs
(d)(1)(iii) (information security plan), (d)(1)(iv) (personnel
screening procedures), (d)(1)(vii) (letter of assurance for software
and technology), (d)(1)(viii) (signing of non-disclosure agreements),
and (d)(1)(ix) (review of end-user lists) are not applicable because
the license exception will be used for commodities only and not used
for software or technology. Similarly, if a company plans to use this
license exception for software (excluding source code) only, or if a
company plans to use this license exception for commodities and
software (excluding source code) only, then the company may state in
the ICT control plan that the mandatory elements found in paragraphs
(d)(1)(iv) (personnel screening procedures), (d)(1)(viii) (signing of
non-disclosure agreements), and (d)(1)(ix) (review of end-user lists)
are not applicable because the license exception will be used for
software (excluding source code) only, or, if appropriate, for software
(excluding source code) and commodities only, and not used for
technology or source code.
Mandatory Requirements for Technology and Source Code Under an ICT
Control Plan
Entities that seek to be approved eligible users and/or eligible
recipients of this license exception must ensure that non-U.S. national
employees, wherever located, sign non-disclosure agreements before
receiving technology or source code under this license exception. Such
non-disclosure agreements must state that the employee agrees not to
release any technology or source code in violation of the EAR, and such
agreements must be binding as long as the technology or source code
remains subject to export controls, regardless of the signatory's
employment relationship with the employer. In other words, even if the
signatory's employment relationship with the employer were severed, the
signatory would remain prohibited from releasing any technology or
source code received under License Exception ICT while employed. The
non-disclosure agreement must also specify that the prohibition would
remain in effect until the technology or source code no longer required
a license to any destination under the EAR.
In addition, entities that seek to be approved eligible users and/
or eligible recipients of ICT must screen non-U.S. national employees
who are also foreign national employees in the country in which they
are working against lists of end-user concern. This screening
requirement applies if such individuals are to receive technology or
source code under ICT. The lists of end-users of concern are compiled
by the U.S. government and may be accessed at the BIS Web site at
https://www.bis.doc.gov. Upon publication of a final rule, BIS plans to
provide guidance on its website with respect to screening such
employees for purposes of ICT.
Non-U.S. national employees are those employees who are not U.S.
citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or protected individuals under the
Immigration and Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). Foreign
national employees are those non-U.S. national employees, wherever
located, who are not citizens or legal permanent residents of the
country in which they work. For instance, a German national working in
the United States and a German national working in France are both
considered foreign national employees for purposes of this rule (and
more generally for purposes of the EAR). However, a French national
working in France is not a foreign national employee from the
perspective of BIS. Therefore, all foreign national employees are non-
U.S. national employees, but not all non-U.S. national employees are
foreign national employees. This distinction is important because the
non-disclosure agreement element in an ICT control plan applies to the
German national working in France as well as to the French national
[[Page 57557]]
working in France. Thus, it applies to non-U.S. national employees who
would otherwise be permitted to receive technology or source code
subject to the EAR, if not for the grant of ICT, under a deemed export
license, deemed reexport license, license to a facility where the
employee works, or other license exception.
Unlike the non-disclosure agreement requirement, the screening
element applies only to foreign national employees. Hence, it would
apply to a German national working in France but not to a French
national working in France. The release of technology or source code
subject to the EAR to a foreign national employee may occur under a
deemed export or deemed reexport license or by operation of a license
exception, but it may also occur under a license that has been issued
to a facility. For example, a technology license approved for a French
facility may have a condition allowing all EU nationals to receive the
technology as well as the French employees. The screening requirement
is intended to apply to all foreign national employees receiving
technology or source code under ICT that would otherwise require a
license, whether it be through a license for a deemed export or deemed
reexport, a license issued to a facility, or other license exception.
Additionally, foreign national employees of companies located in
the United States must comply with U.S. immigration laws and maintain
current and valid visa authorization.
Authorization From BIS to Use License Exception ICT
Following receipt of the ICT control plan and all information
required under new Sec. 740.19(e)(1), BIS will review and refer the
submission to the reviewing agencies consistent with Sec. Sec. 750.3
and 750.4 of the EAR and Executive Order 12981, as amended by Executive
Orders 13020, 13026, and 13117. In order to determine ICT eligibility,
BIS will consider prior licensing history of the eligible applicant
parent company and its wholly-owned or controlled in fact entities that
are part of the authorization request, demonstration of an effective
ICT control plan, need for this license exception within the company
structure as articulated by the applicant parent company, and
relationship of the wholly-owned or controlled in fact entities to the
eligible applicant parent company.
Upon reaching a decision, BIS will inform the eligible applicant
parent company in writing if it may use this license exception pursuant
to new Sec. 740.19(f). BIS will specify the terms of the ICT
authorization, including identifying the wholly-owned or controlled in
fact entities of the eligible applicant parent company that may use ICT
and the ECCNs of the items that may be exported, reexported, or
transferred (in-country) for internal company use under ICT. After
receiving authorization, approved parent companies and their approved
wholly-owned or controlled in fact entities, if covered under the ICT
control plan, may use this license exception to export, reexport, or
transfer (in-country) approved commodities, software, and/or technology
among themselves for internal company use only. Any entity that seeks
to become an eligible user and/or eligible recipient, as described in
new Sec. Sec. 740.19(b)(2) and 740.19(b)(3)(i), must be specifically
covered by the ICT control plan submitted to BIS and maintain the ICT
control plan of the eligible applicant parent company.
Exports, reexports, and in-country transfers for any purpose other
than internal company use are not authorized under License Exception
ICT. With respect to an item that has been exported, reexported, or
transferred (in-country) pursuant to License Exception ICT, the entity
must submit a license application if required under the EAR before
using the item for a purpose other than that covered by this license
exception. Also, should control of the approved eligible applicant
parent company change, then use of License Exception ICT is no longer
valid. The newly-controlled eligible applicant parent company must re-
submit the information required for ICT authorization, as described in
new Sec. 740.19(g)(3).
Annual Reporting Requirements
After submitting a request for authorization to use License
Exception ICT pursuant to new Sec. 740.19(e) and after receiving
approval from BIS, approved eligible applicant parent companies must
submit an annual report to BIS on the use of this license exception by
itself and by its approved wholly-owned or controlled in fact entities.
Specifically, approved eligible applicant parent companies must list
the name, nationality, and date of birth of each foreign national
employee, as described in note 2 to new Sec. 740.19(b)(3)(ii), who has
received technology or source code under this license exception. The
requirement is limited to those employees, who would have required a
license to receive technology or source code if not for ICT, and who
are not citizens or legal permanent residents of the country in which
they are employed. Therefore, it applies to foreign national employees
working in the United States and to foreign national employees working
outside of the United States.
Also, approved eligible applicant parent companies must submit the
names of those foreign national employees, as described in note 2 to
new Sec. 740.19(b)(3)(ii), who previously received technology or
source code under this license exception and have ended their
employment. This requirement does not apply to those who have merely
switched positions within the company structure of the parent company,
so long as the new employer is an approved eligible entity under the
same parent company. BIS is requesting this information in order to
examine the use of License Exception ICT and measure its effectiveness.
Further, a company officer must certify to BIS that the approved
eligible applicant parent company and its approved eligible users and
eligible recipient entities are in compliance with the terms and
conditions of ICT. This certification should include the results of the
self-evaluation described in paragraph (d)(1)(vi) of this section.
Auditing Use of License Exception ICT
BIS will conduct audits of approved eligible applicant parent
companies and their approved wholly-owned or controlled in fact
entities to ensure proper compliance with License Exception ICT. These
reviews will take place approximately once every two years. Generally,
BIS will give notice to the relevant parties before conducting an
audit. However, if BIS has reason to believe that an entity is
improperly using ICT, BIS may conduct an unannounced audit at its
discretion that is separate from the biennial audit.
Restrictions on the Use of License Exception ICT and the Direct Product
Rule
Consistent with other license exceptions, License Exception ICT is
subject to the restrictions on the use of all license exceptions, which
are set forth in Sec. 740.2 of the EAR. Therefore, ICT cannot be used
for certain items, such as items controlled for missile technology
reasons or certain items that are ``space qualified.'' Moreover, ICT is
subject to revision, suspension, or revocation, in whole or in part,
without notice.
Also, new Sec. 740.19(c) lists restrictions on using ICT. For
instance, items controlled for Encryption Items (EI) reasons and items
controlled for Significant Items (SI) reasons are ineligible for
export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) under ICT. At this
[[Page 57558]]
time, License Exception ENC will remain the primary resource for
providing the authorization necessary for many intra-company transfers
of encryption items. Further, no items exported, reexported, or
transferred within country under this license exception may be
subsequently exported, reexported, or transferred for purposes other
than internal company use, unless done so in accordance with the EAR.
However, items that have been exported, reexported, or transferred (in-
country) under License Exception ICT may not be subsequently exported,
reexported, or transferred (in-country) under License Exception APR
(see Sec. 740.16).
Finally, note that whether the foreign direct product of U.S.
software or technology exported from abroad, reexported, or transferred
under License Exception ICT is subject to the EAR is determined under
Sec. 736.2(b)(3) of the EAR, when the foreign direct product is
exported from abroad, reexported, or transferred (in-country) for other
than internal use within a Country Group D:1 country or Cuba.
Although the Export Administration Act expired on August 20, 2001,
the President, through Executive Order 13222 of August 17, 2001, 3 CFR,
2001 Comp., p. 783 (2002), as extended by the Notice of July 23, 2008,
73 FR 43603 (July 25, 2008), has continued the Export Administration
Regulations in effect under the International Emergency Economic Powers
Act.
Rulemaking Requirements
1. This proposed rule has been determined to be significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is
required to respond to nor be subject to a penalty for failure to
comply with a collection of information, subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) (PRA),
unless that collection of information displays a currently valid Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number. This proposed rule
contains a collection previously approved by the OMB under control
numbers 0694-0088, ``Multi-Purpose Application,'' which carries a
burden hour estimate of 58 minutes to prepare and submit form BIS-748.
Miscellaneous and recordkeeping activities account for 12 minutes per
submission. In addition, this proposed rule contains a new collection
for reporting, recordkeeping, and auditing requirements, which would be
submitted for approval to use License Exception ICT, carries an
estimated burden of 19.6 hours for companies having an existing
internal control plan and 265.6 hours for companies not having an
existing internal control plan in place. A request for new collection
authority will be submitted to OMB for approval. Public comment will be
sought regarding the burden of the collection of information associated
with preparation and submission of these proposed voluntary
requirements. BIS estimates that this rule will reduce the number of
multi-purpose application forms that must be filed by 582 annually.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of
this collection information, including suggestions for reducing the
burden, to Jasmeet K. Seehra, Office of Management and Budget (OMB),
and to the Regulatory Policy Division, Bureau of Industry and Security,
Department of Commerce, as indicated in the Addresses section of this
proposed rule.
3. This rule does not contain policies with Federalism implications
as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132.
4. The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), as amended by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), 5 U.S.C.
601 et seq., generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory
flexibility analysis of any rule subject to the notice and comment
rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act (5
U.S.C. 553) or any other statute, unless the agency certifies that the
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Under section 605(b) of the RFA, however, if
the head of an agency certifies that a rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the statute
does not require the agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility
analysis. Pursuant to section 605(b), the Chief Counsel for
Regulations, Department of Commerce, certified to the Chief Counsel for
Advocacy, Small Business Administration, that this proposed rule, if
promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities for the reasons explained below.
Consequently, BIS has not prepared a regulatory flexibility analysis.
The EAR applies to all entities that export, reexport, or transfer
commodities, software, and technology that are subject to the EAR. The
EAR potentially affects any entity in any sector that chooses to
export, reexport, or transfer items subject to the EAR. Thus, while
this proposed rule could potentially have a significant economic impact
on small entities, BIS believes that this proposed rule will not impact
a substantial number of small entities.
BIS does not have data on the total number of small entities that
are potentially impacted by the requirements of the EAR, but BIS does
maintain data on actual licenses applied for by entities of all sizes.
In order to examine the number of small entities that would be impacted
by this proposed rule, BIS examined the licensing data to find approved
licenses that would potentially qualify as an intra-company transfer.
Using this data as well as using estimated burden hours in gaining ICT
authorization, BIS conducted a cost-benefit analysis to see which
entities would likely choose to apply for authorization. BIS also
examined all approved licenses that could qualify as intra-company
transfers to determine whether any entities were small entities.
Upon initial examination of licensing data from 2004 to 2006, BIS
found that approximately 200 companies had licenses approved that could
potentially qualify as an intra-company transfer. Of those companies,
the vast majority consisted of large parent companies, medium-sized
companies, or companies that were owned by larger domestic or foreign
companies. This result supports the premise that entities that would
avail themselves of ICT must be large enough to have subsidiaries or
branches located in different countries that the entities control in
fact.
To look at which of those approximately 200 companies would most
likely choose to apply for ICT authorization, BIS conducted a cost-
benefit analysis by estimating the burden hours involved in gaining ICT
authorization as well as with complying with recordkeeping and
reporting requirements under ICT. BIS determined that over a three-year
period it would take 280.8 hours (or 16,848 minutes) for a company
without an internal control program to seek ICT authorization and 34.8
hours (or 2088 minutes) for a company with an existing internal control
program to seek ICT authorization. The threshold by which companies
would likely be inclined to apply for authorization to use ICT is the
point at which the burden of applying for licenses over a three-year
period (at 70 minutes per license) exceeds the total ICT burden hours
over three years (at 16,848 minutes for companies without an existing
internal control program or at 2088 minutes for companies with an
internal control program). In order to meet that threshold, companies
without an internal control program would have to apply for about 241
licenses over a three-year period, and companies with
[[Page 57559]]
an existing internal control program would have to apply for about 30
licenses per year over a three-year period. Only two companies meet the
241 license threshold, and those companies are not small entities under
the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) standards.
Sixteen companies meet the 30 license threshold or come close (within
five licenses) of meeting the threshold, and none of those companies is
a small entity under the NAICS standards. In addition to burden hours,
companies without an existing internal compliance program may be less
likely to choose to seek ICT authorization because additional
investments would likely need to be made to implement an internal
control program. While these upfront investments could greatly vary
depending on company size as well as the type and number of items in
the company portfolio, it is likely that companies would need to invest
in physical and information security as well as incur travel expenses
to visit overseas facilities to ensure that the internal compliance
program is operating effectively. All of these additional costs would
likely increase the burden in any cost-benefit analysis and would
likely make an entity of any size that does not have an internal
compliance program less likely to seek ICT authorization and thus not
be impacted by this proposed rule.
Even if an entity without an internal compliance program utilizes a
different cost-benefit analysis and decides to apply for ICT
authorization, BIS licensing data shows that the potential ICT
candidate would not be a small entity. Only four companies, for which
public information was available, were found to qualify as small
entities under the NAICS. However, the potential intra-company licenses
approved for these four entities would all be ineligible under License
Exception ICT. The items approved for export were all items listed
under Sec. 740.2 that are restricted for export, reexport, or in-
country transfer under all license exceptions. Therefore, no small
entity was found to have licenses that were approved by BIS over a
three-year period that would qualify under ICT. Consequently, this
proposed rule would not affect a significant number of small entities.
This proposed rule was mandated by the President in National
Security Presidential Directive (NSPD) 55. While this proposed rule
will increase burden hours for those entities choosing to seek
authorization for License Exception ICT, BIS licensing data and
publicly available information show that no small entities in the
period of review received approved licenses for intra-company transfers
that would be eligible for License Exception ICT. Thus, a substantial
number of small entities will not be impacted by this proposed rule.
List of Subjects
15 CFR Part 740
Administrative practice and procedure, Exports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
15 CFR Part 772
Exports.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, parts 740 and 772 of the
Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 730-774) are amended as
follows:
PART 740--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for 15 CFR part 740 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.;
22 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.; E.O. 13026, 61 FR 58767, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp.,
p. 228; E.O. 13222, 66 FR 44025, 3 CFR, 2001 Comp., p. 783; Notice
of July 23, 2008, 73 FR 43603 (July 25, 2008).
2. Section 740.19 is added to read as follows:
Sec. 740.19 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT).
(a) Scope. This license exception authorizes exports, reexports,
and in-country transfers of items on the Commerce Control List for
internal company use among approved eligible applicants, eligible
users, and eligible recipients, as described in paragraphs (b)(1),
(b)(2), and (b)(3) respectively, of this section. Use of License
Exception ICT is limited to those entities and those ECCNs that are
authorized by BIS, pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section.
(b) Eligibility.
(1) Eligible applicant. The eligible applicant is the ``parent
company,'' as that term is defined in section 772.1, that institutes an
ICT control plan, as described in paragraph (d) of this section, and
that applies for authorization from BIS to use this license exception.
The eligible applicant must be incorporated in or have its principal
place of business in any country listed in Supplement No. 4 to part
740. In addition, the eligible applicant may be, but is not required to
be, the ultimate parent company, as that term is referred to in the
definition of ``parent company'' set forth in section 772.1; hence the
eligible applicant may be owned or controlled by other entities.
However, the ultimate parent company cannot be an eligible user under
this license exception unless it is also the eligible applicant.
Application requirements are set forth in paragraph (e) of this
section.
(2) Eligible users. Eligible users may be eligible applicants, as
described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and their wholly-owned
or ``controlled in fact'' entities that implement and maintain the ICT
control plan of the eligible applicant and that are included in the
applications submitted by eligible applicants pursuant to paragraph (e)
of this section. Eligible applicants must ensure that each eligible
user implements the eligible applicant's ICT control plan, including
the use of non-disclosure agreements as described in paragraph
(d)(1)(viii) of this section.
(3) Eligible recipients.
(i) Entities. Eligible recipients of items under this license
exception may be eligible applicants as described in paragraph (b)(1)
of this section, eligible users as described in paragraph (b)(2) of
this section, and eligible applicants' other wholly-owned or controlled
in fact companies that implement and maintain the ICT control plan of
the eligible applicant and that are named in the applications submitted
by the eligible applicant pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section.
Eligible applicants must ensure that each eligible recipient, as
described in this paragraph, implements the eligible applicant's ICT
control plan, including the use of non-disclosure agreements as
described in paragraph (d)(1)(viii) of this section.
(ii) Non-U.S. national employees receiving technology or source
code. Non-U.S. national employees (wherever located) of entities that
are eligible applicants, eligible users, and/or eligible recipients of
this license exception may be eligible recipients of technology and
source code under this license exception provided the non-U.S. national
employees sign non-disclosure agreements with their employer in which
the non-U.S. national employees agree not to release any technology or
source code in violation of the EAR. Additionally, if non-U.S. national
employees are also foreign national employees in their country of
employment, then such non-U.S. national employees must also be screened
by the appropriate eligible user against end-user lists compiled by the
U.S. government. For further information on employees, non-disclosure
agreements, and screening requirements, see Sec. Sec. 772.1,
740.19(d)(1)(viii), and 740.19(d)(1)(ix) respectively.
Note 1 to Paragraph (B)(3)(II) of this Section: Non-U.S.
national employees are those employees who are not U.S. citizens,
lawful permanent residents of the United
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States, or individuals protected under the Immigration and
Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). Non-U.S. national
employees include those working in the United States and outside of
the United States. Furthermore, non-U.S. national employees include
those employees who would otherwise be permitted to receive
technology or source code only under: (1) A deemed export or deemed
reexport license; (2) a license issued to a facility, and the
employee is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the same
country where the facility is located; and (3) a license issued to a
facility, but the employee is not a citizen or legal permanent
resident of the country where the facility is located; (4) another
authorization such as a license exception other than ICT.
Note 2 to Paragraph (B)(3)(II) of this Section: Foreign national
employees are those non-U.S. national employees who are not citizens
or legal permanent residents of the country in which they are
employed. Foreign national employees include those employees who
would otherwise receive technology or source code under: (1) A
deemed export or deemed reexport license; or (2) a license to a
facility, but the employee is not a citizen or legal permanent
resident of the country where the facility is located; or (3)
another authorization such as a license exception other than ICT.
(4) Eligible uses. Items exported, reexported, or transferred
within country under this license exception may be exported,
reexported, or transferred only for purposes of the internal company
use by approved eligible applicants and approved eligible users of this
license exception, as described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)
respectively, of this section.
(c) Restrictions.
(1) No item may be exported, reexported, or transferred within
country under this license exception to destinations in or nationals of
Country Group E or North Korea.
(2) No item exported, reexported, or transferred within country
under this license exception may be subsequently exported, reexported,
or transferred for purposes other than the internal company use of
approved eligible applicants, eligible users, and eligible recipients,
as described in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3)(i) respectively,
of this section, unless done so in accordance with the EAR. See
paragraph (c)(3) of this section for further restrictions.
(3) No items that have been exported, reexported, or transferred
(in-country) under License Exception ICT may be subsequently exported,
reexported, or transferred (in-country) under License Exception APR
(see Sec. 740.16).
(4) No release of technology or source code is authorized under
this license exception to foreign national employees whose visa or
authority to work has been revoked, denied, or is otherwise not valid.
It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that foreign
national employees working in the United States maintain a valid U.S.
visa if they are required to hold a visa from the United States.
(5) No release of technology or source code is authorized under
this license exception to a foreign national employee, as described in
note 2 to paragraph (b)(3)(ii), if that employee or a prior employer of
that employee is listed on any of the end-user lists of concern
compiled by the U.S. government. In such instances, eligible applicants
(or eligible users, as appropriate) should obtain the appropriate
authorization required under the EAR.
(6) No items controlled for Encryption Items (EI) reasons under
ECCNs 5A002, 5D002, or 5E002 may be exported, reexported, or
transferred (in-country) under this license exception.
(7) No items controlled for Significant Items (SI) reasons may be
exported, reexported, or transferred (in-country) under this license
exception.
(d) ICT control plan. Prior to submitting an application to BIS
under paragraph (e) of this section, and before making any exports,
reexports, or in-country transfers under this license exception,
eligible applicants must implement an ICT control plan that is designed
to ensure compliance with this license exception and the EAR. In
addition, eligible users and eligible recipient entities must implement
the ICT control plan of the eligible applicant. Under an ICT control
plan, which may be a component of a more comprehensive export
compliance program, all entities that seek to use this license
exception must ensure that commodities, software, and technology, where
applicable, will not be exported, reexported, or transferred in
violation of this license exception. With their application for
authorization (as described in paragraph (e) of this section) to use
this license exception, eligible applicants must submit a copy of the
ICT control plan and must specifically note which of their wholly-owned
or controlled in fact entities are covered by the plan. BIS may require
the eligible applicant to modify the ICT control plan before
authorizing use of this license exception. Paragraph (d)(1) of this
section lists the mandatory elements of an ICT control plan. Paragraph
(d)(2) of this section lists exceptions to addressing certain mandatory
elements in paragraph (d)(1) in the ICT control plan.
(1) Mandatory elements of an ICT control plan. The following
elements are mandatory, subject to the exceptions in paragraph (d)(2)
of this section. The ICT control plan must describe how each mandatory
element will be implemented. In order to provide guidance, the
mandatory elements described in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(v)
include illustrative examples of evidence demonstrating how the element
may be addressed. Note that these illustrative examples are guidelines
only; satisfying the five required elements in paragraphs (d)(1)(i)
through (d)(1)(v) of this section is dependent upon the nature and
complexity of company activities, the type of items that will be
exported, reexported, or transferred under this license exception
(i.e., commodities, software, and/or technology), the countries
involved, and the relationship between the eligible users and eligible
recipients of this license exception, as described in paragraphs (b)(2)
and (b)(3)(i) respectively of this section. With respect to the other
four elements of the ICT control plan, eligible applicants must fulfill
certain specified requirements. For paragraphs (d)(1)(vi), (d)(1)(vii),
(d)(1)(viii), and (d)(1)(ix) of this section, no illustrative examples
are included. Note, however, that to satisfy the self-evaluation
element in paragraph (d)(1)(vi) of this section, establishing self-
audits, creating a checklist, and developing corrective measures are
required, but the self-audits may be structured in a manner that works
best for the eligible applicant and its wholly-owned or controlled in
fact entities. In order to use this license exception for technology or
software, a letter of assurance, consistent with Sec. Sec. 740.19(c)
and 740.6, must be provided by a company officer of the eligible
applicant. Additionally, in order to use this license exception for
non-U.S. national employees, wherever located, to receive technology or
source code under this license exception, submitting a template or
sample of the non-disclosure agreement to be used is a mandatory
element. Also, in order to use this license exception for non-U.S.
national employees who are also foreign national employees, reviewing
lists of end-users of concern compiled by the U.S. government is a
mandatory element.
(i) Corporate commitment to export compliance. Evidence of a
corporate commitment to export compliance may include: An
organizational chain of command for export controls compliance issues
and related issues of concern; senior management member(s) responsible
for export controls compliance, who are able to
[[Page 57561]]
demonstrate how compliance issues are resolved; internal recordkeeping
requirements in accordance with the EAR; maintenance of a sound
commodity classification methodology; and commitment of resources to
implement and maintain an ICT control plan.
(ii) Physical security plan. Evidence of a physical security plan
may include: Methods of physical security that prevent the transfer of
commodities, software, and technology on the Commerce Control List
outside of the internal company structure; and organization and
maintenance of up-to-date building layouts, including a description of
physical security measures, such as secured doors and badges as well as
biometric, guard, and perimeter controls.
(iii) Information security plan. Evidence of an information
security plan may include: Organization and maintenance of up-to-date
virtual security layouts and descriptions of what information security
methods are in place, such as password protection, firewalls,
segregated servers, non-network computers, and intranet security.
(iv) Personnel screening procedures. Evidence of personnel
screening procedures may include: Thorough pre-screening analysis of
new foreign national employees, as described in note 2 to paragraph
(b)(3)(ii), which includes, but is not limited to, criminal background,
driver's license, and credit history, before allowing them to receive
technology or source code through a license or license exception.
(v) Training and awareness program. Evidence of a training and
awareness program may include: Creation, scheduling, and performance of
regular training programs (for all employees working in areas relevant
to export controls) to inform employees about export controls and
limits on their access to technology or source code.
(vi) Self-evaluation program. Evidence of a self-evaluation program
must include the following three components: Creation and performance
of regular internal self-audits, which may be conducted through the use
of internal and/or external resources depending upon the needs and
demands of the organization; creation of a checklist of critical areas
and items to review, including identification of any deficiencies; and
development of corrective procedures or measures implemented to correct
identified deficiencies. Note: Disclosure of identified deficiencies
and corrective actions will be considered when evaluating effective ICT
control plans under paragraph (f)(2). Failure to disclose this
information could result in revocation, as noted in paragraph (j). Any
violations of the EAR that are uncovered in the process of conducting
this self-evaluation should be disclosed to BIS in accordance with the
voluntary self-disclosure procedures found in section 764.5.
(vii) Letter of assurance for software and technology. A company
officer of the eligible applicant must submit a signed statement on
company letterhead stating that under this license exception, the
eligible applicant and each eligible user and/or eligible recipient
entity will not export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) software
(including the source code for the software) and technology, consistent
with paragraph (c)(1) of this section and consistent with paragraphs
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of Sec. 740.6.
(viii) Signing of non-disclosure agreements. Non-disclosure
agreements not to release any technology or source code must be binding
with respect to any technology or source code that has been released or
otherwise provided to any non-U.S. national employee, wherever located,
on the basis of this license exception, until such technology or source
code no longer requires a license to any destination under the EAR,
regardless of whether the non-U.S. national's employment relationship
with the company remains in effect. Non-disclosure agreements should be
completed in both English and the non-U.S. national employee's native
language.
(ix) Review of end-user lists. Foreign national employees, as
described in note 2 to paragraph (b)(3)(ii), who are eligible to
receive technology or source code under this license exception, must be
screened against all lists of end-users of concern compiled by the U.S.
government. In addition, prior employers of the foreign national
employees must also be screened. These lists can be accessed at https://
www.bis.doc.gov. See paragraph (c)(5) of this section for specific
restrictions.
(2) Exceptions to certain mandatory elements of an ICT control
plan.
(i) If this license exception will be used only for commodities,
then the ICT control plan elements described in paragraphs (d)(1)(iii),
(d)(1)(iv), (d)(1)(vii), (d)(1)(viii), and (d)(1)(ix) are not
mandatory. In this situation, the ICT control plan must state that this
license exception will be used for commodities only and not used for
software or technology.
(ii) If this license exception will be used only for software
(excluding source code), or if this license exception will be used only
for commodities and software (excluding source code), then the ICT
control plan elements described in paragraphs (d)(1)(iv), (d)(1)(viii),
and (d)(1)(ix) are not mandatory. In this situation, the ICT control
plan must state that this license exception will be used for software
(excluding source code) only, or will be used for commodities and
software (excluding source code) only, and not used for technology or
source code.
(e) Information required for grant of ICT authorization.
(1) Prior to the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of items
on the Commerce Control List under this license exception, an eligible
applicant, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, must
submit the following information to BIS:
(i) For the eligible applicant: Full name of company; location of
company headquarters; location of principal place of business; complete
physical addresses (listing a post office box is insufficient) of
company's headquarters and principal place of business; post office box
if used as an alternate address; location of registration or
incorporation; ownership of company, including listing all individuals
or groups that have at least a 10% ownership interest; and need for
License Exception ICT, including listing the ECCNs of the items that
will be exported, reexported, or transferred (in-country) under this
license exception and a detailed narrative describing the intended use
of the items covered by the listed ECCNs and the anticipated resulting
commodities, where relevant;
(ii) For each company, separate from the eligible applicant, that
is intended to be an eligible user or eligible recipient that will
export, reexport, transfer (in-country), or receive items under this
license exception: Full name of entity; location of entity's principal
place of business; complete physical address (listing a post office box
is insufficient) of entity's principal place of business; post office
box if used as an alternate address; location of entity's registration
or incorporation; relationship of the entity to the eligible applicant;
and ownership of company, including listing all individuals or groups
that have at least a 10% ownership interest, where relevant;
(iii) Name and contact information of the employee(s) responsible
for implementing the ICT control plan of the eligible applicant and its
wholly-owned or controlled in fact entities that are eligible users
and/or eligible recipients;
(iv) A full copy of the ICT control plan, as described in paragraph
(d) of this section, covering the eligible
[[Page 57562]]
applicant and its wholly-owned or controlled in fact entities that are
eligible users and/or eligible recipients;
(v) Documentation showing implementation of screening, training,
and self-evaluation elements in the ICT control plan, as described in
paragraphs (d)(1)(iv), (d)(1)(v), (d)(1)(vi), and (d)(1)(ix), where
applicable; and
(vi) A signed statement, on company letterhead, by a company
officer of the eligible applicant that states each eligible user and/or
eligible recipient entity will allow BIS, at the agency's discretion,
to conduct audits to ensure compliance with this license exception.
(2) Submit all required information to: Bureau of Industry and
Security, Attn: License Exception ICT, HCHB Room 2705, 14th Street &
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230.
(f) Review of License Exception ICT submissions. Upon receipt of
completed information required under paragraph (e)(1) of this section,
BIS will conduct a review described in paragraph (f)(1) of this
section. During the review, BIS will use the factors described in
paragraph (f)(2) of this section to determine authorization. In
addition to informing the eligible applicant whether it may use this
license exception, BIS will provide the terms of the ICT authorization
including which wholly-owned or controlled in fact entities may use
this license exception and the ECCNs of the items that may be exported,
reexported, or transferred under this license exception. BIS will
respond in writing to the eligible applicant once a decision is
reached.
(1) Processing procedures. For purposes of review only, License
Exception ICT submissions will be reviewed in the manner that license
applications are reviewed pursuant to Sec. Sec. 750.3 and 750.4 of the
EAR and Executive Order 12981, as amended by Executive Orders 13020,
13026, and 13117.
(2) Review factors. The following factors will be considered in
determining License Exception ICT authorization: Prior licensing
history; demonstration of an effective ICT control plan; and need for
the license exception, as expressed in the submission for ICT
authorization, including the requested ECCNs and the relationship of
the wholly-owned or controlled in fact entities to the parent company
or other entities of national security or foreign policy concern. BIS
will also consider any deficiencies, including violations of the EAR,
that are uncovered as part of the self-evaluation element of the
eligible applicant's ICT control plan described in (d)(vi) of this
part, and, if appropriate, disclosed to BIS in accordance with section
764.5, as well as any corrective action that was subsequently taken.
(g) Changes to Submitted Information Following Receipt of
Authorization.
(1) Before an entity not previously identified in an approved
eligible applicant's initial submission under paragraph (e) of this
section may use this license exception, the approved eligible applicant
must submit the information regarding the new entity in accordance with
paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section to BIS at the address listed in
paragraph (e)(2) of this section. This submission will undergo the same
process of review as the initial submission, which is described in
paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
(2) After obtaining authorization to use this license exception, an
approved eligible applicant may request License Exception ICT
eligibility for additional ECCNs that were not previously identified in
its initial submission. To make such a request, the approved eligible
applicant must submit the necessary information required under
paragraph (e)(1)(i) regarding the additional ECCNs to BIS at the
address listed in paragraph (e)(2) of this section. This submission
will undergo the same process of review as the initial submission,
which is described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
(3) If control of an approved eligible applicant changes after
obtaining prior authorization to use this license exception (e.g.,
through change of ownership, acquisition, or merger), authorization to
use this license exception will no longer be valid. Under such
circumstances, the new eligible applicant must submit all information
required under paragraph (e)(1) of this section to obtain new
authorization to use this license exception. This submission will
undergo