Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR): Control of Military Electronic Equipment and Related Items the President Determines No Longer Warrant Control Under the United States Munitions List (USML), 45026-45049 [2013-17559]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 143 / Thursday, July 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of Industry and Security
15 CFR Part 774
[Docket No. 120330233–3326–02]
RIN 0694–AF64
Revisions to the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR): Control of Military
Electronic Equipment and Related
Items the President Determines No
Longer Warrant Control Under the
United States Munitions List (USML)
Bureau of Industry and
Security, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
This is the second proposed
rule to describe how military electronics
and certain superconducting and
cryogenic equipment and related items
the President determines no longer
warrant control under the United States
Munitions List (USML) would be
controlled on the Commerce Control
List (CCL). This proposed rule also
would amend ECCNs 7A001 and 7A101
to apply the ‘‘missile technology’’
reason for control only to items in those
ECCNs on the Missile Technology
Control Regime (MTCR) Annex.
This action is one in a planned series
of proposed rules that would implement
the Administration’s Export Control
Reform Initiative by describing how
certain types of articles would be
controlled on the CCL after the
President determines that the articles no
longer warrant USML control. This
proposed rule is being published in
conjunction with a proposed rule from
the Department of State, Directorate of
Defense Trade Controls, which would
amend the list of articles controlled by
USML Category XI.
The revisions proposed in this rule
are part of Commerce’s retrospective
plan under EO 13563 completed in
August 2011. Commerce’s full plan can
be accessed at: https://
open.commerce.gov/news/2011/08/23/
commerce-plan-retrospective-analysisexisting-rules.
DATES: Comments must be received by
September 9, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any of the following methods:
• By the Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. The
identification number for this
rulemaking is BIS–2012–0045.
• By email directly to
publiccomments@bis.doc.gov. Include
RIN 0694–AF64 in the subject line.
• By mail or delivery to Regulatory
Policy Division, Bureau of Industry and
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SUMMARY:
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Security, U.S. Department of Commerce,
Room 2099B, 14th Street and
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20230. Refer to RIN 0694–AF64.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian Baker, Director, Electronics and
Materials Division, Office of National
Security and Technology Transfer
Controls, (202) 482–5534,
brian.baker@bis.doc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Export Control Reform Initiative
This proposed rule is part of the
Administration’s Export Control Reform
Initiative, the objective of which is to
protect and enhance U.S. national
security interests. The Initiative began
in August 2009 when President Obama
directed the Administration to conduct
a broad-based review of the U.S. export
control system to identify additional
ways to enhance national security. In
April 2010, then-Secretary of Defense
Robert M. Gates, describing the initial
results of that effort, explained that
fundamental reform of the U.S. export
control system is necessary to enhance
national security. Once the Department
of State’s International Traffic in Arms
Regulations (ITAR) and its U.S.
Munitions List (USML) are amended so
that they control only the items that
provide the United States with a critical
military or intelligence advantage or
otherwise warrant such controls, and
the Export Administration Regulations
(EAR) are amended to control military
items that do not warrant USML
controls, the U.S. export control system
will enhance national security by (i)
improving interoperability of U.S.
military forces with allied countries, (ii)
strengthening the U.S. industrial base
by, among other things, reducing
incentives for foreign manufacturers to
design out and avoid U.S.-origin content
and services, and (iii) allowing export
control officials to focus government
resources on transactions that pose
greater concern.
Pursuant to section 38(f) of the Arms
Export Control Act (AECA), the
President is obligated to review the
USML ‘‘to determine what items, if any,
no longer warrant export controls
under’’ the AECA. The President must
report the results of the review to
Congress and wait 30 days before
removing any such items from the
USML. The report must ‘‘describe the
nature of any controls to be imposed on
that item under any other provision of
law.’’ 22 U.S.C. 2778(f)(1).
BIS has published and will continue
to publish additional Federal Register
notices containing proposed
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amendments to the CCL that describe
proposed controls for additional
categories of articles the President
determines no longer warrant control
under the USML. The State Department
will publish concurrently proposed
amendments to the USML that
correspond to the BIS notices. BIS will
also publish proposed rules to further
align the CCL with the Wassenaar
Arrangement on Export Controls for
Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods
and Technologies’ (Wassenaar
Arrangement) Munitions List
(Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List
or WAML) and the Missile Technology
Control Regime’s (MTCR) Equipment,
Software and Technology Annex (MTCR
Annex).
Overview of This Proposed Rule
Following the structure set forth in
the final rule entitled ‘‘Revisions to the
Export Administration Regulations:
Initial Implementation of Export Control
Reform’’ (78 FR 22660, April 16, 2013)
(‘‘April 16 (initial implementation)
rule’’), this proposed rule describes
BIS’s proposal for controlling under the
EAR’s CCL certain military electronic
equipment and related articles now
controlled by the ITAR’s USML
Category XI, and equipment and related
items in category ML20 of the WAML,
which pertains to certain cryogenic and
superconductive equipment. These
items are currently controlled by ‘‘catch
all’’ provisions of the ITAR’s USML
Categories VI, VII, VIII, and XV. Finally,
this proposed rule would correct two
ECCNs in CCL Category 7 to apply the
‘‘missile technology’’ reason for control
only to items that are on the MTCR
Annex.
This action re-proposes moving
export control of certain military
electronic equipment from the USML to
the CCL. BIS originally proposed
transferring the control of these items to
the EAR in 2012, in a rule entitled,
‘‘Revisions to the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR): Control of Military
Electronic Equipment and Related Items
the President Determines No Longer
Warrant Control under the United States
Munitions List (USML)’’ (77 FR 70945,
November 28, 2012) (‘‘November 28
(military electronics) rule’’). That action
was issued simultaneously with a
proposed rule by the Department of
State, entitled, ‘‘Amendment to the
International Traffic in Arms
Regulations: Revisions of US Munitions
List Category XI and Definition for
‘Equipment’ ’’ (77 FR 70958, November
28, 2012) (‘‘State’s November 28, 2012
(military electronics) rule’’)
(collectively, the ‘‘November 28, 2012
(military electronics) rules’’). The
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provisions in this second proposed rule
by BIS are based on a review of public
comments to the November 28 (military
electronics) rule, and on a review of
USML Category XI and WAML category
ML20 by the Department of Defense,
which worked with the Departments of
State and Commerce in preparing these
proposed amendments. BIS is proposing
this action a second time because the
comments suggested changes from the
original proposed rule that are
sufficiently distinct from the November
28 (military electronics) rule to warrant
providing them to the public for further
review and to obtain public input on the
feasibility of implementing the rule as
re-proposed. The criteria used in this
review are described in the November
28 (military electronics) rule. See 77 FR
70945.
The revisions proposed in this rule
are part of Commerce’s retrospective
plan under EO 13563 completed in
August 2011. Commerce’s full plan can
be accessed at: https://
open.commerce.gov/news/2011/08/23/
commerce-plan-retrospective-analysisexisting-rules.
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Consistency of Controls
This proposed rule would alter the
scope of ECCNs 3B611, 3E611, 9B620
and 9E620 from what was proposed in
the November 28 (military electronics)
rule. Upon review, BIS determined that
standard elements for test, inspection,
and production equipment ECCNs and
for technology ECCNs would reduce the
possibility of confusion. Accordingly,
BIS adopted the elements
‘‘development, production, repair,
overhaul, or refurbishing’’ for test,
inspection, and production equipment
ECCNs in the 600 series and adopted
‘‘development, production, operation,
installation, maintenance, repair,
overhaul, or refurbishing’’ for
technology ECCNs in the 600 series (see
78 FR 40892, 40894, July 8, 2013). This
proposed rule would include those
elements in 3B611, 3E611, 9B620 and
9E620 to conform with that decision.
Need to Avoid Ambiguous
Classifications or Inadvertent License
Requirements
BIS recognizes that because
electronics frequently are installed in
some other commodity, they are
particularly susceptible to ambiguous
classification or classification under
multiple entries on the CCL. For
example, a given electronic device
might also be viewed as a part for an
aircraft, radar, computer, laser, or some
other article. How the device is viewed
might affect its classification on the
CCL, which could, in turn, affect license
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requirements or licensing policy. BIS’s
intent is that the new ECCNs proposed
here would not increase the number of
destinations to which a license is
required, alter the policy under which
license application are reviewed, or
create any apparent instances of an item
that is subject to the EAR being covered
by more than one ECCN. Parties who
believe that they can identify instances
where the effect of the proposed rule
would be contrary to this intent are
encouraged to identify those instances
in a public comment on this proposed
rule.
Relationship to April 16, Initial
Implementation Rule
The April 16 (initial implementation)
rule will become effective on October
15, 2013. Because any final rule
resulting from this proposed rule would
not become effective until after that
date, this proposed rule and BIS’s
responses to the public comments on
the November 28 (military electronics)
rule discussed below are written as if
the April 16 (initial implementation)
rule were already effective. Accordingly,
commenters on this proposed rule
should become familiar with the April
16 (initial implementation) rule and
take it into account in formulating their
comments on this proposed rule.
Although BIS encourages public
understanding of the entire April 16
(initial implementation) rule, the
provisions listed below are likely to be
particularly useful because they provide
background for understanding terms
and concepts that are used extensively
in this proposed rule and in the
discussion of the public comments. The
listed page numbers refer to pages in the
Federal Register published on April 16,
2013.
• ‘‘600 series:’’ preamble discussion,
pages 22661–22663 and 22691;
regulatory text, page 22727.
• Definition of ‘‘component:’’
regulatory text, page 22727.
• Definitions of ‘‘end item’’ and
‘‘part:’’ regulatory text, page 22728.
• Definition of ‘‘specially designed:’’
preamble discussion, pages 22682–
22691; regulatory text, pages 22728–
22729.
• ‘‘Dual licensing:’’ preamble
discussion, page 22664–22665;
regulatory text, page 22707.
• License Exceptions TMP, RPL,
GOV, TSU and STA: preamble
discussion, pages 22669–22674;
regulatory text, pages 22709–22720 and
22726.
• ‘‘Order of review’’: preamble
discussion, page 22704; regulatory text,
pages 22735–22736.
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Public Comments on the November 28
(Military Electronics) Rule and BIS
Responses
BIS received comments from 17
organizations and one individual,
proposing a number of ideas for revising
the proposed rule.
Comment: Several commenters
expressed general approval of
transferring some military items from
the USML. As part of their comments,
they noted that (i) electronic parts and
components are rarely almost
exclusively available from the United
States; (ii) current USML requirements
impose a heavy cost burden on low
value parts and US manufacturers may
thus be more inclined to continue
making the parts if that burden is
reduced; and (iii) the removal of a ‘‘seethrough’’ rule on electronic parts and
components will reduce the incentive
for foreign customers in non-embargoed
countries to refuse to buy US-origin
parts. One commenter approved of BIS’s
use of ‘‘specially designed’’ in ‘‘600
series’’ ECCNs because it would help
standardize the identification of which
items are and are not controlled. One
commenter noted that placing
monolithic microware integrated circuit
power amplifiers in 3A611.c and
discrete power transistors in 3A611.d
are positive moves that clearly define
the articles covered.
Response: BIS agrees and these
comments are consistent with the
second proposed rule.
Comment: Some commenters
expressed concern that the rule did not
refer to a Department of Defense review
process for low observable and counter
low observable related items moving
from the USML to the CCL.
Response: In accordance with
Executive Order 12981, as amended, the
Department of Defense has authority to
review license applications submitted to
the Department of Commerce. BIS
expects that Department to continue
existing review policies for any items
referred to by these commenters that are
added to the CCL. In any event, no
change to the regulations is necessary to
implement this policy.
Comment: A commenter
recommended adding an interpretation
to Part 770 clarifying that items subject
to a parameter-based CCL entry will be
controlled by such entry if the item
meets the parameter at the time of
export, and not by whether it has
potential capability (e.g., dormant
capability) to meet the control, so long
as the additional capability cannot be
executed by the end-user without
additional activity by the exporters.
Exporters would be required to obtain
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any necessary authorizations to activate
such a capability for a customer.
Response: Items with characteristics
that are within the scope of the
parameters of a particular ECCN are
classified under that ECCN. BIS believes
that no change is needed to the
regulatory text from what was published
in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule.
Comment: Commenters stated that
more information about the order of
precedence or order of review was
needed for the public to be able to
classify items reliably. Many items
might be reasonably classified under a
USML category or an ECCN, more than
one ECCN, or more than one ECCN
paragraph.
Response: BIS received comments
along this line in response to other
proposed rules. The April 16 (initial
implementation) rule includes an order
of review, which is intended to
eliminate the possible uncertainty noted
by these commenters.
Comment: Commenters expressed
concern that moving items from the
USML to the CCL would increase the
number of licenses that some companies
would need for two reasons.
First, in many instances, the
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
(DDTC) in practice issues licenses
covering items that are subject to the
EAR, when they are being exported in
conjunction with defense articles that
are subject to the ITAR. The commenter
suggested that these circumstances
might increase the time needed to gain
approval for transactions that require
the export of both USML and CCL items,
because BIS licenses generally take
longer to obtain than DDTC licenses.
The commenter proposed as a solution
allowing DDTC to issue licenses for
items on the CCL in such transactions.
This commenter suggested that a formal
process for DDTC to issue licenses for
items that are subject to the EAR be
authorized.
Second, license exceptions under the
EAR do not apply to some transactions
that would be exempt from license
requirements under the ITAR. Two
solutions were proposed. First, amend
license exceptions under the EAR to
make sure that they cover transactions
that would qualify for an exemption
under the ITAR. Second, create a new
license exemption that authorizes using
ITAR exemptions for transactions that
are subject to the EAR.
Response: The potential problem of
needing both a DDTC and a BIS license
for a single transaction is sometimes
referred to as the dual licensing issue.
BIS’s and DDTC’s April 16 (initial
implementation) rules address the dual
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licensing issue with a procedure for
DDTC to issue licenses for items that are
subject to the EAR in situations where
a single transaction includes exports or
reexports of items that are subject the
ITAR and items that are subject to the
EAR. BIS welcomes comments on
whether these provisions effectively
address the issues identified in the
comments.
The April 16 (initial implementation)
rule revises several EAR license
exceptions to make them comparable to
ITAR license exemptions. BIS believes
that the second proposed solution—
amending the EAR to allow use of ITAR
license exemptions for transactions that
are subject to the EAR—would create
legal and policy complications that can
be avoided by simply amending existing
EAR license exceptions. BIS welcomes
comments on whether the revisions to
license exceptions in the April 16
(initial implementation) rule effectively
address the issues identified in the
comments with respect to military
electronic items.
Comment: A commenter
recommended several steps to deal with
the expected increase in the number of
license applications to be submitted to
BIS, such as: Increase staffing levels;
‘‘enhance’’ the DOC licensing process to
reduce cycle times; include reviewing
agencies in efforts to streamline the
license application review process; and
leverage lessons learned and best
practices from the Department of State,
which has reduced processing time in
recent years.
Response: BIS is taking these steps.
No revision to the EAR is needed to do
so.
Comments Concerning Proposed ECCNs
4A611, 5A611 and 6A611
Proposed ECCNs 4A611, 5A611 and
6A611 refer readers to ECCN 3A611.
They are included to alert readers that
military computers, military
telecommunications equipment and
military radars would be controlled by
ECCN 3A611, a structure more similar
to that of the USML, which controls all
three in Category XI, than that of the
CCL, which controls computers in
Category 4, telecommunications
equipment in Category 5, and radars in
Category 6.
Comment: Commenters expressed a
belief that following the USML pattern
would make classification more difficult
than would following the CCL pattern.
Response: This proposed rule
republishes those three cross-reference
ECCNs along with a fourth one: ECCN
7A613, which refers readers to 3A611
for military avionics and navigation
items. BIS continues to seek comments
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on which pattern would be easier to
understand and comply with. One
pattern would create substantive ECCNs
in five CCL Categories—Category 4
(computers), Category 5
(telecommunications), Category 6
(sensors and lasers), Category 7
(avionics), and Category 3 (all other
military electronics not described on the
USML). The other pattern would place
all substantive control text for military
electronics in Category 3 with cross
references to Category 3 in Categories 4,
5, 6 and 7. The advantage of breaking
the different types out among the
categories is that they would be
described in more detail and in the CCL
categories that control similar dual-use
items. The disadvantage would be that
20 new substantive 600 series ECCNs
would need to be created that all
contain essentially contain the same
descriptions as compared to 4 new
substantive and four cross reference
ECCNs that would be required by the
second alternative.
Comment: A commenter requested a
six-month grace period to implement
the changes that would be required by
the proposed rule.
Response: BIS plans to make the final
rule adding to the CCL military
electronic systems the President
determines no longer warrant control
under the USML effective 180 days after
publication.
Comment: One commenter noted that
the EAR contain no definition of
‘‘avionics,’’ making the decision to
classify an item under Category 7—
Navigation and Avionics or Category
9—Aerospace and Propulsion, difficult.
The commenter stated as an example
that a control panel for anti-ice bleed air
valves might belong under either
Category 7 or Category 9, depending on
whether it contains a digital circuit even
though the function performed is the
same.
Response: BIS is making no changes
to this proposed rule in response to this
comment, because it is outside the
scope of the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. However, BIS will look
into ways to address elsewhere the
issues raised by this commenter.
Comment: One commenter stated the
policy implications of the phrase, ‘‘parts
and components n.e.s. in ECCNs 7A994
and 9A991.d,’’ are unclear with the
addition of the proposed definition of
‘‘specially designed.’’ The commenter
noted that neither ECCN uses the term
‘‘specially designed,’’ and stated that the
ECCNs have never been understood to
control EAR99 items common to nonaircraft applications.
Response: BIS is making no changes
to this proposed rule in response to this
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comment because it is outside the scope
of the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. BIS does not intend
that anything in this proposed rule or in
the April 16 (initial implementation)
rule make a currently EAR99 item
controlled under either ECCN 7A994 or
9A991. BIS will look into ways to
address elsewhere the issues raised by
this commenter.
Comment: Several commenters
expressed concern over use of the term
‘‘specially designed’’ in the November
28 (military electronics) rule when the
final rule defining that term had not
been published. The commenters noted
that they could not analyze the impact
of the term without knowing its precise
language.
Response: The April 16 (initial
implementation) rule included the
definition of ‘‘specially designed’’ that
will apply to this proposed rule has now
been published. See 78 FR 22682–91,
22728–29.
Comment: Several commenters
proposed features that they thought the
definition of ‘‘specially designed’’
should have. These recommendations
were:
• Include in subsection (a)(1) of the
definition application-specific
components of end items for which the
control parameters or character can be
ascertained;
• Restrict the ‘‘necessary’’ standard
for components set forth in subsection
(a)(2) to components for which there is
no basis to assess the controlled
parameters or character of the end item
in which the component is
incorporated;
• Create a note that provides an
appropriate industry definition of
ASICs;
• Capture the natural meaning of the
term ‘‘specially designed,’’ and avoid
overarching exclusions and exceptions;
and
• Eliminate reference in subsection
(b)(3) to ‘‘form and fit’’ for components
of equivalent performance.
It is logical and feasible to tie the
control of ‘‘specially designed’’
components to the related end-item, but
only to the extent that the ‘‘specially
designed’’ component is peculiarly
responsible for the controlled
parameters of the controlled character as
a whole of the end item.
Form and fit adapted to a particular
end item or special protective packaging
adapted to the environment in which
that end-item functions should not
make a part or component specially
designed for a particular end item if the
function that the part or component
performs is the same as that it would
perform in some other end-item where
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a different form or fit is required, or
such special protective packaging or
housing is not needed.
Consider modifications to basic
hardware as minor and, therefore not
‘‘specially designed’’ if they: (a) Are
unclassified; (b) are not for the purpose
of improving the item’s resistance or
hardness to nuclear radiation, nuclear
electromagnetic pulse, or resistance to
chemicals or biological agents
controlled under the ITAR; and c) are
not made to achieve special designated
military properties (e.g., special low
observable, acoustic, electromagnetic
properties, hot section technology for
military gas turbine engines, or
characteristics identified in the
proposed Supplement No. 4 to Part 740
of the EAR).
Response: Following the closing
comment period date for the November
28 (military electronics) rule, the April
16 (initial implementation) rule set forth
the definition of ‘‘specially designed.’’
This definition provides that
modifications to a part or component
made solely to fit a particular
commodity do not make the part or
component specially designed. The
definition also states that certain
specific parts are not specially designed.
The definition is not limited to parts or
components that are peculiarly
responsible for achieving the control
parameters of the end item, nor does it
exclude modifications or packaging
applied to a part or component adapted
to the environment in which the enditem performs. Although the notion of a
short ‘‘natural meaning’’ definition is
interesting, experience has indicated
that determining the actual purpose for
which something was designed is often
difficult and can lead different readers
to different conclusions based on the
same sets of facts. BIS believes that the
definition set forth in April 16 (initial
implementation) rule provides a
reasonable, repeatable, verifiable, and as
certain as possible framework for
determining which parts and
components are and are not ‘‘specially
designed.’’ However, BIS welcomes
comments regarding the impact the term
‘‘specially designed’’ has on the ECCNs
in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter
recommended removing minor parts
and components in normal commercial
use to which minor modifications have
been made from the catch-all paragraphs
for the 600 series ECCNs, arguing that
such common hardware does not
warrant this level of control.
Response: BIS is not adopting this
recommendation. License requirements
on parts and components that are
specially designed for military
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equipment, even if they do not give the
military equipment its military
character, can serve the U.S.
government’s national security and
foreign policy interests in being able to
monitor, control, and otherwise have
visibility into the supply chain of the
parts and components that are necessary
to keep military equipment functioning.
The U.S. government has made a
determination that such parts and
components, which are now ITAR
controlled, do not warrant all the
controls of the ITAR. The government
has not made, and does not intend to
make, a determination that such items
do not warrant control at all.
Comment: One commenter stated that
BIS should respect prior commodity
jurisdiction rulings. The U.S.
government has already determined that
these items do not warrant control on
the ITAR as it currently exists.
Therefore, they should not warrant
control under 600 series ECCNs.
Response: Items not currently on the
USML, in an ECCN that ends with
‘‘018,’’ or in ECCN 0A918, have been
determined not to be military items. BIS
confirmed in General Order No. 5 in the
April 16 (initial implementation rule)
that one may conclude that such items
within the scope of a Commodity
Jurisdiction (‘‘CJ’’) determination are not
600 series items (See 78 FR 22660,
22708, April 16, 2013). If readers believe
that this proposed rule would do so,
they should submit a comment
indicating specifically what items in
ECCNs other than those described above
or what EAR99 items they believe
would be moved to the 600 series by
this proposed rule.
Comments on ECCN 3A101
Comment: One commenter
recommended replacing the phrase
‘‘usable in missiles’’ with ‘‘specially
designed for use in missiles,’’ stating
that the former language could lead to
controlling almost any analog to digital
converter because it would be
impossible to prove that it could not be
used in some capacity in anything
considered a missile. This same
commenter recommended removing
paragraph .a.1 from ECCN 3A101, which
applies to analog to digital converters
that are ‘‘ ‘Specially designed’ to meet
military specifications for ruggedized
equipment,’’ because published military
specifications for ruggedized equipment
address a number of characteristics that
are not uniquely military.
Response: The phrases ‘‘usable in
missiles’’ and ‘‘ ‘[s]pecially designed’ to
meet military specifications for
ruggedized equipment’’ are close
paraphrases that accurately convey the
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meaning of the corresponding language
in Category II, Item 14, 14.A.1 of the
MTCR Annex. The ECCNs at issue
implement the controls described in the
MTCR Annex. The changes that this
commenter proposes would alter ECCN
3A101 sufficiently that it would no
longer accurately convey the meaning of
the Annex. Therefore, BIS is not making
this change. BIS notes that the control
phrase ‘‘usable in missiles’’ is indeed
substantially broader in scope than the
control phrase ‘‘specially designed.’’ BIS
encourages the public to review the
definition of the term in EAR section
772 for purposes of making
classification determinations of items
that are potentially within the scope of
ECCNs that use the phrase ‘‘usable in
missiles.’’
Comment: One commenter stated that
adding analog-to-digital converters to
ECCN 3A101.a is a positive change, but
thought that doing so was inconsistent
with the other changes that were adding
electronic items from the USML to
ECCN 3A611. The commenter thought
the departure from the standard pattern
would cause confusion.
Response: BIS proposed adding these
analog-to-digital converters to ECCN
3A101.a because that paragraph
currently addresses those analog-todigital converters by referring readers to
the USML. BIS believes that
implementing the EAR control in the
paragraph that currently refers readers
to the USML for controls on the same
commodities would be less confusing
than adding these analog-to-digital
converters to a new 600 series ECCN.
This proposed rule slightly revises the
November 28 (military electronics) rule
language to conform more closely to the
MTCR text, but continues to control
these analog-to-digital converters under
ECCN 3A101.a. BIS invites further
comment on whether controlling these
analog-to-digital converters in ECCN
3A101 or in ECCN 3A611 would be
easier for readers of the EAR.
Comments on ECCN 3A611
Comment: One commenter
recommended changing the LVS
paragraph in ECCN 3A611 to read
$1500, N/A for 3A611.c, to be consistent
with other ECCN entries that contain
similar paragraph restrictions.
Response: BIS agrees that the
proposed rule phrasing was not
consistent with the pattern used in most
ECCNs. To improve consistency and
clarity, this proposed phrases the LVS
limit as $1500 for 3A611.a, .d through
.h and .x; N/A for 3A611.c and .y
Comment: BIS received several
comments concerning related controls
note number (2) in the November 28
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(military electronics) rule (related
control note number 6 in this proposed
rule), which reads:
Electronic items ‘‘specially designed’’ for
military use that are not controlled in any
USML category but are within the scope of
another ‘‘600 series’’ ECCN are controlled by
that ‘‘600 series’’ ECCN. Thus, ECCN 3A611
controls only electronic items ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a military use that are not
otherwise within the scope of a USML
category or ‘‘600 series’’ ECCN other than
ECCN 3A611. For example, electronic
components not enumerated on the USML or
another 600 series entry that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a military aircraft controlled by
USML Category VIII or ECCN 9A610 are
controlled by the catch-all control in ECCN
9A610.x. Electronic components not
enumerated on the USML or another 600
series entry that are ‘‘specially designed’’ for
a military vehicle controlled by USML
Category VII or ECCN 0A606 are controlled
by ECCN 0A606.x. Electronic components
not enumerated on the USML that are
‘‘specially designed’’ for a missile controlled
by USML Category IV are controlled by ECCN
0A604.
One commenter stated that many
types of electronic equipment are used
in military vehicles or other military
equipment and have no functional or
technical difference from similar
equipment used in civilian vehicles or
equipment. Unless the definition of
‘‘specially designed’’ allows for minor
modifications to be made without an
item being considered ‘‘specially
designed,’’ the proposed rule would
have the potential to impose significant
controls on automotive electronic items
that are in normal commercial use
throughout the world. The proposed
rule should be clarified to address this
issue by including a note reading,
‘‘Automotive electronic parts,
components, accessories and
attachments, controlled by 0A606.y are
not subject to 3A611.y simply because
they contain electronics, rather they are
controlled by 0A606.y.’’
Response: The definition of ‘‘specially
designed’’ as published in the April 16,
(initial implementation) rule excludes
parts that otherwise would be specially
designed if the only modification is to
make the part fit a particular
commodity. Even for electronic parts
and components that, according to the
definition, are specially designed for
military ground vehicles, BIS believes
that the commenter’s proposed language
is unnecessary. The first sentence of the
related control note in ECCN 3A611
states that electronic items that are not
on the USML and are within the scope
of another 600 series ECCN are
controlled by that 600 series ECCN. BIS
believes that neither modification to this
text nor an additional note in paragraph
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.x is necessary to make the point. A note
should not be necessary for the .y
paragraphs because the .y paragraphs
list specific commodities.
Comment: One commenter
recommended that the sentence reading:
‘‘Thus, ECCN 3A611 controls only
electronic items ‘specially designed’ for
a military use that are not otherwise
within the scope of a USML category or
‘600 series’ ECCN other than ECCN
3A611’’ be revised by replacing the
phrase or ‘‘‘600 series’ ECCN other than
ECCN 3A611’’ with ‘‘another 600 series
ECCN,’’ because the note is within
ECCN 3A611, and therefore the
reference to 3A611 is unnecessary.
Response: BIS acknowledges the
reference to ECCN 3A611 is, as a matter
of syntax, unnecessary. However,
experience indicates that in the EAR,
explicit references, even at the risk of
sounding pedantic, often result in fewer
misunderstandings. Therefore, BIS is
not adopting this change.
Comment: One commenter stated that
the text in the related control note to
3A611 that reads ‘‘. . . that are not
controlled in any USML category but are
within the scope of another ‘600 series’
ECCN are controlled by that ‘600 series’
ECCN’’ appears contrary to the
reasoning used to include military
computers, telecommunications devices
and radars in 3A611, and further clouds
exactly where electronic components
should be classified.
Response: ECCNs 4A611, 5A611 and
6A611 in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule are merely ECCN
headers that indicate that specially
designed military computers,
telecommunications equipment and
radars, respectively, if not on the USML
are controlled under ECCN 3A611. They
do not contain any ‘‘List of Items
Controlled’’ or other text indicating that
they are used to impose license
requirements. BIS thinks it unlikely that
readers, on the basis of the related
control note in ECCN 3A611, will look
for license requirements in ECCNs
4A611, 5A611 or 6A611; even if they do
so, they would be directed back to
ECCN 3A611. Accordingly, this
proposed rule does not change the text
of the first sentence of related control
note (6). However, readers are
encouraged to submit further comments
on this point. As described above, BIS
is specifically seeking comments about
whether it would be easier to
understand and make compliance
determinations if separate 600 series
ECCNs sets were created for military
computers, military
telecommunications, and military lasers
and radar in CCL Categories 4, 5, and 6,
respectively or if all such items are
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controlled within the scope of a general
military electronics 600 series ECCN,
i.e., 3x611.
Comment: One commenter noted that
the second sentence of this related
control note (number 6 in this proposed
rule) refers to ECCN 3A611, whereas the
corresponding explanatory text in the
preamble refers to ECCN 3A611.x. The
commenter believes that the regulatory
text is correct and that the explanatory
text should be modified accordingly.
Response: BIS agrees and the
explanatory text has been modified
accordingly in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter
recommended changing ‘‘directly
related’’ to ‘‘specially designed’’ in the
first related controls note, which states
technical data that are directly related to
electronic items controlled in USML
Category XI or other USML categories
are subject to the ITAR.
Response: BIS is not adopting this
recommendation. The purpose of the
related controls note is to call readers’
attention to regulatory provisions that
apply to items related to or similar to
the items in the ECCN in which the note
appears. In this instance, the relevant
regulatory provision is Category XI of
the USML, which uses the phrase
‘‘directly related to . . .’’ in describing
the technical data that it controls.
Comments or questions regarding the
meaning of ‘‘directly related’’ should be
directed to the Department of State’s
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
Comment: BIS received several
comments about the terms used in
ECCN 3A611.a. Commenters thought
certain terms were imprecise and
should be eliminated or replaced with
more specific listings of items
controlled. The criticized terms were
‘‘equipment,’’ ‘‘end items,’’ ‘‘systems,’’
‘‘specially designed’’ and ‘‘military
use.’’
Response: This proposed rule does
not eliminate any of those criticized
terms. The definitions of the terms ‘‘end
item,’’ ‘‘equipment,’’ ‘‘specially
designed’’ and ‘‘system’’ that will apply
to this proposed rule were published in
the April 16 (initial implementation)
rule. BIS believes that, with these
definitions, the terms will be
sufficiently precise to be widely
understood by readers of the EAR. If,
after reviewing the new definitions,
readers are uncertain about their
meanings, BIS encourages them to
describe the basis for the uncertainty in
their comments to this or any other
relevant proposed rule BIS publishes.
Although the term ‘‘military use’’ was
not defined in April 16 (initial
implementation) rule, that term is used
in the WAML category ML11 to describe
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the types of electronics subject to that
category. Additionally, the term
‘‘military application’’ is currently used
in USML Category XI to describe the
electronics subject to that category. BIS
believes that in practical usage, the
phrase ‘‘military use’’ is synonymous
with ‘‘military application.’’ This
proposed rule retains the term ‘‘military
use’’ to avoid inadvertent decontrol of
items currently in WAML category
ML11 or USML Category XI.
Comment: One commenter focused on
the portion of the note to ECCN 3A611.a
that reads: ‘‘3A611.a includes any radar,
telecommunications or computer
equipment, end items or systems
‘specially designed’ for military use that
are not enumerated in any USML
category or controlled by a ‘600 series’
ECCN.’’ The commenter suggested that
this note could create confusion as to,
for example, license requirements for
items controlled under ECCNs 5A002,
5A991 or EAR99. This commenter also
stated that a manufacturer typically will
develop a standard prototype and offer
the system in whatever frequency range
the customer specifies. Such systems
perform identical functions using
identical technology regardless of
whether they are set to operate in a
traditional military or civilian frequency
band. Communications systems for
military customers are often assembled
with commercial-off-the-shelf
equipment. ECCN 3A611.a should be
clarified to enumerate specific
categories of items with particular
threshold parameters. This commenter
suggested that ECCN 3A611.a should be
modified to exclude explicitly items
that are composed of commercially
available components—similar to the
exclusion in USML Category XI(c). This
commenter proposed adding a note to
3A611 that would implement both of its
proposals: ‘‘Note: This ECCN does not
control equipment or systems that are
comprised of parts, components, or
accessories in normal commercial use,
which operate in a frequency range
allocated for military use.’’
Response: BIS is making no changes
to the proposed rule in response to this
comment. Items specially designed for
military applications and that are not
described on the USML warrant the
degree of control and government
visibility set forth in the 600 series
ECCNs. That such items may be
technologically similar to items not
specially designed for military
applications misses the point of 600
series controls, which is to have U.S.
government visibility and control over
their export and reexport to various
destinations, end users, and end uses of
concern. It is because such items are
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technologically similar to items used in
commercial applications that their
jurisdictional status is being changed
from an ITAR-controlled item to an
EAR-controlled item. BIS also rejects
that suggestion that items specially
designed for military applications not be
controlled by a military export control
if they are composed of commercially
available parts and components.
Regulations that fail to control the
export of items with military
applications solely because they can be
built from commercially available
components would risk strengthening
adversaries’ military capability.
Moreover, such a decontrol note would
likely lead to inconsistent
interpretations of the EAR as each
individual exporter applies its own
interpretation of the term
‘‘commercially available.’’ Finally, BIS
believes that this commenter is
misinterpreting USML Category XI(c),
which first controls components of
equipment that is controlled by
Category XI(a) and (b), and then
excludes from that control only those
otherwise ITAR controlled parts,
components, accessories, and
attachments that are ‘‘in normal
commercial use.’’ The State Department
has confirmed for BIS that Category XI
does not exclude items specifically
designed or modified for military
applications from ITAR control merely
because they are made from components
in normal commercial use. Rather,
USML Category XI(c) excludes from
control the part, component, accessory,
or attachment itself that is ‘‘in normal
commercial use.’’
Comment: One commenter
recommended removing the technical
parameters for microwave monolithic
integrated circuits (MMIC) and discrete
microwave transistors from ECCN
3A611.c and .d. The commenter
recommended that ECCN 3A611.c and
.d should cover microwave monolithic
integrated circuits and discrete
microwave transistors specially
designed for military applications and
not found in commercial applications
instead.
Response: BIS is not adopting this
recommendation. One of the goals of the
Export Control Reform Initiative is to
describe the controlled items using
specific parameters whenever feasible.
The text of ECCN 3A611.c and .d in this
proposed rule reflects the efforts of the
Departments of Defense, State, and
Commerce to tailor the control text so
that it describes the MMIC power
amplifiers and discrete microwave
transistors that have significant military
application. If we have described in the
proposed text items that are or are likely
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to be in normal commercial use, then
please provide a comment regarding
such uses and the evidence to support
the comment.
Comment: One commenter noted that
MMIC power amplifiers in ECCN
3A001.b.2 have a higher threshold floor
operating frequency than MMIC power
amplifier in 3A611.c. The commenter
recommended that the 3A611.c
operating frequency threshold floor be
raised to at least 3.2 GHz.
Response: BIS is not adopting this
proposal to raise the threshold floor
frequency for MMIC power amplifiers.
Although the current threshold floor
frequency for MMIC power amplifiers
listed in ECCN 3A001.b.2 is 3.2 GHz,
the frequency threshold floor for MMIC
power amplifiers listed in in ECCN
3A982 is 2.7 GHz. The U.S. government
has presented a proposal to the
Wassenaar Arrangement to make 2.7
GHz the threshold floor on the
Wassenaar Arrangement Dual-Use List.
In this proposed rule, ECCN 3A611.c
and .d are based on that proposal with
the addition of power added efficiency,
higher peak saturated power, increased
fractional bandwidth, or some
combination of these factors to limit
ECCN 3A611.c and .d. to those MMIC
power amplifiers and discrete
microwave transistors that have
significant military applications. BIS
encourages comments on the parameters
set forth in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter stated that
MMICs and discrete microware
transistors with significant military
applications operate at frequencies that
fall within the gaps between the
operating frequency ranges listed in
paragraph .c and .d of ECCN 3A611 in
the November 28 (military electronics)
rule.
Response: There are no gaps between
the operating frequency ranges in ECCN
3A611.c and .d in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter provided
extensive comments on the MMIC
amplifiers and discrete microwave
transistors in ECCN 3A611.c and .d of
the November 28 (military electronics)
rule. Those comments are summarized
below.
• Wireless broadband and mobile
carriers operate in the 2.5–2.7 GHz
segment of the S-band frequency range.
• Descriptions of operating frequency
thresholds should be consistent among
ECCNs, and recommend the pattern
currently in ECCN 3A001 (frequencies
exceeding X up to and including Y) as
being better than the pattern in the
November 28 (military electronics) rule
(frequencies of X up to and including
Y). The commenter stated that the
bottom threshold creates a problem
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because standard cell phone carrier
equipment typically operates in the
range of 2.5 to 2.7 GHz, with a
performance roll off slightly above that
frequency. Using ‘‘exceeding’’ would
prevent 3A611 from capturing a large
segment of commercial products that are
currently EAR99.
• A total overlap exists between the
frequency ranges for both MMIC
amplifier and transistors in proposed
ECCN 3A611 and existing ECCN 3A982.
ECCN 3A611 would add a power added
efficiency metric of 30% and a third
unit of measure for power thresholds to
the two already implemented under
ECCN 3A982. The result would make
ECCN 3A982 entirely redundant, and
make these products ineligible for
License Exception STA, i.e., tightening
export controls in these products.
• ECCNs 3A611.c and .d—For tiers
exceeding 3.2 GHz, proposed ECCN
3A611 would encompass the same
frequencies currently covered by ECCN
3A001 (with carve outs in the 31.8 GHz
range and for frequencies exceeding 75
GHz). However, by changing the unit of
measure for the wattage cut-off points
from average power to peak power, the
power thresholds would become more
restrictive.
• The proposed power thresholds for
transistors and MMICs in ECCN 3A611
bear no direct correlation to militaryspecific applications in accordance with
the stated intention. By taking the
existing frequency and power
thresholds under ECCNs 3A001 and
3A982 and converting the power unit of
measure to a tighter metric, this rule
would have the opposite effect.
• The addition of a power-added
efficiency metric to the transistor and
MMIC controls does not lessen the
impact of overly restrictive power
thresholds. Most Gallium Nitride (GaN)
transistors and MMICs perform at levels
that exceed the proposed power added
efficiency thresholds for 3A611.
Accordingly, it does not help to focus
the ECCN on high performance parts,
which instead would capture most of
the GaN transistors and MMICs
presently used in telecom, backhaul,
point-to-point, and satellite
applications.
• Telecom infrastructure providers
use wide band gap products, such as
with a frequency range of DC–18 GHz
for backhaul services (telecom providers
can take the traffic at a local cell phone
tower back to the switchboard by
aggregating the calls).
• The proposed power added
efficiency thresholds, as a function of
bandwidth, bear no logical correlation
to the way that discrete microwave
transistors and MMIC technologies
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actually work. The lower frequencies
should correspond with higher poweradded efficiency; as the frequency goes
higher, the power-added efficiency
should decrease.
• The proposed power-added
efficiency values start at 30% for the
lowest frequency tier, go up to 40%,
then go back down to 35% before hitting
30% again. The commenter believes that
these thresholds are arbitrary and
impractical, and proposes alternatives of
60%, 53%, 45%, 30%, 15%, & 10% for
HEMTs and 65%, 57%, 50%, 30%, &
15% for MMICs.
• Saturated peak output power is the
most appropriate measure. A peak
output power metric would most
accurately address potential concern
relating to military importance for parts.
This unit also would eliminate many of
the close-to-the-threshold concerns by
providing a more precise measure of
power. BIS should adopt peak output
power for all ECCNs that apply to
discrete microwave transistors and
MMICs. In particular, the average power
metric should be eliminated from
proposed 3A611, 3A001 and 3A982, or
at least that term should be clearly
defined in a way that corresponds to
peak power.
• The commenter expects a surge in
demand for discrete microwave
transistors with a rated peak power of
120 W in the 3.55–3.65 GHz band
(currently used by naval radar systems)
because of an FCC proposal to allow
small cells/citizens band radio to
operate in that range (78 FR 1188,
January 8, 2013).
• The commenter recommended that
3A611 exclude discrete microwave
transistors and MMICs that are
specifically designed for
communications in a frequency band
allocated by the International
Telecommunications Union, stating that
similar language is used in ECCN
3A001.
• Proposed 3A611 would expand
controls on several commercial parts
that are, and should continue to be,
3A001 or EAR99. Similar parts are
available without license restrictions
from UMS (Germany), Mitsubishi
(Japan), Toshiba (Japan), and Sumitomo
(Japan).
• Increasing controls on parts that
currently are available without
restriction, and creating ambiguity
among proposed ECCN 3A611 and
existing ECCNs 3A001 and 3A982,
would create an unlevel playing field
for U.S. manufacturers and jeopardize
thousands of high paying jobs.
• This commenter urged removal of
discrete microwave transistors and
MMICs from proposed 3A611
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altogether, because proposed control
thresholds overlap with existing
controls on the CCL. Alternatively, if
they are to remain in 3A611, the
commenter stated that BIS should tailor
the provisions narrowly so that they
apply only to a limited range of
products that truly are specially
designed for military use, with no
potential commercial applications in the
designated power, frequency, and
efficiency ranges. There should be a
logical progression from ECCNs 3A001
to 3A983 to 3A611. Additionally, the
units of measure should be harmonized
for all three ECCNs.
Response: BIS has substantially
revamped the criteria for proposed
ECCNs 3A611.c and .d in this proposed
rule compared to the November 28
(military electronics) rule, in an effort to
tailor these paragraphs to apply to
MMIC power amplifiers and discrete
microwave transistors that have
significant military applications. These
changes are also intended to avoid
controlling MMIC power amplifiers and
discrete microwave transistors that have
significant civil applications, which will
remain in ECCNs 3A001 and 3A982.
Furthermore, The U.S. government has
presented a proposal to the Wassenaar
Arrangement to modify the Wassenaar
Arrangement Dual List parameters for
MMIC power amplifiers and discrete
transistors. These proposed
modifications are being evaluated and
would align controls among ECCNs
3A001, 3A982, and 3A611 and prevent
overlap.
In this proposed rule, paragraph .c
would control MMIC power amplifiers
and paragraph .d would control discrete
microwave transistors, as was the case
in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. As recommended by
this commenter, frequency ranges are
expressed in the form ‘‘frequencies
exceeding X up to and including Y’’ for
all subparagraphs of both paragraphs .c
and .d.
The MMIC power amplifiers subject
to paragraph .c would be described in
13 subparagraphs. Each subparagraph
would apply to a specified operating
frequency range, starting with
subparagraph .c.1, which would apply
to MMIC power amplifiers with
operating frequencies exceeding 2.7
GHz up to and including 2.9 GHz, and
increasing with each paragraph to
paragraph c.13, which applies to MMIC
power amplifiers with operating
frequencies exceeding 110 GHz. Each
subparagraph would be further defined
by the peak saturated power output
value that the MMIC power amplifiers
must exceed to be included within that
paragraph. Fractional bandwidth and
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power added efficiency would further
define the MMIC power amplifiers
controlled by some of the
subparagraphs. The terms ‘‘average
power output,’’ ‘‘pulse power output,’’
and ‘‘duty cycle,’’ would not be used to
describe the MMIC power amplifiers in
paragraph .c.
The Departments of Defense, State
and Commerce identified these
parameters as describing the MMIC
power amplifiers that are sufficiently
important to military applications to
justify control under a 600 series ECCN.
BIS believes that when the EAR are read
according to the order of review
published in the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule, any apparent
overlap between the MMIC power
amplifiers listed in proposed ECCN
3A611 and those listed in ECCNs 3A001
or 3A982 would be unambiguously
resolved, and that only those MMIC
power amplifiers with significant
military application would be in ECCN
3A611.c. BIS welcomes comments on
whether such is, in fact, the case.
The discrete microwave transistors
subject to paragraph .d are described in
12 subparagraphs. Each subparagraph
applies to a specified operating
frequency range starting with
subparagraph .d.1, which applies to
discrete microwave transistors with
operating frequencies exceeding 2.7
GHz up to and including 2.9 GHz,
increasing with each paragraph to
paragraph c.12, which applies to
discrete microwave transistors with
operating frequencies exceeding 75
GHz. Within each of the first 11
subparagraphs peak saturated power
output and power added efficiency
further define the discrete microwave
transistors to which paragraph .d would
apply. In the twelfth and final
subparagraph, only peak saturated
power output further defines the
controlled discrete microwave
transistors. BIS and the Departments
Defense, State and Commerce identified
these parameters as describing the
discrete microwave transistors that are
sufficiently important to military
applications to justify control under a
600 series ECCN. BIS believes that when
the EAR are read according to the order
of review published in the April 16
(initial implementation) rule, any
apparent overlap between the transistors
listed in proposed ECCN 3A611 and
those listed in ECCNs 3A001.b.3 or
3A982 can be unambiguously resolved
and that only those discrete microwave
transistors with significant military
application would be in ECCN 3A611.d.
BIS welcomes comments on whether
such is, in fact, the case.
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Comment: One commenter stated that
the description in 3A611.d ‘‘discrete
radio frequency transistors’’ should be
the same as ECCN 3A001.b.3 ‘‘discrete
microwave transistors.’’
Response: The preamble to the
November 28 (military electronics) rule
used the phrase ‘‘discrete radio
frequency transistors,’’ whereas the
regulatory text used the phrase ‘‘discrete
microwave transistors.’’ This proposed
rule uses the latter phrase in the
preamble.
Comment: One commenter stated that
discrete microwave transistors in
3A611.d have a higher operating
frequency than those in 3A001.b.3. This
commenter recommended that
threshold floor operating frequency in
3A611.d be raised to at least 3.2 GHz.
Response: This second proposed rule
would not raise the operating frequency
threshold floor for discrete microwave
transistors as compared to the
November 28 (military electronics) rule.
Although the current threshold floor
frequency for power transistors listed in
ECCN 3A001.b.3 is 3.2 GHz, the
frequency threshold floor for transistors
listed in in ECCN 3A982 is 2.7 GHz. The
U.S. government has presented a
proposal to the Wassenaar Arrangement
to make 2.7 GHz the threshold for
coverage on the Wassenaar Arrangement
Dual Use List. In this proposed rule,
ECCN 3A611.d is based on that proposal
with the added factor of power added
efficiency, or peak saturated power, or
some combination thereof, to identify
discrete microwave transistors that have
sufficient military significance to
warrant inclusion in a 600 series ECCN.
BIS encourages comments on the
parameters in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter stated that
proposed ECCN 3A611.e duplicates
equipment proposed to be classified
under Category XI(a)(2)(v) and (vi). The
commenter urged the Departments of
State and Commerce to specify exactly
what is proposed for each list either by
name or discrete technical parameters.
Response: BIS believes that the
commenter was referring to proposed
Category XI(a)(3)(v) and (vi), which
address radars, as does ECCN 3A611.e.
(The Department of State’s November 28
(military electronics) rule did not
contain a Category XI(a)(2)(v) or (vi)).
This second proposed rule and the
proposed rule being published
simultaneously by the Department of
State include revisions to proposed
Category XI(a)(3)(v) and ECCN 3A611.e
to more precisely describe each than
was done in BIS’s and State’s November
28 (military electronics) rules. Under
the order of review published in the
April 16 (initial implementation) rule, if
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an item meets the specific parameters of
a USML category, it is classified under
that category, and one need not refer to
the CCL. BIS believes that the revised
text in this second proposed rule,
combined with the order of review,
removes any ambiguity that may have
existed in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule.
Comment: Several commenters
addressed the originally proposed ECCN
3A611.f, which applied to
microelectronic devices or printed
circuit boards produced at a trusted
foundry, trusted source or trusted
supplier accredited by the Defense
Microelectronics Activity (DEMA). One
commenter stated that this paragraph
would be a positive move that would
clearly define the articles covered. Other
commenters perceived problems with
the paragraph. Those perceived
problems were: the paragraph appeared
to be a delegation by BIS of a
Department of State classification
authority to the DEMA; the rule
provided no guidance as to how to
validate a supplier’s accreditation; the
paragraph would control items not
necessarily made for military use if they
were trusted devices; and DEMA
accredits various facilities for a variety
of functions relating to production and
testing—the rule needs clarifying
language on this point.
Response: Upon review, the
Department of Defense concluded that
all of the items in proposed 3A611.f that
would be appropriate for ‘‘600 series’’
ECCN classification can be fully covered
elsewhere in 3A611 or other ‘‘600
series’’ ECCNs. Therefore, this reproposed rule does not mention
microelectronic devices or printed
circuit boards produced at a trusted
foundry, trusted source or trusted
supplier accredited by DEMA.
Comments: One commenter stated
that the .x concept in the 600 series is
confusing and would frustrate users
attempting to classify parts correctly.
This commenter also stated that the .x
control did not clearly align
jurisdictional status of software and
technology with the items to which they
relate. This commenter suggested that
confusion could be reduced by revising
the first two related control notes in
ECCN 3A611 to read, ‘‘(1) Electronic
items that are BY THEMSELVES
enumerated . . . .’’ and ‘‘(2) Electronic
items ‘specially designed’ for military
end us that are not BY THEMSELVES
controlled within any USML category
but are within the scope of another ‘600
series’ ECCN . . . .’’
Another commenter stated that
3A611.x includes parts, components,
accessories and attachments ‘‘specially
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designed’’ for military end use that are
neither enumerated in any USML
category nor another ‘‘600 series’’ ECCN.
The commenter stated that it is not clear
that there are any such parts,
components, accessories and
attachments. The commenter noted that
electronics are often found in other enditems, and as such would be controlled
under the ECCN for the end-item, and
that the proposed language is not
required and needlessly complicates the
CCL.
Response: This proposed rule would
continue to use the ‘‘.x’’ concept. The
April 16 (initial implementation) rule
specifies an order of review and
provides a definition of the term
‘‘specially designed.’’ BIS believes that
these provisions, read together, would
make clear that a part, software, or
technology for a commodity, unless
specifically enumerated elsewhere on
the USML or CCL, is treated for
purposes of EAR license requirements
as a part of that component rather than
as a part of an end-item into which the
component will be installed. The
specially designed definition provides
greater clarity as to which parts and
components are specially designed for
commodities on the CCL.
Moreover, listing in ECCN 3A611
every single specially designed part or
component of every piece of military
electronic equipment found on the
USML or in ECCN 3A611 would make
the ECCN long and cumbersome. Some
catch-all license requirements, as
currently exist on the USML, are needed
to provide the United States
Government with visibility into the
disposition and use of military
equipment around the world. Finally,
there are many types of electronic
components specially designed for
military items that would not be
controlled under other 600 series items.
BIS welcomes further comments on
whether the definition of ‘‘specially
designed’’ and the order of review add
clarity and certainty to the process of
classifying parts for military electronics.
Comments on ECCN 3A611.y and .y
Paragraphs Generally
Comment: One commenter expressed
a belief that placing the .y paragraphs in
separate ECCNs would lead to
inconsistent classifications. That
commenter offered several examples
from various BIS proposed rules, e.g.,
indicator lights for commodities in some
ECCNs would be in the .y paragraph,
but not in other ECCNs that apply to
items that have indicator lights. This
commenter asserted that the multiple .y
paragraphs would create an unnecessary
classification burden. This commenter
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recommended a single list of all .y
items. (The only CCL reason for control
that applies to items in the .y
paragraphs of 600 series ECCNs is
antiterrorism. Such items are also
subject to the China military end-use
requirement.)
Response: Although this second
proposed rule continues to list separate
ECCN-specific .y paragraphs, BIS is
considering four options to address
items of limited military significance,
and would like additional public
comments on the desirability of each
alternative. Those options are: (1)
Creating separate ECCN-specific .y
paragraphs; (2) creating a single list of
600 series items subject only to
antiterrorism and China military enduse license requirements; (3)
establishing a classification request
procedure whereby a 600 series item
could be designated as subject to only
antiterrorism and China military enduse license requirements, but
eliminating the .y listings from the
regulations; or removing all .y lists
completely. In evaluating the
desirability of each option, commenters
should bear in mind that the .y
designation indicates that the
Departments of Defense, State and
Commerce have agreed that a specified
item is of such limited military
significance, for almost all destinations,
that the U.S. government need not
attempt to control access to items or
monitor their distribution to obtain
visibility into supply chains necessary
to keep military equipment functioning.
Each option presents different
advantages and disadvantages.
Creating separate ECCN specific .y
paragraphs would allow BIS to tailor the
controls most precisely, but would also
produce the most complex and lengthy
regulations. Control over a commodity
designed for a military ground vehicle
might provide less visibility into
relevant supply chains than would
control over that same type of
commodity for a submarine or surface
vessel of war. A single .y list would
make the regulation of insignificant
military items shorter and less complex,
but likely would contain fewer items
than separate .y paragraphs. Such a list
would need to be a lowest common
denominator list equally relevant to all
parts for all types of military end items,
from military trucks to advanced
submarines. Only those items that do
not provide useful visibility into the
relevant supply chain for any 600 series
ECCN or USML category could be
included in such a list. A case-by-case
classification process would likely
produce the simplest and shortest
regulations; it could also tailor .y status
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to very specific items. However, the
classification process likely would be
time consuming and, because
classifications are not published by BIS,
the results would not be as widely
distributed as would a list or lists in the
EAR. Removing all .y lists completely.
This would have the benefit of
substantially simplifying and shortening
the relevant ECCNs and leaving to one
paragraph—the .x paragraphs—the
controls over non-enumerated parts,
components, accessories, and
attachments. The downside to this
option would be substantial overcontrol on insignificant items.
Comment: Some commenters
expressed concern about controlling
commodities of little or no military
significance in 3A611.y. One
commenter thought that such items
could be controlled in existing ECCNs.
Another commenter suggested that
paragraph .y might cause confusion
with items controlled under other
categories, and might increase controls
on items already classified as EAR99.
One commenter recommended that
three specific commodities: Electrical
connectors, electrical connector
backshells, and waveguides, would be
more appropriately controlled in a non600 series ECCN because of their
commercial applications.
Response: Commodities proposed for
ECCN 3A611.y are currently controlled
in the catch-all paragraph XI(c) on the
USML. BIS has not proposed moving
any EAR99 items and is proposing to
move only items controlled by other
than -018 ECCNs or ECCN 0A918 into
the 600 series ECCNs. Although
commodities with the same or a similar
name, e.g., ‘‘electric fans,’’ may be
controlled under other ECCNs or may be
EAR99, the distinguishing factor that
makes a commodity subject to 3A611.y
is that it is both ‘‘‘specially designed’ for
a commodity in ECCN 3A611 and not
elsewhere specified in the CCL (revised
to read ‘‘not elsewhere specified in a
600 series ECCN’’ in this proposed
rule—see explanation below). Items that
are specified in a non- 600 series ECCN
(other than those ending in ‘‘018,’’ all of
which are expected to be subsumed into
the 600 series in the course of the
Export Control Reform Initiative) would
not be specifically designed for the
military electronic equipment in 3A611.
Items that are specially designed need
some measure of control and for
consistency that control should be in a
600 series. Readers should review the
final definition of ‘‘specially designed’’
(cited above) in evaluating paragraph .y
in this proposed rule.
Comment: Some commenters
recommended adding some
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commodities to 3A611.y because they
believed that the commodities have
commercial application or perform the
same function in military equipment as
they do in commercial applications. The
items proposed for addition were:
• Crystals and crystal oscillators used a
components in articles enumerated
under USML Category XI
• Cross-field amplifiers, inductive
output tubes
• Optical and electrical cables, and
harnesses
• Capacitors, crystals oscillators, diodes
• Electrical sockets, optical connectors
• Inductors
• Relays, resistors
• Optical connector backshells
• Optical switches
• Laser and optical terminals
• Digital signal processors
• Power supply
• Passive microwave components
• Telecom receivers and transmitters
Response: This proposed rule does
not add any items to the .y paragraphs
that did not appear in the November 28
(military electronics) rule. Based on the
responses to the question whether to
modify or even maintain the .y list as
proposed. BIS will consider whether to
add more items to a .y structure. The
public is encouraged to provide
justification why particular types of
items, regardless of how they would be
modified for any military item, are
nonetheless so insignificant as to not
warrant more than AT-only controls.
Comment on ECCN 3B611
Comment: One commenter noted that
BIS originally stated that ECCN 3B611 is
intended to align with WAML category
ML18. This commenter recommended
including the WAML category ML18
note listing the equipment subject to
this control in ECCN 3B611.
Response: BIS is not adopting this
recommendation. ECCN 3B611 applies
to test, inspection and production
equipment for military electronics.
WAML category ML18 applies to such
equipment for items on the WAML in
general. Note 2 to WAML category
ML18 lists examples of production and
test equipment for a wide range of items
on the WAML, but none of the examples
relates specifically to production or
testing of military electronics.
Therefore, BIS believes that adding that
list to ECCN 3B611 would be less
helpful than suggested.
Comment on ECCN 3D611
Comment: One commenter
recommended that ECCN 3D611 be
revised for consistency with the EAR
interpretation of ‘‘use,’’ i.e., all six
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elements of the term use must be
present for the software to be controlled
as ‘‘use’’ software. Alternatively, the
commenter recommended limiting
ECCN 3D611 to software for
development and production. The
commenter thought the proposed rule
language may cause confusion and
result in a ‘‘roll-back’’ from BIS’s prior
interpretation. See 71 FR 30840, 30843
(May 31, 2006).
Response: BIS is not adopting either
of these recommendations. The Federal
Register notice to which the commenter
referred interpreted the adjective ‘‘use’’
as it applied to software and technology
on the CCL prior to the creation of the
600 series ECCNs. Nearly all of the
software and technology in existing and
proposed 600 series ECCNs comes from
USML categories. One goal of the US
government in the Export Control
Reform Initiative is not to decontrol
completely and inadvertently items the
President determines no longer warrant
control on the USML. BIS believes that
the formulation in ECCN 3D611 in the
November 28 (military electronics) rule,
controlling ‘‘software ‘specially
designed’ for the ‘production,’
‘development,’ operation or
maintenance . . .’’ achieves this
objective.
Comments on ECCN 3E611
Comment: One commenter stated that
the following phrase in ECCN 3E611.a
‘‘Technology’’ (other than that described
in ECCN 3E611.b or 3E611.y) not
otherwise enumerated in this ECCN
. . .’’ was redundant.
Response: BIS agrees. The phrase ‘‘not
otherwise enumerated in this ECCN’’
. . .’’ does not appear in ECCN 3E611.a
of this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter noted that
paragraph .b of ECCN 3E611 in the
November 28 (military electronics) rule
lists technology for helix traveling wave
tubes, transmit/receive modules, MMICs
and discrete radio frequency transistors.
However, nothing in this paragraph
would limit its scope to technology for
commodities and software in ECCNs
3A611, 3B611 or 3D611. This omission
gives the impression that 3E611 controls
technology for commodities and
software in non-600 series ECCNs,
which is inconsistent with the wording
in the preamble. See 77 FR 70947
(November 28, 2012). The commenter
suggests removing paragraph .b and the
reference to paragraph .b that was in the
parenthetical in paragraph .a as a way
to eliminate the problem.
Response: BIS agrees that the
technology in ECCN 3E611.b should not
apply beyond helix traveling wave
tubes, transmit/receive modules, MMICs
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and discrete microwave transistors
covered by ECCN 3A611, and this
proposed rule modifies ECCN 3E611.b
to that effect. This proposed rule does
not adopt the commenter’s suggestion to
eliminate paragraph .b. Paragraph .b is
needed because use of License
Exception STA is limited to ‘‘build-toprint’’ technology with respect to the
items listed in paragraph .b. No such
limitation applies to paragraph .a.
Comment: One commenter noted that
proposed ECCN 3E611 applied to
‘‘ ‘technology’ ‘required’ for the
‘development,’ ‘production,’ operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, or
overhaul of . . . .’’ and proposed
replacing that phrase with the phrase
‘‘ ‘technology’ ‘required’ for the
‘development,’ ‘production,’ operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, and
overhaul of . . .’’ or with the word
‘‘use.’’ The commenter noted that its
recommended change would make
ECCN 3E611 consistent with other
technology ECCNs in which the word
use indicates that the software must
perform all six functions to be covered.
Response: BIS is not making this
change. As described above, BIS is
revising 3E611 to include all six
elements.
Comment: One commenter noted
BIS’s December 6 (military vehicles)
rule (See 76 FR 76085 (December 6,
2011)), which stated that BIS was
considering recommendations to ‘‘limit
the controls on form, fit, and function
data needed to provide military
insignificant items for military vehicles
to the antiterrorism reason.’’ This
commenter recommended that the rule
make clear that ECCN 3E611 does not
control information about automotive
electronics that is outside the scope of
ECCN 0E606, nor does it control
information about automotive
electronics that is controlled by ECCN
0E606, because that information relates
to an item controlled by ECCN 0A606.y.
This commenter also noted that
manufacturers of commercially
available automotive electronics may
employ people from a number of
countries. If information about minor
adaptations to widely commercially
available components must be kept from
foreign employees, or licenses are
required to share such information with
foreign employees, compliance costs
would be significant, resulting in higher
costs for the U.S. military. The
commenter reiterated the definition of
specially designed that it provided in
response to the proposed rule entitled
‘‘‘Specially Designed’ Definition’’ (77 FR
36409, June 19, 2012) as an alternative
to its specific proposal that ECCN 3E611
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should not control information
controlled by ECCN 0E606.
Response: The Related Controls
paragraph of ECCN 3A611 in this
second proposed rule contains the
following statement ‘‘Electronic
components not enumerated on the
USML or another 600 series entry that
are ‘specially designed’ for a military
vehicle controlled by USML Category
VII or ECCN 0A606 are controlled by
ECCN 0A606.x.’’ Additionally, the final
definition of ‘‘specially designed,’’ in
the April 16 (initial implementation)
rule, excludes certain named parts and
components, parts and components that
are identical to parts and components
used in civil items that are in
production or that differ from items
only with respect to fit. It also excludes
parts and components where
documentation contemporaneous with
development indicates the part or
component was designed for a civil item
or for no specific item. BIS welcomes
comments on the impact of that
definition on the provisions of this
proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter expressed
approval of using the word ‘‘required’’
in ECCN 3E611, because it serves to
focus the controls on critical technology
and is well understood by exporters.
Response: BIS agrees. The term
‘‘required’’ is based on the Wassenaar
Arrangement general technology note
and is used in technology ECCNs
throughout the EAR to focus the scope
of the control.
Comment: One commenter questioned
whether the reference to ‘‘§ 746.3 (Iraq)’’
is needed in note 1 in ECCN 4A003.
Response: The reference to § 746.3
(Iraq) is currently in note 1 in ECCN
4A003. The note indicates that certain
transactions that do not require a license
for many destinations do, however,
require a license pursuant to § 746.3 of
the EAR for destinations in Iraq. It is
unrelated to the purpose of the
proposed revisions to ECCN 4A003 in
the November 28 (military electronics)
rule, which was to impose the missile
technology (MT Column 1) reason for
control on analog-to-digital converters
in 4A003.e that meet or exceed the
parameters of ECCN 3A101.a.4.
Therefore, BIS is not making any
changes to the text of proposed ECCN
4A003 as a result of this comment.
Comment: One commenter stated that
ECCN 5A001.f and .h duplicate items
found in proposed USML Category
XI(a)(4)(iii), and recommended that the
overlap be resolved before releasing a
final rule.
Response: The proposed Department
of State rule being published
simultaneously with this proposed rule
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contains a note to USML Category
XI(a)(4)(iii) stating that ‘‘Paragraph
XI(a)(4)(iii) does not control mobile
telecommunications jamming
equipment determined to be subject to
the EAR via a commodity jurisdiction
determination . . . .’’ BIS believes that
the commodity jurisdiction process will
effectively resolve the overlap that this
commenter perceived and is, therefore,
not making any changes to the text of
ECCN 5A001.f and .h in this proposed
rule.
Comment: One commenter stated that
changes proposed to USML Category
XI(b) would complicate the
classification of equipment currently
classified in 5A001.i and 5A980, and
recommended that both rules be revised
to create jurisdictional ‘‘bright lines’’
and ‘‘positive lists’’ of the equipment
controlled in each list as intended by
the Export Control Reform Initiative.
Response: BIS believes that the USML
Category XI(b) as set forth in the
proposed Department of State rule being
published simultaneously with this
proposed rule, along with the order of
review in the April 16 (initial
implementation) final rule published by
BIS (See 78 FR 22735, April 16, 2013),
will provide certainty as to which
agency has jurisdiction over which
articles. Under the order of review,
items enumerated on the USML are
subject to the ITAR, even if they are
within the parameters of an ECCN.
Accordingly, BIS is making no changes
to ECCNs 5A001.i or 5A980 as a result
of this comment. However, if upon
review of the Department of State text
in light of the ‘‘order of review,’’ readers
believe uncertainty still exists, BIS will
consider comments to that effect. In
addition, BIS invites recommendations
from the public regarding text that
would provide a clear distinction
between the items controlled by USML
Category XI(b) and items controlled by
ECCN 5A001.i or 5A980.
Comment: One commenter stated that
the ‘‘Reason for Control’’ table in ECCN
7A006 indicates that MT controls apply
to commodities that meet or exceed the
parameters of 7A106. It appears that, by
definition, all items in 7A006 meet or
exceed the parameters of 7A106;
therefore this language should be
removed.
Response: BIS believes that this
language is needed because of the
longstanding order of review of non-600
series ECCNs, wherein one reviews
ECCNs within a category in order.
ECCNs with a 0 as the third character
follow the Wassenaar Arrangement Dual
Use List text. ECCNs with a 1 as the
third character generally follow the
MTCR text. When the two regimes have
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identical text about a particular item,
the MT reason for control is included in
an ECCN with the 0 as the third
character. However, when the MTCR
text differs from the Wassenaar
Arrangement Dual Use List text, the
reference to the parameters of the MTCR
based ECCN are used to identify items
in the text of the ECCN with the 0 as the
third character to be precise. This
system is used throughout the EAR.
Therefore, BIS is making no changes in
response to this comment.
Comments Concerning License
Exception STA
Comment: Some commenters noted
that exports under STA are likely to be
in support of foreign defense programs.
One commenter recommended the
proposed language for the License
Exception STA consignee statement set
forth in the June 21 (transition) rule (See
77 FR 37541, June 21, 2013) be revised
to include the following underscored
language: ‘‘(vi) For ‘600 series’ items,
confirms that unless otherwise
authorized by the U.S. government, the
items are for end use by a government
of a country listed in § 740.20(c) . . .
.’’ The Commenter cited the example of
a European-built military transport
aircraft that contains some US-origin
parts and components. Some of the
aircraft would be sold to governments
eligible to receive items under STA,
while others would be sold elsewhere.
Neither the U.S. supplier nor the foreign
manufacturer would have any way of
knowing which parts would go into
aircraft for eligible governments and
which would not and, thus, under BIS’s
proposed language, could not use STA.
This commenter appeared to
contemplate a situation in which the
consignee could apply for a license to
use parts already received under
License Exception STA in connection
with an activity or end-user not
authorized by License Exception STA.
One commenter proposed allowing
use of STA based on the consignee’s
assurance that the appropriate U.S.
government authorization would be
obtained before sending the item
outside the STA eligible countries.
Another commenter proposed allowing
some kind of use of STA on a program
basis.
Response: BIS intends that the U.S.
government will have authority to
license shipments under STA that will
not be limited to the end users specified
in § 740.20(c). Under the April 16
(initial implementation) rule, the U.S.
government could issue a license
authorizing the use of License Exception
STA to ship to a consignee parts that
would ultimately be incorporated into
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items that will be used by end-users not
otherwise be eligible to receive 600
series end items. BIS did not intend to
require that the license explicitly
mention License Exception STA. BIS
intends to publish a correction rule so
that any license issued to the STA
consignee authorized the end use, could
be a basis for authorizing an export,
reexport or transfer to that consignee
under License Exception STA of items
otherwise eligible for transfer under
License Exception STA.
The consignee would have to obtain
the license prior to any shipment of
parts to it under License Exception STA
because the consignee would have to
furnish a copy of the license to the
exporter before the exporter could ship
under License Exception STA. If after
the consignee received parts under
License Exception STA, the consignee
learned that those already received parts
are needed for an item being produced
for an end user other than one
authorized under STA, that consignee
could still apply to the U.S. government
for a license to use those parts in such
production, notwithstanding the
language about end use in the
consignee’s prior statement. BIS does
not intend to preclude STA consignees
from requesting a new or expanded
authorization based on facts of which
the consignee was unaware at the time
it made the original statement. BIS does
not believe that a change in the
regulatory text is needed to make this
point. BIS is interested in comments on
whether the approach described in the
initial implementation rule is feasible
and addresses the point of the comment.
Comment: One commenter expressed
general approval of License Exception
STA and recommended more outreach
to increase understanding and use of it.
Response: BIS is developing outreach
programs to address this need.
Comment: One commenter
recommended that, provided security
needs are adequately addressed, the
number of eligible STA destinations
should be increased.
Response: Although the number of
License Exception STA eligible
destinations may grow or shrink over
time, expanding the geographic scope of
License Exception STA is not a part of
this rulemaking exercise, which is
concerned with adding to the CCL items
that the President determines no longer
warrant control under the USML.
Comment: One commenter
recommended that BIS eliminate the
STA consignee statement entirely (or at
least to NATO countries) to significantly
ease the administrative burden on
industry when using this exception. The
commenter asserted that this statement
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is similar to the DSP–83 ‘‘Nontransfer
and Use Certificate’’ form, which is
required currently for Significant
Military Equipment (SME) but not for
the non-SME articles in Category XI(c).
Most of the items would be moved to
the CCL 600 series under the proposed
rule are not SME.
Response: BIS is not adopting this
recommendation. Use of the STA
consignee statement can readily be
distinguished from use of the DSP–83.
The consignee must send the STA
consignee statement to the exporter as
one of the requirements that the parties
to the transaction must meet in order to
be able to execute the transaction
without prior US government approval.
The DSP–83 is a document that must be
submitted to the US government in
support of an application for a
government authorization to proceed
with the transaction. The STA
consignee statement is required for all
transactions under License Exception
STA. Although statements for 600 series
items have more elements than
statements for non-600 series items,
those additional elements reflect the
limitations on use of License Exception
STA that are appropriate given the
military nature of the 600 series items.
This STA consignee statement is
necessary to provide reasonable
assurance that the consignee is aware of
the requirements and limitations of
License Exception STA, and has agreed
to abide by them before the parties are
permitted to proceed with a license-free
transaction. The alternative is to apply
for a license, which parties are free to
do.
Comment: One commenter stated that
making ECCN 3A611.c and d. high
electron mobility transistors (HEMT)s
and microwave monolithic integrated
circuits (MMIC)s ineligible for License
Exception STA would, when combined
with the NS1 and RS1, impose a license
requirement for all destinations other
than Canada, making these commodities
controlled as if they were subject to the
ITAR. The commenter noted that
commodities in ECCN 3A001 and
HEMTs in ECCN 3A982 are both eligible
for STA.
Response: The November 28 (military
electronics) rule and this second
proposed rule would make all
commodities controlled in ECCN 3A611
ineligible for paragraph (c)(2) of License
Exception STA (which authorizes
shipments to eight countries), but would
not preclude use of paragraph (c)(1) of
STA (which authorizes shipments to 36
countries).
Comment: One commenter stated that
two of BIS’s prior proposed Export
Control Reform Initiative rules (the
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November 7 (aircraft) and the December
6 (gas turbine engine) rules) would
preclude use of License Exception STA
for electrical equipment, parts, and
components specially designed for
electro-magnetic interference (EMI) that
conform to the requirements of MIL–
STD–461. The commenter stated that
this preclusion raises two difficulties.
First, the distinction between electric
and electronic parts and components is
often unclear and that they may be
ambiguously classified. The commenter
also stated that this difficulty made it
appropriate to raise the issue in a
comment on the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. Second, the
commenter stated that standard MIL–
STD–461 is a poor criterion for
determining when items designed for
EMI compatibility should be restricted
from STA eligibility or subject to any
reasons for control other than antiterrorism because: (1) There are several
historical versions of MIL–STD–461 that
remain in effect for existing programs;
(2) A number of civil requirements offer
performance equal to or superior to
MIL–STD–461; and (3) Military
programs outside the United States may
use multinational or foreign standards.
The commenter states that a better
criterion would be a degree of EMI
protection exceeding the equivalent
civil requirements for the item.
Response: BIS believes that the
commenter misunderstood the scope of
the rules. The rules cited by the
commenter proposed restricting from
STA software and technology for the
development or production of aircraft
electrical equipment, parts and
components electrical equipment, parts,
and components specially designed for
electro-magnetic interference (EMI) that
conform to the requirements of MIL–
STD–461. They did not propose
restricting from STA the equipment,
parts and components themselves. The
April 16 (initial implementation) rule
published these restrictions in ECCNs
9D610 and 9E610 (See 78 FR 22733–
22734, April 16, 2013).
Comment: One commenter provided
two sets of comments. The first set
provided detailed proposals for
rewording USML Category XI and a
number of ECCNs as they appeared in
the November 28 (military electronics)
rules of the Departments of State and
Commerce. The second set proposed
detailed rewording of a number of
ECCNs and the creation of some new
ECCNs in Category 9 of the CCL.
First Set of Comments
The commenter divided the proposals
in his first set of comments into three
topics, which he characterized as edits
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to remove: Overlaps in BIS’s and State’s
November 28 (military electronics) rules
that would move items from the CCL to
the USML; ambiguities in the November
28 [Commerce] rule; and other CCL
ambiguities that the commenter
perceived to be relevant.
Instances in Which the Commenter
Expressed a Belief That the Rule Would
Transfer Items From the CCL to the
USML
The commenter identified 18
instances in which he asserted that
overlapping text would have the effect
of transferring items from the CCL to the
USML. BIS is not adopting any of the
specific changes proposed by the
commenter under this topic. In some
instances, the commenter proposed only
changes to the USML and not to the
CCL. In other instances, the comment
appeared to reflect an incomplete
reading of either the USML or CCL
entries such that detailed technical
specifications were interpreted without
consideration of introductory text that
limited the overall range of the items to
which the technical specifications
applied. BIS does not believe that the
November 28 (military electronics) rule
or this proposed rule would transfer any
items from the CCL to the USML. BIS
invites comments that describe specific
examples of actual items that are today
subject to the EAR that would become
subject to the ITAR were this and the
corresponding State proposed rule to
become final.
Instances in Which the Commenter
Expressed a Belief That the Rule
November 28 (Military Electronics) Rule
Was Ambiguous
The commenter cited about 50
situations in which he thought the rule
was ambiguous and needed changes for
precision. In most instances, BIS either
does not agree that the proposed text
cited by the commenter was ambiguous
or believes that the comment addressed
text that is outside the scope of the
proposal. However, in four instances,
this proposed rule adopts changes
recommended by this commenter.
The four instances in which this
second proposed rule adopts changes
from the November 28 (military
electronics) rule in response to the
comments proposed by this commenter
are:
• Adding the phrase ‘‘or software’’ to
paragraph .y of ECCN 3E611. Paragraph
.y of ECCN 3E611 applies to technology
for 3A611.y and 3D611.y. ECCN 3A611
applies to commodities and ECCN
3D611 applies to software. Use of the
term ‘‘commodities’’ to apply to
technology for both ECCNs in the
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November 28 (military electronics) rule
was in error.
• Adding the word ‘‘acoustic’’ to the
list of items in the note to ECCN
3A611.a and note 1 to 3A611.x. These
notes describe in general terms the
items that if not enumerated on the
USML or another 600 series ECCN, are
controlled by ECCN 3A611. Adding the
word ‘‘acoustic’’ makes the listing more
comprehensive.
• Adding the phrase ‘‘Acoustic
systems and equipment’’ to the header
of ECCN 6A611. In the November 28
(military electronics) rule, ECCN 6A611
referred readers to ECCN 3A611 for
radar and related items specially
designed for military use. The reference
was included because CCL Category 6
controls a number of other radars. ECCN
3A611 would control acoustic systems
and equipment specially designed for
military use that are not on the USML
or any other 600 series ECCN and other
acoustic systems and equipment also in
Category 6 of the CCL. Including the
additional phrase will make ECCN
6A611 more descriptive and
comprehensive.
• Adding a new ECCN 7A611 that
only refers readers to ECCN 3A611 for
navigation and avionics, parts,
components, accessories and
attachments ‘‘specially designed’’ for
military use that are not enumerated in
any USML category or other ‘‘600
series’’ ECCN. ECCN 3A611 applies to
military electronic avionic and
navigation devices not enumerated on
the USML or in another 600 series
ECCN. Because CCL Category 7 applies
to such devices not specially designed
for military use, the cross-reference will
be helpful to alerting readers to check
ECCN 3A611.
This proposed rule did not adopt the
following proposals of this commenter.
Comment: Indicate in the foregoing
cross-reference ECCNs that ECCN 3A611
does not control radar, acoustic systems
and equipment, computers,
telecommunication equipment or
navigation and avionics and related
items if controlled by any other ECCN,
including non-600 series ECCNs. Apply
ECCN 3A611 to commodities that are
specially designed for military use.
Response: Commodities in non-600
series ECCNs (other than ECCNs ending
in ‘‘018’’ and ECCN 0A918) are not
specially designed for military use, so
there should be no overlap between
ECCN 3A611 and non-600 series ECCNs.
Moreover, the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule created an order of
review that gives 600 series ECCNs
preferences over non-600 series ECCNs.
Adopting the commenter’s proposal
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would appear to undermine that order
of review.
Comment: Replace the term ‘‘specially
designed’’ with ‘‘required’’ in several
ECCNs covering software. The term
‘‘required’’ as a well-defined meaning in
the EAR that is based on a Wassenaar
Arrangement definition. That term is
defined in relation to technology rather
than software.
Response: BIS believes that the term
‘‘specially designed’’ as defined on the
April 16 (initial implementation) rule
provides reasonable, practical and
objective criteria for classifying
products, the term ‘‘required’’ as
currently defined would exclude many
parts and components that are in fact
designed for military items and that
have no other practical use.
Comment: Do not use the term
‘‘specially designed’’ in instances where
the Missile Technology Control Regime
uses the word ‘‘designed.’’ Generally,
the commenter recommended that no
word replace the phrase ‘‘specially
designed,’’ on the ground that the
specifications in the ECCN are
sufficiently precise that no qualifier is
needed.
Response: BIS believes that the term
specially designed as defined in the
April 16 (initial implementation) rule is
adequate to meet its MTCR obligations.
Comment: Replace the term
‘‘operation or maintenance’’ with the
term ‘‘use’’ in several software ECCNs.
Response: BIS has adopted the phrase
‘‘ ‘development,’ ‘production,’ operation
or maintenance’’ as a standard practice
in 600 series ECCNs. The commenter
suggested no persuasive reason to
change this policy.
Comment: Remove the term ‘‘directly
related’’ and, in some instances, replace
it with the word ‘‘required’’ in the
several ‘‘Related controls’’ notes of
software and technology ECCNs.
Response: The related control notes at
issue refer readers to the USML for
controls on ‘‘technical data’’ (which, on
the USML, includes both software and
technology) that is similar to the
software or technology covered by that
ECCN. The USML uses the term ‘‘related
to’’ in describing the objects to which
those technical data apply. In these
cross-references to the USML, using the
USML terminology is appropriate.
Comment: Do not use the phrase
‘‘technical data,’’ except in its meaning
as defined in part 772 of the EAR.
Response: The specific uses of the
term ‘‘technical data’’ to which this
commenter objected are references to
the USML. In that context, the term is
used in a way that is consistent with its
meaning in the USML. The term is not
surrounded by quotation marks, which
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would signify that it is defined in part
772.
Comment: Replace the word ‘‘and’’
with the word ‘‘or’’ in the definition of
‘‘use’’ in the EAR.
Response: This proposal would affect
every software ECCN in the entire CCL
and is outside the scope of the
November 28 (military electronics) rule.
Comment: The commenter
recommended a number of changes to
ECCNs or ECCN paragraphs for which
modifications are not needed to
accomplish the purpose of the
November 28 (military electronics) rule
and this proposed rule, which is to
control on the CCL items that the
President determines no longer warrant
control on the USML.
Response: Without commenting on
the merit of each of those proposed
changes, BIS is not including them in
this proposed rule because they are
outside the scope of what BIS proposed
in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. Including them in this
proposed rule would distract readers
and potential commenters, possibly
depriving BIS of the benefit of informed
analysis and comments on the rule’s
efficacy in achieving its purpose as
stated above.
In addition to the changes discussed
above, this commenter recommended
several changes to the proposed ECCNs
in CCL Category 9 concerning cryogenic
and superconductive equipment and
related items.
Comment:
• Add the phrase ‘‘not controlled by
1C005, 3A001.d, 3A001.e.3, 3A201.b,
6A002.d.1, 6A006.a.1 or 8A002.o.2.c’’ to
the header of ECCN 9A620
• Add a related control note referring
to ECCNs 1C005, 3A001.d, 3A001.e.3,
3A201.b, 6A002.d.1, 6A006.a.1 or
8A002.o.2.c.
• Remove the phrase ‘‘‘specially
designed’ to be installed’’ and the
phrase ‘‘and capable of’’ from
paragraphs .a and .b of 9A620
• Remove the words ‘‘Parts’’ and
‘‘attachments’’ from 9A620.x
• Change the word ‘‘and’’ to ‘‘or’’
everywhere it appears in the following
phrase in ECCN 9B620: ‘‘Test,
inspection and production end items
and equipment . . .’’
• In ECCN 9A620.x, replace the
phrase ‘‘specially designed for a
commodity controlled by ECCN 9A620’’
with ‘‘for a commodity controlled by
ECCN 9A620.a or 9A620.b having any of
the characteristics described in the texts
of those sub-items.’’
• In ECCN 9B620, replace the phrase:
‘‘ ‘Specially designed’ for items
controlled in ECCN 9A620’’ with the
phrase ‘‘having any of the
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characteristics described in 9A620.a or
9A620.b.’’
Response: The ECCNs that this
commenter proposes adding to the
header of ECCN 9A620 and to a related
control note in that ECCN apply, inter
alia, to a number of commodities that
have cryogenic or superconducting
properties. None of them has the
qualifier ‘‘ ‘specially designed’ to be
installed in a vehicle for military . . .
applications,’’ which appears in
paragraphs .a and .b of proposed ECCN
9A620. In fact, only one ECCN,
8A002.o.2.c, relates to a vehicle of any
kind. In addition, the order of review in
the April 16 (initial implementation)
rule makes clear that items with
characteristics that meet the parameters
of a 600 series ECCN are controlled by
that 600 series ECCN and not by a non600 series ECCN.
The phrases ‘‘ ‘specially designed’ to
be installed’’ and the phrase ‘‘and
capable of’’ are drawn from WAML
category ML20, on which ECCN 9A620
is based. The commenter offered no
specific reason to depart from the
regime text. WAML category ML20 also
uses the phrase ‘‘components and
attachments.’’ The Wassenaar
Arrangement does not define either
‘‘components’’ or ‘‘attachments.’’
However, BIS believes that as used in
the Wassenaar Arrangement’s control
lists, the term ‘‘components’’ would
encompass ‘‘parts’’ and ‘‘components’’
as defined in the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule and the term
‘‘attachments’’ would encompass
‘‘accessories’’ and ‘‘attachments’’ as
defined in the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule. The phrase ‘‘Test,
inspection and production equipment’’
is also used widely in describing
product group B in all nine categories of
the EAR. BIS believes that it is widely
understood to encompass each of those
three types of equipment, and that
changing the formula for one ECCN
would be more likely to increase than to
decrease any misunderstandings that
may exist. The suggested alternative
phrases for ECCNs 9A620.x and 9B620
(replacing ‘‘specially designed’’ with
‘‘having any of the characteristics of’’)
would distort the meaning of these
ECCNs in ways that would in some
instances extend the control beyond
what BIS intends, and in other instances
fail to control things that BIS intends to
control. BIS believes that with the
publication of the definition of the term
‘‘specially designed’’ in the April 16
(initial implementation) rule, these
ECCNs will be best understood and
appropriately tailored by retaining that
term.
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change from what was previously
proposed.
Comments That Commenter
Characterized as ‘‘Other’’ Military
Electronics Ambiguities
Comment: This commenter cited ten
instances of alleged military electronics
ambiguities, i.e., instances in which the
applicable ECCN for an item was
uncertain.
Response: BIS is not adopting any of
this commenter’s recommended changes
in this category. Two of the comments
in essence repeated the view that ECCNs
3A001.d and .e.3 should be cross
referenced in ECCN 9A620 because they
apply to superconducting commodities.
The remaining eight comments do not
address any text on the CCL that is
related to or affected by the decision to
control on the CCL items that the
President determines no longer warrant
control on the USML and are thus
outside the scope of the November 28
(military electronics) rule.
Second Set of Comments Submitted by
This Commenter
Comment: The commenter proposed
changes to 57 of the 63 ECCNs currently
in CCL Category 9, and the creation of
five new ECCNs for that category. The
commenter did not propose any changes
to the four new ECCNs proposed for that
category by the November 28 (military
electronics) rule.
Response: All these proposed changes
are outside the scope of the November
28 (military electronics) rule, and are
extraneous to the purpose of that or this
second proposed rule. Therefore, BIS is
not making any changes to this
proposed rule in response to these
comments.
Detailed Description of Changes
Proposed by This Rule
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Revisions to ECCN 3A101
Currently, ECCN 3A101 refers readers
to the ITAR for analog-to-digital
converters described in paragraph .a.
These converters would move to the
CCL and continue to be controlled for
MT reasons because they are identified
on the MTCR Annex. Placing such items
in this ECCN, rather than the new ECCN
3A611, will make it easier to identify,
classify, and control such items.
Consequently, this proposed rule adds
analog-to-digital converters usable in
‘‘missiles’’ and having any of the
characteristics described in proposed
3A101.a.1 or a.2. This proposed rule
modifies the text of ECCN 3A101.a.1
compared to what was published in the
November 28 (military electronics) rule
to more closely follow the format and
text of Category II, Item 14, 14.A.1 of the
MTCR Annex. This is not a substantive
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New 3Y611 Series of ECCNs
Proposed new ECCNs 3A611, 3B611,
3D611, and 3E611 would control
military electronics and related test,
inspection, and production equipment
and software and technology currently
controlled by USML Category XI that
the President determines no longer
warrant control on the USML. To the
extent that they are not enumerated on
the proposed revisions to Category XI,
these proposed new ECCNs would also
control computers, telecommunications
equipment, radar ‘‘specially designed’’
for military use, parts, components,
accessories, and attachments ‘‘specially
designed’’ therefor, and related software
and technology. This structure aligns
with the current USML Category XI and
ML11, which include within the scope
of ‘‘electronics’’ such items as
computers, telecommunications
equipment, and radar. BIS believes that
it will be easier to include such items
within the scope of the proposed new
600 series that corresponds to USML
Category XI, rather than creating new
600 series ECCNs in CCL Categories 4
(computers), 5 (telecommunications), 6
(radar) and 7(avionics). BIS, however,
proposes including cross references in
CCL Categories 4, 5, 6 and 7 to alert
readers that ECCN 3A611 may control
such items. As described above, BIS
nonetheless solicits comments regarding
whether it would be easier to
understand and comply with controls
on military electronics that move to the
CCL from the USML if they were
divided among 600 series entries in CCL
Categories 4, 5, 6, and 7.
The proposed ECCN 3X611 series,
except for ECCN 3X611.y, would be
controlled for national security (NS
Column 1 or NS1), regional stability (RS
Column 1 or RS1), antiterrorism (AT
Column 1 or AT1), and United Nations
embargo (UN) reasons. ECCNs 3X611.y
would only be controlled for AT1
reasons (ECCN 3B611 would not have a
.y paragraph). Each ECCN in this 3X611
series is described more specifically
below.
New ECCN 3A611
Proposed ECCN 3A611 paragraph .a
would control electronic ‘‘equipment,’’
‘‘end items,’’ and ‘‘systems’’ ‘‘specially
designed’’ for military use that are not
enumerated in either a USML category
or another ‘‘600 series’’ ECCN.
Paragraph .b would be reserved. The
corresponding USML Category is XI(b),
which, in the Department of State
proposed rule being published
concurrently with this rule, would
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continue to be a catch-all control and
would contain the following clarified
version of the current Category XI(b):
‘‘Electronic systems or equipment
specially designed for intelligence
purposes that collects, surveys,
monitors, or exploits the
electromagnetic spectrum (regardless of
transmission medium), or for
counteracting such activities.’’ In the
Department of State’s proposed rule
being published simultaneously with
this proposed rule, Category XI(b)
references certain types of equipment
and systems that are per se within the
scope of the revised Category XI(b). BIS
encourages the public to comment on
whether this approach creates any
confusion regarding the jurisdictional
status of any items that are commonly
used in normal commercial, nonintelligence, or non-security use,
including those controlled under ECCN
5A980 (‘‘Devices primarily useful for
the surreptitious interception of wire,
oral, or electronic communications.’’)
Paragraphs .c and .d would control
MMIC power amplifiers and discrete
microwave transistors, respectively.
These two paragraphs have been
extensively revised from what was
proposed in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule in an effort to tailor
them to control MMIC power amplifiers
and discrete microwave transistors that
have military end use and little or no
civilian application. The new
parameters are discussed under the
heading ‘‘Public Comments on the
November 28 (military electronics) rule’’
below. Additionally, a note has been
added stating that paragraph .d includes
bare dice, dice mounted on carriers or
dice mounted in packages. The note also
recognizes discrete transistors may also
be referred to as power amplifiers but
that doing so does not change the
classification, whether under ECCN
3A001.b.3 or 3A611.d.
Paragraph .e would control high
frequency (HF) surface wave radar
capable of ‘‘tracking’’ surface targets on
oceans.
In this proposed rule, microelectronic
devices and printed circuit boards that
are certified to be a ‘trusted device’ from
a DMEA accredited supplier that were
listed in paragraph .f in the November
28 (military electronics) rule are not
listed because, upon review, all such
devices and printed circuit boards that
needed to be controlled were covered by
other paragraphs of 3A611.
Paragraphs .f, .g, and .h in this
proposed rule apply respectively to: (1)
Application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs) and programmable logic devices
(PLD) programmed for 600 series items;
(2) printed circuit boards and populated
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circuit card assemblies whose layout is
‘‘specially designed’’ for 600 series
items; and (3) multichip modules for
which the pattern or layout is ‘‘specially
designed’’ for 600 series items. These
commodities were not explicitly
included in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule, but would have been
covered by the ‘‘catch all’’ paragraph
3A611.x in that rule. However, these
same types of devices, if for defense
articles on the USML, were explicitly
identified in Category XI.c.1, .2 and .3
of the Department of State rule of
November 28. A comment on that
Department of State proposal stated that
greater clarity was needed to prevent
classifying ASICs, PLDs, and printed
circuit boards for 600 series items as
defense articles subject to the ITAR.
Identifying ASICs, PLDs and printed
circuit boards for 600 series items
explicitly in ECCN 3A611 contributes to
this clarity. These additions are not
substantive changes from what was
proposed in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule.
Each of the foregoing ECCN 3A611
paragraphs describes electronic items
that BIS understands to be inherently
military or otherwise exclusively
designed and manufactured for military
use. BIS encourages the public to test
this understanding and identify items, if
any, that fall within the scope of these
new ECCNs that are in normal
commercial use. If so, the comments
should provide details on such
commercial applications. In particular,
BIS asks the public to comment on
whether the controls in proposed new
paragraphs 3A611.c (MMIC power
amplifiers) and 3A611.d (discrete
microwave transistors) are sufficiently
limited to those not now or likely to be
in normal commercial use by US or
foreign telecommunications or other
non-military applications. The basis for
this request is that the current USML
Category XI(c) does not now control any
electronic parts, components,
accessories, attachments, or associated
equipment ‘‘in normal commercial use’’
even if they were ‘‘specifically designed
or modified for use with the equipment’’
controlled in USML categories XI(a) or
XI(b), which are, in essence, electronic
equipment ‘‘specifically designed,
modified, or configured for military
application.’’ One of the goals of the
reform effort is to ensure that items that
are currently EAR controlled are not,
through the creation of the more
positive lists, unintentionally made
ITAR or ‘‘600 series’’ controlled. This
objective, however, does not preclude
the possibility of the Administration
intentionally making ITAR or ‘‘600
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series’’ controlled items that are today
subject to the other parts of the EAR.
Paragraphs .i through .w would be
reserved.
Paragraph .x would control ‘‘parts,’’
‘‘components,’’ ‘‘accessories’’ and
‘‘attachments’’ that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a commodity controlled
by ECCN 3A611 or for an article
controlled by USML Category XI, and
not enumerated in a USML category.
A related control note is proposed for
ECCN 3A611 clarifying that electronic
parts, components, accessories, and
attachments that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for military use that are not
enumerated in any USML Category, but
are within the scope of a ‘‘600 series’’
ECCN, are controlled by that ‘‘600
series’’ ECCN. For example, electronic
components not enumerated on the
USML that are ‘‘specially designed’’ for
a military aircraft controlled by USML
Category VIII or ECCN 9A610 would be
controlled by ECCN 9A610.x. Similarly,
electronic components not enumerated
on the USML that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a military vehicle
controlled by USML Category VII or
ECCN 0A606 would be controlled by
ECCN 0A606.x. The purpose of this note
and the limitations in ECCN 3A611.x is
to prevent any overlap of controls over
electronics specially designed for
particular types of items described in
other 600 series ECCNs (which would
not be controlled by 3A611.x), on one
hand, and other electronic parts,
components, accessories, and
attachments specially designed for
military electronics that are not
enumerated on the USML (which would
be controlled by ECCN 3A611.x), on the
other.
Additional proposed related control
notes address: Electronic items that are
enumerated in USML categories,
application specific integrated circuits,
unprogrammed programmable logic
devices, printed circuit boards and
populated circuit cards, and multichip
modules. Finally, a related control note
informs readers that certain radiation
hardened microelectronic circuits
would be controlled by proposed ECCN
9A515.d. See 78 FR 31431, 31442 (May
24, 2013) for the proposed text of ECCN
9A515.
A note proposed for ECCN 3A611.x
specifies that ECCN 3A611.x controls
parts and components ‘‘specially
designed’’ for underwater sensors or
projectors controlled by proposed
USML Category XI(c)(12) containing
single-crystal lead magnesium niobate
lead titanate (PMN–PT) based
piezoelectrics.
ECCN 3A611 also would contain a
paragraph .y for items of little or no
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45041
military significance that would be
controlled only for AT1 reasons.
New ECCN 3B611
Proposed ECCN 3B611 would impose,
under paragraph .a, controls on test,
inspection, and production end items
and equipment ‘‘specially designed’’ for
the ‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’
repair, overhaul, or refurbishing of items
controlled in ECCN 3A611 or USML
Category XI that are not enumerated in
USML XI or controlled by a ‘‘600 series’’
ECCN and, under paragraph .x, for
‘‘parts,’’ ‘‘components,’’ ‘‘accessories’’
and ‘‘attachments’’ that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for such test, inspection and
production end items and equipment
that are not enumerated on the USML or
controlled by another ‘‘600 series’’
ECCN. Paragraphs .b through .w would
be reserved.
New ECCN 3D611
Proposed ECCN 3D611 paragraph .a
would impose controls on software
‘‘specially designed’’ for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’
operation, or maintenance of
commodities controlled by 3A611 or
3B611 other than software for 3A611.y.
Paragraph .b would impose controls on
software specially designed for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’
operation or maintenance of technology
in ECCN 3E611.b; i.e., software (other
than build-to-print software) for
technology for helix traveling wave
tubes (TWTs), transmit/receive or
transmit modules, MMICs; and discrete
microwave circuits controlled under
ECCN 3A611 would not be eligible for
License Exception STA. Paragraphs .c
through .x would be reserved. Paragraph
.y would control specific ‘‘software’’
‘‘specially designed’’ for the
‘‘production,’’ ‘‘development,’’
operation or maintenance of
commodities enumerated in ECCNs
3A611.y.
New ECCN 3E611
Proposed ECCN 3E611 would impose
controls on ‘‘technology’’ ‘‘required’’ for
the ‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’
operation, installation, maintenance,
repair, overhaul, or refurbishing of
commodities or software controlled by
ECCN 3A611, 3B611 or 3D611 (except
technology for 3A611.y and 3D611.y,
which would be controlled for AT1
reasons only). Technology (other than
‘‘build-to-print’’ technology for helix
traveling wave tubes (TWTs), transmit/
receive or transmit modules, MMICs;
and discrete microwave circuits
controlled under ECCN 3A611 would
not be eligible for License Exception
STA.
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Revisions to ECCN 4A003
As noted above, the analog-to-digital
converters described in the proposed
revision to 3A101.a would become
subject to the EAR. Adding the text in
3A101.a.2.b for electrical input type
analog-to-digital converter printed
circuit boards or modules requires that
this proposed rule amend ECCN 4A003
to add an MT control for items classified
under ECCN 4A003.e when meeting or
exceeding the parameters described in
ECCN 3A101.a.2.b. This amendment is
necessary because the MT items in new
paragraph 3A101.a.2.b are a subset of
the items in paragraph 4A003.e.
Revisions to ECCN 5A001
This proposed rule revises the Related
Controls paragraph in ECCN 5A001 to
provide more detailed references to
telecommunications equipment subject
to the ITAR under USML Categories XI
and XV, while maintaining references to
ECCNs 5A101, 5A980, and 5A991.
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New Cross Reference ECCNs
Four new cross reference ECCNs
would be created to alert readers that
computers, telecommunications
equipment, radar and avionics—and
parts, components, accessories and
attachments ‘‘specially designed’’
therefor—are controlled by ECCN 3A611
if they are specially designed for
military use. These cross references are
intended to reduce the likelihood of
confusion that might otherwise arise
because computers, telecommunications
equipment, radar and avionics generally
are in CCL Categories 4, 5 (Part 1), 6 and
7, respectively. The new cross reference
ECCNs and the Categories in which they
would appear are: 4A611, Category 4;
5A611, Category 5, Part 1; 6A611,
Category 6; 7A611, Category 7. The
avionics cross reference ECCN was not
in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. As discussed below,
BIS received public comments
expressing a preference for controlling
600 series computers,
telecommunications and radar in the
CCL Categories under which other
computers, telecommunications and
radar are controlled rather than in a
single ECCN in Category 3. The latter
approach more closely follows the
USML pattern. BIS encourages further
comment on this issue.
Corrections to ECCNs 7A006 and 7D101
This proposed rule would correct the
reasons for control paragraph of ECCN
7A006 to state that the MT reason for
control applies to those items covered
by ECCN 7A006 that also meet or
exceed the parameters of ECCN 7A106.
ECCN 7A006 now applies the missile
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technology reason for control to a range
of airborne altimeters that extends
beyond the range of altimeters that are
on the MTCR Annex. BIS’s practice is to
apply the MT reason for control only to
items on that Annex. This proposed
change would conform ECCN 7A006 to
that practice. Similarly, this proposed
rule would add the phrase ‘‘for missile
technology reasons’’ to the heading of
ECCN 7D101. ECCN 7D101 applies the
missile technology reason for control to
software for a range of commodity
ECCNs. Not all of those commodities are
controlled for MT reasons. The text
proposed here would limit the scope of
missile technology controls in ECCN
7A106 to commodities on the MTCR
Annex, and that of ECCN 7D101 to
software for commodities on the MTCR
Annex.
New 9X620 Series of ECCNs
Proposed ECCNs 9A620, 9B620,
9D620, and 9E620 would apply NS1,
RS1, AT1 and UN reasons for control to
cryogenic and superconducting
equipment described in category ML20
of the WAML, and to test, inspection
and production equipment, software
and technology therefor. Category ML20
covers cryogenic and superconducting
equipment that is ‘‘specially designed’’
to be installed in a vehicle for military
ground, marine, airborne, or space
applications. BIS believes that such
equipment is used in experimental or
developmental vehicle propulsion
systems that employ superconducting
components and cryogenic equipment
to cool those components. BIS has not
identified evidence of trade in such
items. To the extent that exports do
exist, the items would be subject to the
license requirements of the USML
category that controls the vehicle into
which the equipment would be
installed, i.e., Category VI, surface
vessels; Category VII, ground vehicles;
Category VIII, aircraft; and Category XV,
spacecraft. BIS proposes to place this
cryogenic and superconducting
equipment, its related test, inspection
and production equipment, and its
related software and technology into a
single set of 600 series ECCNs ending
with the digits ‘‘20’’ to correspond to the
relevant WAML category. This approach
would further the administration’s
Export Control Reform Initiative goal of
aligning US controls with multilateral
controls wherever feasible. Each ECCN
in this series is described more
specifically below.
New ECCN 9A620
Proposed ECCN 9A620.a would
control equipment ‘‘specially designed’’
to be installed in a vehicle for military
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ground, marine, airborne, or space
applications, capable of operating while
in motion and of producing or
maintaining temperatures below 103 K
(¥170 °C). Paragraph .b would control
‘‘superconductive’’ electrical equipment
(rotating machinery and transformers)
‘‘specially designed’’ to be installed in
a vehicle for military ground, marine,
airborne, or space applications, and
capable of operating while in motion.
Paragraphs .c through .w would be
reserved. Paragraph .x would control
parts, components, accessories and
attachments ‘‘specially designed’’ for a
commodity controlled by ECCN 9A620.
New ECCN 9B620
Proposed ECCN 9B620 would control
test, inspection, and production end
items and equipment ‘‘specially
designed’’ for the ‘‘development,’’
‘‘production,’’ repair, overhaul or
refurbishing of items controlled in
proposed ECCN 9A620.
New ECCN 9D620
Proposed ECCN 9D620 would control
software ‘‘specially designed’’ for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’
operation, or maintenance of
commodities controlled by ECCNs
9A620 or 9B620.
New ECCN 9E620
Proposed ECCN 9E620 would control
a ‘‘technology’’ ‘‘required’’ for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’
operation, installation, maintenance,
repair, overhaul, or refurbishing of
commodities or software controlled by
ECCNs 9A620, 9B620 or 9D620.
Proposed New ECCNs and License
Exception STA
One of the objectives of the Export
Control Reform Initiative is to align the
jurisdictional status of technology and
software with the items to which they
relate. Thus, for example, as a general
matter, all technical data and software
directly related to a defense article, i.e.,
an item identified on the ITAR’s USML,
will also be ITAR controlled. All
technology, including technical data
(other than classified technical data
directly related to items controlled
under ECCNs 3A611, 3B611, 3C611, or
3D611), and software for the production,
development, or other aspects of an item
on the EAR’s CCL, will be subject to the
EAR. Nevertheless, some types of
software and technology are more
significant than the commodities that
are developed or produced from or that
utilize such software or technology. In
recognition of that fact, this proposed
rule would preclude in the ECCNs the
use of License Exception STA for
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software and technology (other than
build-to-print software and technology)
for the following types of items if
controlled by ECCN 3A611: (1) Helix
traveling wave tubes (TWTs); (2)
Transmit/receive or transmit modules;
(3) Microwave monolithic integrated
circuits (MMIC)s; and (4) Discrete
microwave transistors. This fact is noted
in the License Exception STA
paragraphs for ECCNs 3D611 and 3E611.
Request for Comments
All comments must be in writing and
submitted via one or more of the
methods listed under the ADDRESSES
caption to this notice. All comments
(including any personal identifiable
information) will be available for public
inspection and copying. Those wishing
to comment anonymously may do so by
submitting their comment via
regulations.gov and leaving the fields
for identifying information blank.
Effects of This Proposed Rule
Use of License Exceptions
Military electronic equipment, certain
cryogenic and superconducting
equipment, and parts, components, and
test, inspection, and production
equipment therefor currently on the
USML that this rule would place on the
CCL would become eligible for several
license exceptions, including STA,
which would be available for exports to
certain agencies of NATO governments
and other multi-regime close allies. The
exchange of information and statements
required under STA are substantially
less burdensome than the license
application requirements under the
ITAR, as discussed in more detail in the
‘‘Regulatory Requirements’’ section of
this proposed rule. BIS does not intend
with this proposed rule to move any
items currently subject to the EAR to a
600 series ECCN; therefore, it would not
narrow the scope of license exception
eligibility for any items currently on the
CCL.
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Alignment With the Wassenaar
Arrangement Munitions List
The Administration has stated since
the beginning of the Export Control
Reform Initiative that the reforms will
be consistent with the obligations of the
United States to the multilateral export
control regimes. Accordingly, the
Administration will, in this and
subsequent proposed rules, exercise its
national discretion to implement,
clarify, and, to the extent feasible, align
its control text with those of the
regimes. This proposed rule would
maintain the alignment that exists
between the USML, in which military
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electronics are controlled under
Category XI, and the WAML, in which
military electronic equipment is
controlled under ML11, and would be
controlled by ECCN 3A611 in this
proposed rule. Similarly, 3B611 aligns
with WAML 18, which, inter alia,
controls ‘‘specially designed or
modified ‘production’ equipment for the
‘production’ of products specified by
the Munitions List, and specially
designed components therefor.’’
This proposed rule would align
cryogenic and superconducting
equipment currently controlled in
Categories VI, VII, VIII, and XV of the
USML with Wassenaar Arrangement
Munitions List category ML20 by
controlling them under ECCN 9A620.
As with other 600 series ECCNs, this
rule follows the existing CCL numbering
pattern for test, inspection and
production equipment (3B611 and
9B620), software (3D611 and 9D620)
and technology (3E611 and 9E620),
rather than strictly following the
Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List
pattern of placing production
equipment, software and technology for
munitions list items in categories ML18,
ML21 and ML22, respectively. BIS
believes that including the ECCNs for
test, inspection and production
equipment, software, and technology in
the same category as the items to which
they relate results in an easier to
understand CCL than would separate
categories.
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 amended by
Executive Order 13637 of March 8,
2013, 78 FR 16129 (March 13, 2013), as
extended by the Notice of August 15,
2012, 77 FR 49699 (August 16, 2012),
has continued the Export
Administration Regulations in effect
under the International Emergency
Economic Powers Act. BIS continues to
carry out the provisions of the Export
Administration Act, as appropriate and
to the extent permitted by law, pursuant
to Executive Order 13222.
Rulemaking Requirements
1. Executive Orders 13563 and 12866
direct agencies to assess all costs and
benefits of available regulatory
alternatives and, if regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory
approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety
effects, distribute impacts, and equity).
Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the
importance of quantifying both costs
and benefits, of reducing costs, of
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45043
harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This rule has been
designated a ‘‘significant regulatory
action,’’ although not economically
significant, under section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866. Accordingly,
the rule has been reviewed by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB).
2. Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, no person is required
to respond to, nor is 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
OMB control number. This proposed
rule would affect two approved
collections: Simplified Network
Application Processing System (control
number 0694–0088), which includes,
among other things, license
applications, and License Exceptions
and Exclusions (0694–0137).
As stated in the proposed rule
published at 76 FR 41958 (July 15,
2011), BIS initially believed that the
combined effect of all rules to be
published adding items to the EAR that
would be removed from the ITAR as
part of the administration’s Export
Control Reform Initiative would
increase the number of license
applications to be submitted by
approximately 16,000 annually. As the
review of the USML has progressed, the
interagency group has gained more
specific information about the number
of items that would come under BIS
jurisdiction, whether those items would
be eligible for export under license
exception. As of June 21, 2012, BIS
believes the increase in license
applications may be 30,000 annually,
resulting in an increase in burden hours
of 8,500 (30,000 transactions at 17
minutes each) under control number
0694–0088.
Military electronic equipment, certain
cryogenic and superconducting
equipment, related test, inspection and
production equipment, ‘‘parts,’’
‘‘components,’’ ‘‘accessories’’ and
‘‘attachments,’’ ‘‘software’’ and
‘‘technology’’ formerly on the USML
would become eligible for License
Exception STA under this rule. BIS
believes that the increased use of
License Exception STA resulting from
the combined effect of all rules to be
published adding items to the EAR that
would be removed from the ITAR as
part of the Administration’s Export
Control Reform Initiative would
increase the burden associated with
control number 0694–0137 by about
23,858 hours (20,450 transactions @ 1
hour and 10 minutes each).
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BIS expects that this increase in
burden will be more than offset by a
reduction in burden hours associated
with approved collections related to the
ITAR. The largest impact of the
proposed rule would likely apply to
exporters of replacement parts for
military electronic equipment that has
been approved under the ITAR for
export to allies and regime partners.
Because, with few exceptions, the ITAR
allows exemptions from license
requirements only for exports to
Canada, most exports of such parts,
even when destined to NATO and other
close allies, require specific State
Department authorization. Under the
EAR, as proposed here, such parts
would become eligible for export to
NATO and other multi-regime allies
under License Exception STA. Use of
License Exception STA imposes a
paperwork and compliance burden
because, for example, exporters must
furnish information about the item
being exported to the consignee and
obtain from the consignee an
acknowledgement and commitment to
comply with the EAR. However, the
Administration understands that
complying with the burdens of STA is
likely less burdensome than applying
for licenses. For example, under License
Exception STA, a single consignee
statement can apply to an unlimited
number of products, need not have an
expiration date, and need not be
submitted to the government in advance
for approval. Suppliers with regular
customers can tailor a single statement
and assurance to match their business
relationship rather than applying
repeatedly for licenses with every
purchase order to supply reliable
customers in countries that are close
allies or members of export control
regimes or both.
Even in situations in which a license
would be required under the EAR, the
burden is likely to be reduced compared
to the license requirement of the ITAR.
In particular, license applications for
exports of technology controlled by
ECCN 3E611 are likely to be less
complex and burdensome than the
authorizations required to export ITARcontrolled technology, i.e.,
Manufacturing License Agreements and
Technical Assistance Agreements.
3. This rule does not contain policies
with Federalism implications as that
term is defined under E.O. 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
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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
(or his or her designee) certifies that a
rule will not have a significant 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 Regulation,
Department of Commerce, submitted a
memorandum to the Chief Counsel for
Advocacy, Small Business
Administration, certifying that the
November 28 (military electronics) rule
would not have a significant impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
The rationale for that certification was
set forth in the preamble to that
proposed rule (77 FR 70945, 70950–
70951, November 28, 2012). Although
BIS received no comments on that
rationale, and has accordingly made no
changes to the proposed rule based on
the RFA certification, BIS has
determined that, in the interest of
openness and transparency, it will
briefly restate the rationale behind the
certification here.
This rule, if implemented, is part of
the Administration’s Export Control
Reform Initiative, which seeks to revise
the USML to a positive list—one that
does not use generic, catch-all controls
for items listed—and to move some
items that the President has determined
no longer merit control under the ITAR
to control under the CCL.
Although BIS does not collect data on
the size of entities that apply for and are
issued export licenses, and is therefore
unable to estimate the exact number of
small entities—as defined by the Small
Business Administration’s regulations
implementing the RFA—BIS
acknowledges that some small entities
may be affected by this proposed rule.
The main effects on small entities
resulting from this rule will be in
application times, costs, and delays in
receiving licenses to export goods
subject to the CCL. However, while
small entities may experience some
costs and time delays for exports due to
the license requirements of the CCL,
these costs and delays will likely be
significantly less than they were for
items previously subject to the USML.
BIS believes that in fact this rule will
result in significantly reduced
administrative costs and delays for
exports of items that will, upon this
rule’s implementation, be subject to the
EAR rather than the ITAR. Currently,
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USML applicants must pay to use the
USML licensing procedure even if they
never actually are authorized to export.
Registration fees for manufacturers and
exporters of articles on the USML start
at $2,250 per year, increase to $2,750 for
organizations applying for one to ten
licenses per year and further increases
to $2,750 plus $250 per license
application (subject to a maximum of
three percent of total application value)
for those who need to apply for more
than ten licenses per year. By contrast,
BIS is statutorily prohibited from
imposing licensing fees. In addition,
exporters and reexporters of goods that
would become subject to the EAR under
this rule would need fewer licenses
because their transactions would
become eligible for license exceptions
that were not available under the ITAR.
Additionally, the ITAR controlled parts
and components even when they were
incorporated—in any amount—into a
foreign-made product. That limitation
on the use of U.S.-made goods subject
to the ITAR discouraged foreign
manufacturers from importing U.S.
goods. However, the EAR has a de
minimis exception for U.S.manufactured goods that are
incorporated into foreign-made
products. This exception may benefit
small entities by encouraging foreign
producers to use more U.S.-made items
in their goods.
Even where an exporter or reexporter
would need to obtain a license under
the EAR, that process is both cheaper
and the process is more flexible than
obtaining a license under the ITAR. For
example, unlike the ITAR, the EAR does
not require license applicants to provide
BIS with a purchase order with the
application, meaning that small (or any)
entities can enter into negotiations or
contracts for the sale of goods without
having to caveat any sale presentations
with a reference to the need to obtain a
license under the ITAR before shipment
can occur. Second, the EAR allows
license applicants to obtain licenses to
cover all expected exports or reexports
to a particular consignee over the life of
a license, rather than having to obtain a
new license for every transaction.
In short, BIS expects that the changes
to the EAR proposed in this rule will
have a positive effect on all affected
entities, including small entities. While
BIS acknowledges that this rule may
have some cost impacts to small (and
other) entities, those costs are more than
offset by the benefits to the entities from
the licensing procedures under the EAR,
which are much less costly and less
time consuming than the procedures
under the ITAR. Accordingly, the Chief
Counsel for Regulation for the
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Department of Commerce has certified
that this rule, if implemented, will not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
Accordingly, an initial regulatory
flexibility analysis is not required, and
none has been prepared.
List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 774
Exports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Accordingly, part 774 of the Export
Administration Regulations (15 CFR
Parts 730–774) is proposed to be
amended as follows:
PART 774—[AMENDED]
a.2.a.1. Having a quantization
corresponding to 8 bits or more when coded
in the binary system;
a.2.a.2. Rated for operation in the
temperature range from ¥54 °C to above
+125 °C; and
a.2.a.3. Hermetically sealed; or
a.2.b. Electrical input type analog-to-digital
converter printed circuit boards or modules,
having all of the following characteristics:
a.2.b.1. Having a quantization
corresponding to 8 bits or more when coded
in the binary system;
a.2.b.2. Rated for operation in the
temperature range from below ¥45 °C to
above +55 °C; and
a.2.b.3. Incorporating microcircuits
identified in 3A101.a.2 or a.3;
*
*
*
*
*
3. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 3A292
and 3A980, add new entry for ECCN
3A611 to read as follows:
■
1. The authority citation for 15 CFR
part 774 continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 10 U.S.C. 7420; 10 U.S.C.
7430(e); 22 U.S.C. 287c, 22 U.S.C. 3201 et
seq., 22 U.S.C. 6004; 30 U.S.C. 185(s), 185(u);
42 U.S.C. 2139a; 42 U.S.C. 6212; 43 U.S.C.
1354; 15 U.S.C. 1824a; 50 U.S.C. app. 5; 22
U.S.C. 7201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7210; 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 August 15, 2012, 77
FR 49699 (August 16, 2012).
2. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
Category 3, amend Export Control
Classification Number (ECCN) 3A101
by:
■ a. revising the Related Controls
paragraph in the List of Items Controlled
section; and
■ b. revising paragraph a in the Items
paragraph in the List of Items Controlled
section, to read as follows:
■
Supplement No. 1 to Part 774—The
Commerce Control List
*
*
*
*
*
3A101 Electronic equipment, devices and
components, other than those controlled
by 3A001, as follows (see List of Items
Controlled).
*
*
*
*
*
List of Items Controlled
*
*
*
*
*
Related Controls: See also ECCN 4A003.e for
controls on analog-to-digital converter,
printed circuit boards, or modules for
computers.
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
*
*
*
*
*
Items:
a. Analog-to-digital converters usable in
‘‘missiles,’’ and having any of the following
characteristics:
a.1. ‘‘Specially designed’’ to meet military
specifications for ruggedized equipment;
a.2. ‘‘Specially designed’’ for military use
and being any of the following types:
a.2.a. Analog-to-digital converter
microcircuits which are radiation-hardened
or have all of the following characteristics:
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3A611 Military electronics, as follows (see
list of items controlled).
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s)
NS applies to entire
entry except
3A611.y.
RS applies to entire
entry except
3A611.y.
AT applies to entire
entry.
UN applies to entire
entry except
3A611.y.
Country chart
NS Column 1
RS Column 1
AT Column 1
See § 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
LVS: $1500 for 3A611.a, .d through .h and .x;
N/A for ECCN 3A611.c and .y
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception
STA (§ 740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be
used for any item in 3A611.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: End items in number; parts,
components, accessories and attachments
in $ value
Related Controls: (1) Electronic items that are
enumerated in USML Category XI or other
USML categories, and technical data
(including software) directly related
thereto, are subject to the ITAR. (2)
Application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs) and programmable logic devices
that are programmed for defense articles
that are subject to the ITAR are controlled
in USML Category XI(c)(1). (3) See ECCN
3A001.a.7 for controls on unprogrammed
programmable logic devices. (4) Printed
circuit boards and populated circuit cards
whose layout is specially designed for
defense articles that are subject to the ITAR
are controlled in USML Category XI(c)(2).
(5) Multichip modules for which the
pattern or layout is ‘‘specially designed’’
for defense articles that are subject to the
ITAR are controlled in USML Category
XI(c)(3). (6) Electronic items ‘‘specially
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45045
designed’’ for military use that are not
controlled in any USML category but are
within the scope of another ‘‘600 series’’
ECCN are controlled by that ‘‘600 series’’
ECCN. Thus, ECCN 3A611 controls only
electronic items ‘‘specially designed’’ for a
military use that are not otherwise within
the scope of a USML category or ‘‘600
series’’ ECCN other than ECCN 3A611. For
example, electronic components not
enumerated on the USML or a 600 series
other than 3A611 that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a military aircraft controlled
by USML Category VIII or ECCN 9A610 are
controlled by the catch-all control in ECCN
9A610.x. Electronic components not
enumerated on the USML or another 600
series entry that are ‘‘specially designed’’
for a military vehicle controlled by USML
Category VII or ECCN 0A606 are controlled
by ECCN 0A606.x. Electronic components
not enumerated on the USML that are
‘‘specially designed’’ for a missile
controlled by USML Category IV are
controlled by ECCN 0A604. (7) Certain
radiation hardened microelectronic circuits
are controlled by ECCN 9A515.d, when
‘‘specially designed’’ for defense articles,
600 series items, or items controlled by
9A515.
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Electronic ‘‘equipment,’’ ‘‘end items,’’
and ‘‘systems’’ ‘‘specially designed’’ for
military use that are not enumerated in either
a USML category or another ‘‘600 series’’
ECCN.
Note: ECCN 3A611.a includes any radar,
telecommunications, acoustic or computer
equipment, end items, or systems ‘‘specially
designed’’ for military use that are not
enumerated in any USML category or
controlled by a ‘‘600 series’’ ECCN.
b. [Reserved]
c. Microwave ‘‘monolithic integrated
circuits’’ (MMIC) power amplifiers having
any of the following:
c.1. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 2.7 GHz up to and including 2.9
GHz and having any of the following:
c.1.a. A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 15%, with a peak saturated power
output greater than 75 W (48.75 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 50% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
c.1.b. A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 60%, with a peak saturated power
output greater than 150 W (51.8 dBm)
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
c.2. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 2.9 GHz up to and including 3.2
GHz and having any of the following:
c.2.a A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater than
15%, with a peak saturated power output
greater than 55 W (47.4 dBm) and a power
added efficiency of 45% or greater anywhere
within the operating frequency range; or
c.2.b. A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 55%, with a peak saturated power
output greater than 110 W (50.4 dBm)
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
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c.3. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 3.2 GHz up to and including 3.7
GHz and having any of the following:
c.3.a A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater than
15%, with a peak saturated power output
greater than 40 W (46 dBm) and a power
added efficiency of 45% or greater anywhere
within the operating frequency range; or
c.3.b A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater than
50%, with a peak saturated power output
greater than 80 W (49 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.4. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 3.7 GHz up to and including 6.8
GHz and having any of the following:
c.4.a. A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 15%, with a peak saturated power
output greater than 20 W (43 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 40% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
c.4.b A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater than
45%, with a peak saturated power output
greater than 40 W (46 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.5. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 6.8 GHz up to and including 8.5
GHz and having any of the following:
c.5.a A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater than
10%, with a peak saturated power output
greater than 10 W (40.0 dBm) and a power
added efficiency of 40% or greater anywhere
within the operating frequency range; or
c.5.b A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater than
40%, with a peak saturated power output
greater than 20 W (43 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.6. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 8.5 GHz up to and including 16
GHz and having any of the following:
c.6.a. A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 10%, with a peak saturated power
output greater than 5 W (37 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 35% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
c.6.b A ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater than
40%, with a peak saturated power output
greater than 10 W (40 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.7. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 16 GHz up to and including 31.8
GHz with a ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 10%, and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 3 W (34.77 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 20% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
c.8. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 31.8 GHz up to and including 37
GHz, and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 2 W (33 dBm) anywhere
within the operating frequency range;
c.9. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 37 GHz up to and including 43.5
GHz with a ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 10%, and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 1 W (30 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 15% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
c.10. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 43.5 GHz up to and including 75
GHz with a ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 10%, and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 31.62 mW (15 dBm) and
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13:56 Jul 24, 2013
Jkt 229001
a power added efficiency of 10% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
c.11. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 75 GHz up to and including 90
GHz with a ‘‘fractional bandwidth’’ greater
than 5%, and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 10 mW (10 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 10% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
c.12. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 90 GHz up to and including 110
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 1.0 mW (0 dBm)
anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
c.13. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 110 GHz and having a peak
saturated power output greater than 100 nW
(-40 dBm) anywhere within the operating
frequency range.
Note 1 to 3A611.c: The status of an item
whose rated operating frequency includes
frequencies listed in more than one frequency
range, as defined by 3A611.c.1 through
3A611.c.13 is determined by the lowest
saturated output power threshold.
Note 2 to 3A611.c: Peak saturated power
output may also be referred to as output
power, saturated power output, maximum
power output, peak power output, or peak
envelope power output.
d. Discrete microwave transistors having
any of the following:
d.1. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 2.7 GHz up to and including 2.9
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 400 W (56 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 50% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.2. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 2.9 GHz up to and including 3.2
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 205 W (53.12 dBm) and
a power added efficiency of 50% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.3. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 3.2 GHz up to and including 3.7
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 115 W (50.61 dBm) and
a power added efficiency of 45% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.4. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 3.7 GHz up to and including 6.8
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 60 W (47.78 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 45% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.5. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 6.8 GHz up to and including 8.5
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 50 W (47 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 50% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.6. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 8.5 GHz and up to and including
12 GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 20 W (43 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 35% or greater
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.7. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 12 GHz up to and including 16
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 40 W (46 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 35% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.8. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 16 GHz up to and including 31.8
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 20 W (43 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 30% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.9. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 31.8 GHz up to and including 37
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 2 W (33 dBm) anywhere
within the operating frequency range;
d.10. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 37 GHz up to and including 43.5
GHz and having a peak saturated power
output greater than 1 W (30 dBm) and a
power added efficiency of 20% or greater
anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
d.11. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 43.5 GHz to and including 75 GHz
and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 0.5 W (27 dBm) and a power
added efficiency of 15% or greater anywhere
within the operating frequency range;
d.12. Rated for operation at frequencies
exceeding 75 GHz and having a peak
saturated power output greater than 0.1 W
(20 dBm) anywhere within the operating
frequency range.
Note 1 to 3A611.d: The status of an item
whose rated operating frequency includes
frequencies listed in more than one frequency
range, as defined by 3A611.d.1 through
3A611.d.12 is determined by the lowest
saturated output power threshold.
Note 2 to 3A611.d: Peak saturated power
output may also be referred to as output
power, saturated power output, maximum
power output, peak power output, or peak
envelope power output.
Note 3 to 3A611.d: 3A611.d includes bare
dice, dice mounted on carriers, or dice
mounted in packages. Some discrete
transistors may also be referred to as power
amplifiers, but the status of these products
are determined by 3A001.b.3. and 3A611.d.
e. High frequency (HF) surface wave radar
that maintains the positional state of
maritime surface or low altitude airborne
objects of interest in a received radar signal
through time.
Note: ECCN 3A611.e does not apply to
systems, equipment, and assemblies
‘‘specially designed’’ for marine traffic
control.
f. Application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs) and programmable logic devices
(PLD) programmed for 600 series items.
g. Printed circuit boards and populated
circuit card assemblies for which the layout
is ‘‘specially designed’’ for 600 series items.
h. Multichip modules for which the pattern
or layout is ‘‘specially designed’’ for 600
series items.
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i. through w. [Reserved]
x. ‘‘Parts,’’ ‘‘components,’’ ‘‘accessories’’
and ‘‘attachments’’ that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a commodity controlled by this
entry or for an article controlled by USML
Category XI, and not enumerated in any
USML category.
Note 1 to ECCN 3A611.x: ECCN 3A611.x
includes parts, components, accessories, and
attachments ‘‘specially designed’’ for a radar,
telecommunications, acoustic systems or
equipment or computer ‘‘specially designed’’
for military use that are neither enumerated
in any USML category nor controlled in
another ‘‘600 series’’ ECCN.
Note 2 to ECCN 3A611.x: ECCN 3A611.x
controls parts and components ‘‘specially
designed’’ for underwater sensors or
projectors controlled by USML Category
XI(c)(12) containing single-crystal lead
magnesium niobate lead titanate (PMN–PT)
based piezoelectrics.
y. Specific ‘‘parts,’’ ‘‘components,’’
‘‘accessories’’ and ‘‘attachments’’ ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a commodity subject to control
in this entry and not elsewhere specified in
any 600-series ECCN as follows:
y.1. Electric couplings;
y.2. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs);
y.3. Electrical connectors;
y.4. Electric fans;
y.5. Rotron fans;
y.6. Electric fuses other than those
specially designed for explosive detonation;
y.7. Grid vacuum tubes;
y.8. Audio headphones, earphones,
handsets, and headsets;
y.9. Heat sinks;
y.10. Intercom systems;
y.11. Joy sticks;
y.12. Loudspeakers;
y.13. Mica paper capacitors;
y.14. Microphones;
y.15. Potentiometers;
y.16. Rheostats;
y.17. Electric connector backshells;
y.18. Solenoids;
y.19. Speakers;
y.20. Electric switches other than RF,
pressure, diplexer, duplexer, circulator, or
isolator switches;
y.21. Trackballs;
y.22. Electric transformers;
y.23. Vacuum tubes other than TWTs,
klystron tubes, or tubes specially designed
for articles enumerated in USML Category
XII;
y.24. Waveguide.
4. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 3B002
and 3B991, add new entry for ECCN
3B611 to read as follows:
■
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
3B611 Test, inspection, and production
commodities for military electronics, as
follows (see List of Items Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s)
NS applies to entire
entry.
RS applies to entire
entry.
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Country chart
NS Column 1
RS Column 1
13:56 Jul 24, 2013
Jkt 229001
Control(s)
AT applies to entire
entry.
UN applies to entire
entry.
Country chart
AT Column 1
See § 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
LVS: $1500
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception
STA (§ 740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be
used for any item in 3B611.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: N/A
Related Controls: N/A
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Test, inspection, and production end
items and equipment ‘‘specially designed’’
for the ‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’ repair,
overhaul or refurbishing of items controlled
in ECCN 3A611 or USML Category XI that are
not enumerated in USML Category XI or
controlled by another ‘‘600 series’’ ECCN.
b. through w. [Reserved]
x. ‘‘Parts,’’ ‘‘components,’’ ‘‘accessories’’
and ‘‘attachments’’ that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a commodity listed in this
entry and that are not enumerated on the
USML or controlled by another ‘‘600 series’’
ECCN.
5. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 3D101
and 3D980, add a new entry for ECCN
3D611 to read as follows:
■
3D611 ‘‘Software’’ ‘‘specially designed’’ for
military electronics, as follows (see List
of Items Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s)
NS applies to entire
entry except
3D611.y.
RS applies to entire
entry except
3D611.y.
AT applies to entire
entry.
UN applies to entire
entry except
3D611.y.
Country chart
NS Column 1
RS Column 1
AT Column 1
See § 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
CIV: N/A
TSR: N/A
STA: 1. Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception
STA (§ 740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be
used for any ‘‘software’’ in 3D611. 2.
Except for ‘‘build-to-print’’ software,
License Exception STA is not eligible for
software enumerated in ECCN 3D611.b.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: $ value
Related Controls: ‘‘Software’’ directly related
to articles enumerated in USML Category
XI is controlled in USML Category XI(d).
Related Definitions: N/A
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Items:
a. Software ‘‘specially designed’’ for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’ operation, or
maintenance of commodities controlled by
ECCN 3A611 (other than 3A611.y) and
3B611.
b. Software specially designed for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’ operation or
maintenance of technology in ECCN 3E611.b.
c. through x. [Reserved]
y. Specific ‘‘software’’ ‘‘specially designed’’
for the ‘‘production,’’ ‘‘development,’’
operation or maintenance of commodities
enumerated in ECCNs 3A611.y.
6. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 3E292
and 3E980, add new entry for ECCN
3E611 to read as follows:
■
3E611 Technology ‘‘required’’ for military
electronics, as follows (see List of Items
Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s)
NS applies to entire
entry except
3E611.y.
RS applies to entire
entry except
3E611.y.
AT applies to entire
entry.
UN applies to entire
entry except
3E611.y.
Country chart
NS Column 1
RS Column 1
AT Column 1
See § 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
CIV: N/A
TSR: N/A
STA: 1. Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception
STA (§ 740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be
used for any technology in 3E611. 2.
Except for ‘‘build-to-print’’ technology,
License Exception STA is not eligible for
technology enumerated in ECCN 3E611.b.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: $ value
Related Controls: Technical data directly
related to articles enumerated in USML
Category XI is controlled in USML
Category XI(d).
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. ‘‘Technology’’ (other than that described
in 3E611.b or 3E611.y) ‘‘required’’ for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’ operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul,
or refurbishing of commodities or software
controlled by ECCN 3A611, 3B611 or 3D611.
b. ‘‘Technology’’ ‘‘required’’ for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’ operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul,
or refurbishing of the following if controlled
by ECCN 3A611, including 3A611.x:
b.1. Helix traveling wave tubes (TWTs);
b.2. Transmit/receive or transmit modules;
b.3. Microwave monolithic integrated
circuits (MMIC); or
b.4. Discrete microwave transistors.
c. through x. [Reserved]
y. Specific ‘‘technology’’ ‘‘required’’ for the
‘‘production,’’ ‘‘development,’’ operation,
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installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul,
or refurbishing of commodities or software
enumerated in ECCNs 3A611.y or 3D611.y.
7. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
amend ECCN 4A003 by revising the
License Requirements section to read as
follows:
Related Controls paragraph of the List of
Items Controlled section, to read as
follows:
5A001 Telecommunications systems,
equipment, components and accessories,
as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
■
4A003 ‘‘Digital computers’’, ‘‘electronic
assemblies’’, and related equipment
therefor, as follows (see List of Items
Controlled) and specially designed
components therefor.
NS applies to
4A003.b and .c.
NS applies to
4A003.e and .g.
MT applies to
4A003.e when the
parameters in
3A101.a.2.b are
met or exceeded.
CC applies to ‘‘digital
computers’’ for
computerized finger-print equipment.
AT applies to entire
entry (refer to
4A994 for controls
on ‘‘digital computers’’ with a APP
>0.0128 but ≤3.0
WT).
*
Country chart
NS Column 1
NS Column 2
MT Column 1
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
■ 10. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 5A101
and 5A980, add a new entry for ECCN
5A611 as follows:
CC Column 1
5A611 Telecommunications equipment,
and parts, components, accessories, and
attachments ‘‘specially designed’’
therefor, ‘‘specially designed’’ for
military use that are not enumerated in
any USML category are controlled by
ECCN 3A611.
AT Column 1
*
*
*
*
*
■ 8. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 4A102
and 4A980, add a new entry for ECCN
4A611 as follows:
4A611 Computers, and parts, components,
accessories, and attachments ‘‘specially
designed’’ therefor, ‘‘specially designed’’
for military use that are not enumerated
in any USML category are controlled by
ECCN 3A611.
9. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
amend ECCN 5A001 by revising the
■
13:56 Jul 24, 2013
11. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 6A226
and 6A991, add a new entry for ECCN
6A611 as follows:
■
Note 2: Special Post Shipment Verification
reporting and recordkeeping requirements for
exports of computers to destinations in
Computer Tier 3 may be found in § 743.2 of
the EAR.
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
*
Related Controls: 1. See USML Category
XV for controls on telecommunications
equipment defined in 5A001.a.1 and any
other equipment used in satellites that are
subject to the ITAR. See USML Category XI
for controls on direction finding equipment
defined in 5A001.e and any other military or
intelligence electronic equipment subject to
the ITAR. 2. See USML Category XI(a)(4)(iii)
for controls on electronic attack and jamming
equipment defined in 5A001.f and .h that are
subject to the ITAR. 3. See also ECCNs
5A101, 5A980, and 5A991.
NP applies, unless a License Exception is
available. See § 742.3(b) of the EAR for
information on applicable licensing review
policies.
Note 1: For all destinations, except those
countries in Country Group E:1 of
Supplement No. 1 to part 740 of the EAR, no
license is required (NLR) for computers with
an ‘‘Adjusted Peak Performance’’ (‘‘APP’’)
not exceeding 3.0 Weighted TeraFLOPS (WT)
and for ‘‘electronic assemblies’’ described in
4A003.c that are not capable of exceeding an
‘‘Adjusted Peak Performance’’ (‘‘APP’’)
exceeding 3.0 Weighted TeraFLOPS (WT) in
aggregation, except certain transfers as set
forth in § 746.3 (Iraq).
VerDate Mar<15>2010
*
List of Items Controlled
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, MT, CC, AT, NP
Control(s)
*
Jkt 229001
6A611 Acoustic systems and equipment,
radar, and parts, components,
accessories, and attachments ‘‘specially
designed’’ therefor, ‘‘specially designed’’
for military use that are not enumerated
in any USML category or other ECCN
are controlled by ECCN 3A611.
12. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
ECCN 7A006, revise the Reasons for
Control paragraph of the License
Requirements section to read as follows:
■
7A006 Airborne altimeters operating at
frequencies other than 4.2 to 4.4 GHz
inclusive and having any of the
following (see List of Items Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, MT, AT
Control(s)
Country chart
NS applies to entire
entry.
MT applies to commodities in this
entry that meet or
exceed the parameters of 7A106.
AT applies to entire
entry.
*
PO 00000
*
Frm 00023
*
*
Fmt 4701
NS Column 1
MT Column 1
AT Column 1
*
Sfmt 4702
13. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 7A117
and 7A994, add a new entry for ECCN
7A611 as follows:
■
7A611 Navigation and avionics equipment
and, systems and parts, components,
accessories, and attachments ‘‘specially
designed’’ therefor, ‘‘specially designed’’
for military use that are not enumerated
in any USML category or another 600
series ECCN are controlled by ECCN
3A611.
14. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
ECCN 7D101, revise the heading to read
as follows:
■
7D101 ‘‘Software’’ specially designed or
modified for the ‘‘use’’ of equipment
controlled for missile technology (MT)
reasons by 7A001 to 7A006, 7A101 to
7A107, 7A115, 7A116, 7A117, 7B001,
7B002, 7B003, 7B101, 7B102, or 7B103.
*
*
*
*
*
15. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 9A120
and 9A980, add a new entry for ECCN
9A620 to read as follows:
■
9A620 Cryogenic and ‘‘superconductive’’
equipment, as follows (see list of items
controlled).
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s)
NS applies to entire
entry.
RS applies to entire
entry.
AT applies to entire
entry.
UN applies to entire
entry.
Country chart
NS Column 1
RS Column 1
AT Column 1
See § 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
LVS: $1500
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception
STA (§ 740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be
used for any item in 9A620.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: End items in number; parts,
components, accessories and attachments
in $ value.
Related Controls: Electronic items that are
enumerated in USML Category XI or other
USML categories, and technical data
(including software) directly related
thereto, are subject to the ITAR.
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Equipment ‘‘specially designed’’ to be
installed in a vehicle for military ground,
marine, airborne, or space applications, and
capable of operating while in motion and of
producing or maintaining temperatures
below 103 K (-170°C).
Note to 9A620.a: ECCN 9A620.a includes
mobile systems incorporating or employing
accessories or components manufactured
from non-metallic or non-electrical
conductive materials such as plastics or
epoxy-impregnated materials.
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b. ‘‘Superconductive’’ electrical equipment
(rotating machinery and transformers)
‘‘specially designed’’ to be installed in a
vehicle for military ground, marine, airborne,
or space applications, and capable of
operating while in motion.
Note to 9A610.b: ECCN 9A620.b. does not
control direct-current hybrid homopolar
generators that have single-pole normal
metal armatures which rotate in a magnetic
field produced by superconducting windings,
provided those windings are the only
superconducting components in the
generator.
c. through w. [Reserved]
x. ‘‘Parts,’’ ‘‘components,’’ ‘‘accessories’’
and ‘‘attachments’’ that are ‘‘specially
designed’’ for a commodity controlled by
ECCN 9A620.
16. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 9B117
and 9B990, add a new entry for ECCN
9B620 to read as follows:
■
9B620 Test, inspection, and production
commodities for cryogenic and
‘‘superconductive’’ equipment (see List
of Items controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s)
NS applies to entire
entry.
RS applies to entire
entry.
AT applies to entire
entry.
UN applies to entire
entry.
Country chart
AT Column 1
See § 746.1(b) for UN
controls
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS3
LVS: $1500
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception
STA (§ 740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be
used for any item in 9B620.
Jkt 229001
17. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 9D105
and 9D990, add a new entry for ECCN
9D620 to read as follows:
■
9D620 ‘‘Software’’ ‘‘specially designed’’ for
cryogenic and ‘‘superconductive’’
equipment, as follows (see List of Items
Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s)
Country chart
NS applies to entire
entry.
RS applies to entire
entry.
AT applies to entire
entry.
UN applies to entire
entry.
NS Column 1
RS Column 1
AT Column 1
See § 746.1(b) for UN
controls
CIV: N/A
TSR: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception
STA (§ 740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be
used for any ‘‘software’’ in 9D620.
RS Column 1
13:56 Jul 24, 2013
Unit: N/A
Related Controls: N/A
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Test, inspection, and production end
items and equipment ‘‘specially designed’’
for the ‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’ repair,
overhaul or refurbishing of items controlled
in ECCN 9A620.
b. [Reserved]
License Exceptions
NS Column 1
License Exceptions
VerDate Mar<15>2010
List of Items Controlled
List of Items Controlled
Unit: $ value
Related Controls: ‘‘Software’’ directly related
to articles enumerated on USML are
subject to the control of that USML
category.
Related Definitions: N/A
Items: Software ‘‘specially designed’’ for
the ‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’ operation,
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 9990
or maintenance of commodities controlled by
ECCNs 9A620 or 9B620.
18. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774,
between the entries for ECCNs 9E102
and 9E990, add a new entry for ECCN
9E620 to read as follows:
■
9E620 Technology ‘‘required’’ for cryogenic
and ‘‘superconductive’’ equipment, as
follows (see List of Items Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s)
NS applies to entire
entry.
RS applies to entire
entry.
AT applies to entire
entry.
UN applies to entire
entry.
Country chart
NS Column 1
RS Column 1
AT Column 1
See § 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
CIV: N/A
TSR: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception
STA (§ 740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be
used for any technology in 9E620.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: $ value
Related Controls: Technical data directly
related to articles enumerated on USML are
subject to the control of that USML
category.
Related Definitions: N/A
Items: ‘‘Technology’’ ‘‘required’’ for the
‘‘development,’’ ‘‘production,’’ operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul,
or refurbishing of commodities or software
controlled by ECCN 9A620, 9B620 or
9D620.
Dated: July 12, 2013.
Kevin J. Wolf,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013–17559 Filed 7–24–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–33–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 143 (Thursday, July 25, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45026-45049]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17559]
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 143 / Thursday, July 25, 2013 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 45026]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of Industry and Security
15 CFR Part 774
[Docket No. 120330233-3326-02]
RIN 0694-AF64
Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR): Control
of Military Electronic Equipment and Related Items the President
Determines No Longer Warrant Control Under the United States Munitions
List (USML)
AGENCY: Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This is the second proposed rule to describe how military
electronics and certain superconducting and cryogenic equipment and
related items the President determines no longer warrant control under
the United States Munitions List (USML) would be controlled on the
Commerce Control List (CCL). This proposed rule also would amend ECCNs
7A001 and 7A101 to apply the ``missile technology'' reason for control
only to items in those ECCNs on the Missile Technology Control Regime
(MTCR) Annex.
This action is one in a planned series of proposed rules that would
implement the Administration's Export Control Reform Initiative by
describing how certain types of articles would be controlled on the CCL
after the President determines that the articles no longer warrant USML
control. This proposed rule is being published in conjunction with a
proposed rule from the Department of State, Directorate of Defense
Trade Controls, which would amend the list of articles controlled by
USML Category XI.
The revisions proposed in this rule are part of Commerce's
retrospective plan under EO 13563 completed in August 2011. Commerce's
full plan can be accessed at: https://open.commerce.gov/news/2011/08/23/commerce-plan-retrospective-analysis-existing-rules.
DATES: Comments must be received by September 9, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
By the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. The identification number for this rulemaking is
BIS-2012-0045.
By email directly to publiccomments@bis.doc.gov. Include
RIN 0694-AF64 in the subject line.
By mail or delivery to Regulatory Policy Division, Bureau
of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 2099B, 14th
Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230. Refer to RIN
0694-AF64.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Baker, Director, Electronics and
Materials Division, Office of National Security and Technology Transfer
Controls, (202) 482-5534, brian.baker@bis.doc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Export Control Reform Initiative
This proposed rule is part of the Administration's Export Control
Reform Initiative, the objective of which is to protect and enhance
U.S. national security interests. The Initiative began in August 2009
when President Obama directed the Administration to conduct a broad-
based review of the U.S. export control system to identify additional
ways to enhance national security. In April 2010, then-Secretary of
Defense Robert M. Gates, describing the initial results of that effort,
explained that fundamental reform of the U.S. export control system is
necessary to enhance national security. Once the Department of State's
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and its U.S. Munitions
List (USML) are amended so that they control only the items that
provide the United States with a critical military or intelligence
advantage or otherwise warrant such controls, and the Export
Administration Regulations (EAR) are amended to control military items
that do not warrant USML controls, the U.S. export control system will
enhance national security by (i) improving interoperability of U.S.
military forces with allied countries, (ii) strengthening the U.S.
industrial base by, among other things, reducing incentives for foreign
manufacturers to design out and avoid U.S.-origin content and services,
and (iii) allowing export control officials to focus government
resources on transactions that pose greater concern.
Pursuant to section 38(f) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA),
the President is obligated to review the USML ``to determine what
items, if any, no longer warrant export controls under'' the AECA. The
President must report the results of the review to Congress and wait 30
days before removing any such items from the USML. The report must
``describe the nature of any controls to be imposed on that item under
any other provision of law.'' 22 U.S.C. 2778(f)(1).
BIS has published and will continue to publish additional Federal
Register notices containing proposed amendments to the CCL that
describe proposed controls for additional categories of articles the
President determines no longer warrant control under the USML. The
State Department will publish concurrently proposed amendments to the
USML that correspond to the BIS notices. BIS will also publish proposed
rules to further align the CCL with the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export
Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies'
(Wassenaar Arrangement) Munitions List (Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions
List or WAML) and the Missile Technology Control Regime's (MTCR)
Equipment, Software and Technology Annex (MTCR Annex).
Overview of This Proposed Rule
Following the structure set forth in the final rule entitled
``Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations: Initial
Implementation of Export Control Reform'' (78 FR 22660, April 16, 2013)
(``April 16 (initial implementation) rule''), this proposed rule
describes BIS's proposal for controlling under the EAR's CCL certain
military electronic equipment and related articles now controlled by
the ITAR's USML Category XI, and equipment and related items in
category ML20 of the WAML, which pertains to certain cryogenic and
superconductive equipment. These items are currently controlled by
``catch all'' provisions of the ITAR's USML Categories VI, VII, VIII,
and XV. Finally, this proposed rule would correct two ECCNs in CCL
Category 7 to apply the ``missile technology'' reason for control only
to items that are on the MTCR Annex.
This action re-proposes moving export control of certain military
electronic equipment from the USML to the CCL. BIS originally proposed
transferring the control of these items to the EAR in 2012, in a rule
entitled, ``Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR):
Control of Military Electronic Equipment and Related Items the
President Determines No Longer Warrant Control under the United States
Munitions List (USML)'' (77 FR 70945, November 28, 2012) (``November 28
(military electronics) rule''). That action was issued simultaneously
with a proposed rule by the Department of State, entitled, ``Amendment
to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Revisions of US
Munitions List Category XI and Definition for `Equipment' '' (77 FR
70958, November 28, 2012) (``State's November 28, 2012 (military
electronics) rule'') (collectively, the ``November 28, 2012 (military
electronics) rules''). The
[[Page 45027]]
provisions in this second proposed rule by BIS are based on a review of
public comments to the November 28 (military electronics) rule, and on
a review of USML Category XI and WAML category ML20 by the Department
of Defense, which worked with the Departments of State and Commerce in
preparing these proposed amendments. BIS is proposing this action a
second time because the comments suggested changes from the original
proposed rule that are sufficiently distinct from the November 28
(military electronics) rule to warrant providing them to the public for
further review and to obtain public input on the feasibility of
implementing the rule as re-proposed. The criteria used in this review
are described in the November 28 (military electronics) rule. See 77 FR
70945.
The revisions proposed in this rule are part of Commerce's
retrospective plan under EO 13563 completed in August 2011. Commerce's
full plan can be accessed at: https://open.commerce.gov/news/2011/08/23/commerce-plan-retrospective-analysis-existing-rules.
Consistency of Controls
This proposed rule would alter the scope of ECCNs 3B611, 3E611,
9B620 and 9E620 from what was proposed in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. Upon review, BIS determined that standard elements
for test, inspection, and production equipment ECCNs and for technology
ECCNs would reduce the possibility of confusion. Accordingly, BIS
adopted the elements ``development, production, repair, overhaul, or
refurbishing'' for test, inspection, and production equipment ECCNs in
the 600 series and adopted ``development, production, operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul, or refurbishing'' for
technology ECCNs in the 600 series (see 78 FR 40892, 40894, July 8,
2013). This proposed rule would include those elements in 3B611, 3E611,
9B620 and 9E620 to conform with that decision.
Need to Avoid Ambiguous Classifications or Inadvertent License
Requirements
BIS recognizes that because electronics frequently are installed in
some other commodity, they are particularly susceptible to ambiguous
classification or classification under multiple entries on the CCL. For
example, a given electronic device might also be viewed as a part for
an aircraft, radar, computer, laser, or some other article. How the
device is viewed might affect its classification on the CCL, which
could, in turn, affect license requirements or licensing policy. BIS's
intent is that the new ECCNs proposed here would not increase the
number of destinations to which a license is required, alter the policy
under which license application are reviewed, or create any apparent
instances of an item that is subject to the EAR being covered by more
than one ECCN. Parties who believe that they can identify instances
where the effect of the proposed rule would be contrary to this intent
are encouraged to identify those instances in a public comment on this
proposed rule.
Relationship to April 16, Initial Implementation Rule
The April 16 (initial implementation) rule will become effective on
October 15, 2013. Because any final rule resulting from this proposed
rule would not become effective until after that date, this proposed
rule and BIS's responses to the public comments on the November 28
(military electronics) rule discussed below are written as if the April
16 (initial implementation) rule were already effective. Accordingly,
commenters on this proposed rule should become familiar with the April
16 (initial implementation) rule and take it into account in
formulating their comments on this proposed rule. Although BIS
encourages public understanding of the entire April 16 (initial
implementation) rule, the provisions listed below are likely to be
particularly useful because they provide background for understanding
terms and concepts that are used extensively in this proposed rule and
in the discussion of the public comments. The listed page numbers refer
to pages in the Federal Register published on April 16, 2013.
``600 series:'' preamble discussion, pages 22661-22663 and
22691; regulatory text, page 22727.
Definition of ``component:'' regulatory text, page 22727.
Definitions of ``end item'' and ``part:'' regulatory text,
page 22728.
Definition of ``specially designed:'' preamble discussion,
pages 22682-22691; regulatory text, pages 22728-22729.
``Dual licensing:'' preamble discussion, page 22664-22665;
regulatory text, page 22707.
License Exceptions TMP, RPL, GOV, TSU and STA: preamble
discussion, pages 22669-22674; regulatory text, pages 22709-22720 and
22726.
``Order of review'': preamble discussion, page 22704;
regulatory text, pages 22735-22736.
Public Comments on the November 28 (Military Electronics) Rule and BIS
Responses
BIS received comments from 17 organizations and one individual,
proposing a number of ideas for revising the proposed rule.
Comment: Several commenters expressed general approval of
transferring some military items from the USML. As part of their
comments, they noted that (i) electronic parts and components are
rarely almost exclusively available from the United States; (ii)
current USML requirements impose a heavy cost burden on low value parts
and US manufacturers may thus be more inclined to continue making the
parts if that burden is reduced; and (iii) the removal of a ``see-
through'' rule on electronic parts and components will reduce the
incentive for foreign customers in non-embargoed countries to refuse to
buy US-origin parts. One commenter approved of BIS's use of ``specially
designed'' in ``600 series'' ECCNs because it would help standardize
the identification of which items are and are not controlled. One
commenter noted that placing monolithic microware integrated circuit
power amplifiers in 3A611.c and discrete power transistors in 3A611.d
are positive moves that clearly define the articles covered.
Response: BIS agrees and these comments are consistent with the
second proposed rule.
Comment: Some commenters expressed concern that the rule did not
refer to a Department of Defense review process for low observable and
counter low observable related items moving from the USML to the CCL.
Response: In accordance with Executive Order 12981, as amended, the
Department of Defense has authority to review license applications
submitted to the Department of Commerce. BIS expects that Department to
continue existing review policies for any items referred to by these
commenters that are added to the CCL. In any event, no change to the
regulations is necessary to implement this policy.
Comment: A commenter recommended adding an interpretation to Part
770 clarifying that items subject to a parameter-based CCL entry will
be controlled by such entry if the item meets the parameter at the time
of export, and not by whether it has potential capability (e.g.,
dormant capability) to meet the control, so long as the additional
capability cannot be executed by the end-user without additional
activity by the exporters. Exporters would be required to obtain
[[Page 45028]]
any necessary authorizations to activate such a capability for a
customer.
Response: Items with characteristics that are within the scope of
the parameters of a particular ECCN are classified under that ECCN. BIS
believes that no change is needed to the regulatory text from what was
published in the November 28 (military electronics) rule.
Comment: Commenters stated that more information about the order of
precedence or order of review was needed for the public to be able to
classify items reliably. Many items might be reasonably classified
under a USML category or an ECCN, more than one ECCN, or more than one
ECCN paragraph.
Response: BIS received comments along this line in response to
other proposed rules. The April 16 (initial implementation) rule
includes an order of review, which is intended to eliminate the
possible uncertainty noted by these commenters.
Comment: Commenters expressed concern that moving items from the
USML to the CCL would increase the number of licenses that some
companies would need for two reasons.
First, in many instances, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
(DDTC) in practice issues licenses covering items that are subject to
the EAR, when they are being exported in conjunction with defense
articles that are subject to the ITAR. The commenter suggested that
these circumstances might increase the time needed to gain approval for
transactions that require the export of both USML and CCL items,
because BIS licenses generally take longer to obtain than DDTC
licenses. The commenter proposed as a solution allowing DDTC to issue
licenses for items on the CCL in such transactions. This commenter
suggested that a formal process for DDTC to issue licenses for items
that are subject to the EAR be authorized.
Second, license exceptions under the EAR do not apply to some
transactions that would be exempt from license requirements under the
ITAR. Two solutions were proposed. First, amend license exceptions
under the EAR to make sure that they cover transactions that would
qualify for an exemption under the ITAR. Second, create a new license
exemption that authorizes using ITAR exemptions for transactions that
are subject to the EAR.
Response: The potential problem of needing both a DDTC and a BIS
license for a single transaction is sometimes referred to as the dual
licensing issue. BIS's and DDTC's April 16 (initial implementation)
rules address the dual licensing issue with a procedure for DDTC to
issue licenses for items that are subject to the EAR in situations
where a single transaction includes exports or reexports of items that
are subject the ITAR and items that are subject to the EAR. BIS
welcomes comments on whether these provisions effectively address the
issues identified in the comments.
The April 16 (initial implementation) rule revises several EAR
license exceptions to make them comparable to ITAR license exemptions.
BIS believes that the second proposed solution--amending the EAR to
allow use of ITAR license exemptions for transactions that are subject
to the EAR--would create legal and policy complications that can be
avoided by simply amending existing EAR license exceptions. BIS
welcomes comments on whether the revisions to license exceptions in the
April 16 (initial implementation) rule effectively address the issues
identified in the comments with respect to military electronic items.
Comment: A commenter recommended several steps to deal with the
expected increase in the number of license applications to be submitted
to BIS, such as: Increase staffing levels; ``enhance'' the DOC
licensing process to reduce cycle times; include reviewing agencies in
efforts to streamline the license application review process; and
leverage lessons learned and best practices from the Department of
State, which has reduced processing time in recent years.
Response: BIS is taking these steps. No revision to the EAR is
needed to do so.
Comments Concerning Proposed ECCNs 4A611, 5A611 and 6A611
Proposed ECCNs 4A611, 5A611 and 6A611 refer readers to ECCN 3A611.
They are included to alert readers that military computers, military
telecommunications equipment and military radars would be controlled by
ECCN 3A611, a structure more similar to that of the USML, which
controls all three in Category XI, than that of the CCL, which controls
computers in Category 4, telecommunications equipment in Category 5,
and radars in Category 6.
Comment: Commenters expressed a belief that following the USML
pattern would make classification more difficult than would following
the CCL pattern.
Response: This proposed rule republishes those three cross-
reference ECCNs along with a fourth one: ECCN 7A613, which refers
readers to 3A611 for military avionics and navigation items. BIS
continues to seek comments on which pattern would be easier to
understand and comply with. One pattern would create substantive ECCNs
in five CCL Categories--Category 4 (computers), Category 5
(telecommunications), Category 6 (sensors and lasers), Category 7
(avionics), and Category 3 (all other military electronics not
described on the USML). The other pattern would place all substantive
control text for military electronics in Category 3 with cross
references to Category 3 in Categories 4, 5, 6 and 7. The advantage of
breaking the different types out among the categories is that they
would be described in more detail and in the CCL categories that
control similar dual-use items. The disadvantage would be that 20 new
substantive 600 series ECCNs would need to be created that all contain
essentially contain the same descriptions as compared to 4 new
substantive and four cross reference ECCNs that would be required by
the second alternative.
Comment: A commenter requested a six-month grace period to
implement the changes that would be required by the proposed rule.
Response: BIS plans to make the final rule adding to the CCL
military electronic systems the President determines no longer warrant
control under the USML effective 180 days after publication.
Comment: One commenter noted that the EAR contain no definition of
``avionics,'' making the decision to classify an item under Category
7--Navigation and Avionics or Category 9--Aerospace and Propulsion,
difficult. The commenter stated as an example that a control panel for
anti-ice bleed air valves might belong under either Category 7 or
Category 9, depending on whether it contains a digital circuit even
though the function performed is the same.
Response: BIS is making no changes to this proposed rule in
response to this comment, because it is outside the scope of the
November 28 (military electronics) rule. However, BIS will look into
ways to address elsewhere the issues raised by this commenter.
Comment: One commenter stated the policy implications of the
phrase, ``parts and components n.e.s. in ECCNs 7A994 and 9A991.d,'' are
unclear with the addition of the proposed definition of ``specially
designed.'' The commenter noted that neither ECCN uses the term
``specially designed,'' and stated that the ECCNs have never been
understood to control EAR99 items common to non-aircraft applications.
Response: BIS is making no changes to this proposed rule in
response to this
[[Page 45029]]
comment because it is outside the scope of the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. BIS does not intend that anything in this proposed
rule or in the April 16 (initial implementation) rule make a currently
EAR99 item controlled under either ECCN 7A994 or 9A991. BIS will look
into ways to address elsewhere the issues raised by this commenter.
Comment: Several commenters expressed concern over use of the term
``specially designed'' in the November 28 (military electronics) rule
when the final rule defining that term had not been published. The
commenters noted that they could not analyze the impact of the term
without knowing its precise language.
Response: The April 16 (initial implementation) rule included the
definition of ``specially designed'' that will apply to this proposed
rule has now been published. See 78 FR 22682-91, 22728-29.
Comment: Several commenters proposed features that they thought the
definition of ``specially designed'' should have. These recommendations
were:
Include in subsection (a)(1) of the definition
application-specific components of end items for which the control
parameters or character can be ascertained;
Restrict the ``necessary'' standard for components set
forth in subsection (a)(2) to components for which there is no basis to
assess the controlled parameters or character of the end item in which
the component is incorporated;
Create a note that provides an appropriate industry
definition of ASICs;
Capture the natural meaning of the term ``specially
designed,'' and avoid overarching exclusions and exceptions; and
Eliminate reference in subsection (b)(3) to ``form and
fit'' for components of equivalent performance.
It is logical and feasible to tie the control of ``specially
designed'' components to the related end-item, but only to the extent
that the ``specially designed'' component is peculiarly responsible for
the controlled parameters of the controlled character as a whole of the
end item.
Form and fit adapted to a particular end item or special protective
packaging adapted to the environment in which that end-item functions
should not make a part or component specially designed for a particular
end item if the function that the part or component performs is the
same as that it would perform in some other end-item where a different
form or fit is required, or such special protective packaging or
housing is not needed.
Consider modifications to basic hardware as minor and, therefore
not ``specially designed'' if they: (a) Are unclassified; (b) are not
for the purpose of improving the item's resistance or hardness to
nuclear radiation, nuclear electromagnetic pulse, or resistance to
chemicals or biological agents controlled under the ITAR; and c) are
not made to achieve special designated military properties (e.g.,
special low observable, acoustic, electromagnetic properties, hot
section technology for military gas turbine engines, or characteristics
identified in the proposed Supplement No. 4 to Part 740 of the EAR).
Response: Following the closing comment period date for the
November 28 (military electronics) rule, the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule set forth the definition of ``specially
designed.'' This definition provides that modifications to a part or
component made solely to fit a particular commodity do not make the
part or component specially designed. The definition also states that
certain specific parts are not specially designed. The definition is
not limited to parts or components that are peculiarly responsible for
achieving the control parameters of the end item, nor does it exclude
modifications or packaging applied to a part or component adapted to
the environment in which the end-item performs. Although the notion of
a short ``natural meaning'' definition is interesting, experience has
indicated that determining the actual purpose for which something was
designed is often difficult and can lead different readers to different
conclusions based on the same sets of facts. BIS believes that the
definition set forth in April 16 (initial implementation) rule provides
a reasonable, repeatable, verifiable, and as certain as possible
framework for determining which parts and components are and are not
``specially designed.'' However, BIS welcomes comments regarding the
impact the term ``specially designed'' has on the ECCNs in this
proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter recommended removing minor parts and
components in normal commercial use to which minor modifications have
been made from the catch-all paragraphs for the 600 series ECCNs,
arguing that such common hardware does not warrant this level of
control.
Response: BIS is not adopting this recommendation. License
requirements on parts and components that are specially designed for
military equipment, even if they do not give the military equipment its
military character, can serve the U.S. government's national security
and foreign policy interests in being able to monitor, control, and
otherwise have visibility into the supply chain of the parts and
components that are necessary to keep military equipment functioning.
The U.S. government has made a determination that such parts and
components, which are now ITAR controlled, do not warrant all the
controls of the ITAR. The government has not made, and does not intend
to make, a determination that such items do not warrant control at all.
Comment: One commenter stated that BIS should respect prior
commodity jurisdiction rulings. The U.S. government has already
determined that these items do not warrant control on the ITAR as it
currently exists. Therefore, they should not warrant control under 600
series ECCNs.
Response: Items not currently on the USML, in an ECCN that ends
with ``018,'' or in ECCN 0A918, have been determined not to be military
items. BIS confirmed in General Order No. 5 in the April 16 (initial
implementation rule) that one may conclude that such items within the
scope of a Commodity Jurisdiction (``CJ'') determination are not 600
series items (See 78 FR 22660, 22708, April 16, 2013). If readers
believe that this proposed rule would do so, they should submit a
comment indicating specifically what items in ECCNs other than those
described above or what EAR99 items they believe would be moved to the
600 series by this proposed rule.
Comments on ECCN 3A101
Comment: One commenter recommended replacing the phrase ``usable in
missiles'' with ``specially designed for use in missiles,'' stating
that the former language could lead to controlling almost any analog to
digital converter because it would be impossible to prove that it could
not be used in some capacity in anything considered a missile. This
same commenter recommended removing paragraph .a.1 from ECCN 3A101,
which applies to analog to digital converters that are `` `Specially
designed' to meet military specifications for ruggedized equipment,''
because published military specifications for ruggedized equipment
address a number of characteristics that are not uniquely military.
Response: The phrases ``usable in missiles'' and `` `[s]pecially
designed' to meet military specifications for ruggedized equipment''
are close paraphrases that accurately convey the
[[Page 45030]]
meaning of the corresponding language in Category II, Item 14, 14.A.1
of the MTCR Annex. The ECCNs at issue implement the controls described
in the MTCR Annex. The changes that this commenter proposes would alter
ECCN 3A101 sufficiently that it would no longer accurately convey the
meaning of the Annex. Therefore, BIS is not making this change. BIS
notes that the control phrase ``usable in missiles'' is indeed
substantially broader in scope than the control phrase ``specially
designed.'' BIS encourages the public to review the definition of the
term in EAR section 772 for purposes of making classification
determinations of items that are potentially within the scope of ECCNs
that use the phrase ``usable in missiles.''
Comment: One commenter stated that adding analog-to-digital
converters to ECCN 3A101.a is a positive change, but thought that doing
so was inconsistent with the other changes that were adding electronic
items from the USML to ECCN 3A611. The commenter thought the departure
from the standard pattern would cause confusion.
Response: BIS proposed adding these analog-to-digital converters to
ECCN 3A101.a because that paragraph currently addresses those analog-
to-digital converters by referring readers to the USML. BIS believes
that implementing the EAR control in the paragraph that currently
refers readers to the USML for controls on the same commodities would
be less confusing than adding these analog-to-digital converters to a
new 600 series ECCN. This proposed rule slightly revises the November
28 (military electronics) rule language to conform more closely to the
MTCR text, but continues to control these analog-to-digital converters
under ECCN 3A101.a. BIS invites further comment on whether controlling
these analog-to-digital converters in ECCN 3A101 or in ECCN 3A611 would
be easier for readers of the EAR.
Comments on ECCN 3A611
Comment: One commenter recommended changing the LVS paragraph in
ECCN 3A611 to read $1500, N/A for 3A611.c, to be consistent with other
ECCN entries that contain similar paragraph restrictions.
Response: BIS agrees that the proposed rule phrasing was not
consistent with the pattern used in most ECCNs. To improve consistency
and clarity, this proposed phrases the LVS limit as $1500 for 3A611.a,
.d through .h and .x; N/A for 3A611.c and .y
Comment: BIS received several comments concerning related controls
note number (2) in the November 28 (military electronics) rule (related
control note number 6 in this proposed rule), which reads:
Electronic items ``specially designed'' for military use that
are not controlled in any USML category but are within the scope of
another ``600 series'' ECCN are controlled by that ``600 series''
ECCN. Thus, ECCN 3A611 controls only electronic items ``specially
designed'' for a military use that are not otherwise within the
scope of a USML category or ``600 series'' ECCN other than ECCN
3A611. For example, electronic components not enumerated on the USML
or another 600 series entry that are ``specially designed'' for a
military aircraft controlled by USML Category VIII or ECCN 9A610 are
controlled by the catch-all control in ECCN 9A610.x. Electronic
components not enumerated on the USML or another 600 series entry
that are ``specially designed'' for a military vehicle controlled by
USML Category VII or ECCN 0A606 are controlled by ECCN 0A606.x.
Electronic components not enumerated on the USML that are
``specially designed'' for a missile controlled by USML Category IV
are controlled by ECCN 0A604.
One commenter stated that many types of electronic equipment are
used in military vehicles or other military equipment and have no
functional or technical difference from similar equipment used in
civilian vehicles or equipment. Unless the definition of ``specially
designed'' allows for minor modifications to be made without an item
being considered ``specially designed,'' the proposed rule would have
the potential to impose significant controls on automotive electronic
items that are in normal commercial use throughout the world. The
proposed rule should be clarified to address this issue by including a
note reading, ``Automotive electronic parts, components, accessories
and attachments, controlled by 0A606.y are not subject to 3A611.y
simply because they contain electronics, rather they are controlled by
0A606.y.''
Response: The definition of ``specially designed'' as published in
the April 16, (initial implementation) rule excludes parts that
otherwise would be specially designed if the only modification is to
make the part fit a particular commodity. Even for electronic parts and
components that, according to the definition, are specially designed
for military ground vehicles, BIS believes that the commenter's
proposed language is unnecessary. The first sentence of the related
control note in ECCN 3A611 states that electronic items that are not on
the USML and are within the scope of another 600 series ECCN are
controlled by that 600 series ECCN. BIS believes that neither
modification to this text nor an additional note in paragraph .x is
necessary to make the point. A note should not be necessary for the .y
paragraphs because the .y paragraphs list specific commodities.
Comment: One commenter recommended that the sentence reading:
``Thus, ECCN 3A611 controls only electronic items `specially designed'
for a military use that are not otherwise within the scope of a USML
category or `600 series' ECCN other than ECCN 3A611'' be revised by
replacing the phrase or ```600 series' ECCN other than ECCN 3A611''
with ``another 600 series ECCN,'' because the note is within ECCN
3A611, and therefore the reference to 3A611 is unnecessary.
Response: BIS acknowledges the reference to ECCN 3A611 is, as a
matter of syntax, unnecessary. However, experience indicates that in
the EAR, explicit references, even at the risk of sounding pedantic,
often result in fewer misunderstandings. Therefore, BIS is not adopting
this change.
Comment: One commenter stated that the text in the related control
note to 3A611 that reads ``. . . that are not controlled in any USML
category but are within the scope of another `600 series' ECCN are
controlled by that `600 series' ECCN'' appears contrary to the
reasoning used to include military computers, telecommunications
devices and radars in 3A611, and further clouds exactly where
electronic components should be classified.
Response: ECCNs 4A611, 5A611 and 6A611 in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule are merely ECCN headers that indicate that specially
designed military computers, telecommunications equipment and radars,
respectively, if not on the USML are controlled under ECCN 3A611. They
do not contain any ``List of Items Controlled'' or other text
indicating that they are used to impose license requirements. BIS
thinks it unlikely that readers, on the basis of the related control
note in ECCN 3A611, will look for license requirements in ECCNs 4A611,
5A611 or 6A611; even if they do so, they would be directed back to ECCN
3A611. Accordingly, this proposed rule does not change the text of the
first sentence of related control note (6). However, readers are
encouraged to submit further comments on this point. As described
above, BIS is specifically seeking comments about whether it would be
easier to understand and make compliance determinations if separate 600
series ECCNs sets were created for military computers, military
telecommunications, and military lasers and radar in CCL Categories 4,
5, and 6, respectively or if all such items are
[[Page 45031]]
controlled within the scope of a general military electronics 600
series ECCN, i.e., 3x611.
Comment: One commenter noted that the second sentence of this
related control note (number 6 in this proposed rule) refers to ECCN
3A611, whereas the corresponding explanatory text in the preamble
refers to ECCN 3A611.x. The commenter believes that the regulatory text
is correct and that the explanatory text should be modified
accordingly.
Response: BIS agrees and the explanatory text has been modified
accordingly in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter recommended changing ``directly related'' to
``specially designed'' in the first related controls note, which states
technical data that are directly related to electronic items controlled
in USML Category XI or other USML categories are subject to the ITAR.
Response: BIS is not adopting this recommendation. The purpose of
the related controls note is to call readers' attention to regulatory
provisions that apply to items related to or similar to the items in
the ECCN in which the note appears. In this instance, the relevant
regulatory provision is Category XI of the USML, which uses the phrase
``directly related to . . .'' in describing the technical data that it
controls. Comments or questions regarding the meaning of ``directly
related'' should be directed to the Department of State's Directorate
of Defense Trade Controls.
Comment: BIS received several comments about the terms used in ECCN
3A611.a. Commenters thought certain terms were imprecise and should be
eliminated or replaced with more specific listings of items controlled.
The criticized terms were ``equipment,'' ``end items,'' ``systems,''
``specially designed'' and ``military use.''
Response: This proposed rule does not eliminate any of those
criticized terms. The definitions of the terms ``end item,''
``equipment,'' ``specially designed'' and ``system'' that will apply to
this proposed rule were published in the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule. BIS believes that, with these definitions, the
terms will be sufficiently precise to be widely understood by readers
of the EAR. If, after reviewing the new definitions, readers are
uncertain about their meanings, BIS encourages them to describe the
basis for the uncertainty in their comments to this or any other
relevant proposed rule BIS publishes.
Although the term ``military use'' was not defined in April 16
(initial implementation) rule, that term is used in the WAML category
ML11 to describe the types of electronics subject to that category.
Additionally, the term ``military application'' is currently used in
USML Category XI to describe the electronics subject to that category.
BIS believes that in practical usage, the phrase ``military use'' is
synonymous with ``military application.'' This proposed rule retains
the term ``military use'' to avoid inadvertent decontrol of items
currently in WAML category ML11 or USML Category XI.
Comment: One commenter focused on the portion of the note to ECCN
3A611.a that reads: ``3A611.a includes any radar, telecommunications or
computer equipment, end items or systems `specially designed' for
military use that are not enumerated in any USML category or controlled
by a `600 series' ECCN.'' The commenter suggested that this note could
create confusion as to, for example, license requirements for items
controlled under ECCNs 5A002, 5A991 or EAR99. This commenter also
stated that a manufacturer typically will develop a standard prototype
and offer the system in whatever frequency range the customer
specifies. Such systems perform identical functions using identical
technology regardless of whether they are set to operate in a
traditional military or civilian frequency band. Communications systems
for military customers are often assembled with commercial-off-the-
shelf equipment. ECCN 3A611.a should be clarified to enumerate specific
categories of items with particular threshold parameters. This
commenter suggested that ECCN 3A611.a should be modified to exclude
explicitly items that are composed of commercially available
components--similar to the exclusion in USML Category XI(c). This
commenter proposed adding a note to 3A611 that would implement both of
its proposals: ``Note: This ECCN does not control equipment or systems
that are comprised of parts, components, or accessories in normal
commercial use, which operate in a frequency range allocated for
military use.''
Response: BIS is making no changes to the proposed rule in response
to this comment. Items specially designed for military applications and
that are not described on the USML warrant the degree of control and
government visibility set forth in the 600 series ECCNs. That such
items may be technologically similar to items not specially designed
for military applications misses the point of 600 series controls,
which is to have U.S. government visibility and control over their
export and reexport to various destinations, end users, and end uses of
concern. It is because such items are technologically similar to items
used in commercial applications that their jurisdictional status is
being changed from an ITAR-controlled item to an EAR-controlled item.
BIS also rejects that suggestion that items specially designed for
military applications not be controlled by a military export control if
they are composed of commercially available parts and components.
Regulations that fail to control the export of items with military
applications solely because they can be built from commercially
available components would risk strengthening adversaries' military
capability. Moreover, such a decontrol note would likely lead to
inconsistent interpretations of the EAR as each individual exporter
applies its own interpretation of the term ``commercially available.''
Finally, BIS believes that this commenter is misinterpreting USML
Category XI(c), which first controls components of equipment that is
controlled by Category XI(a) and (b), and then excludes from that
control only those otherwise ITAR controlled parts, components,
accessories, and attachments that are ``in normal commercial use.'' The
State Department has confirmed for BIS that Category XI does not
exclude items specifically designed or modified for military
applications from ITAR control merely because they are made from
components in normal commercial use. Rather, USML Category XI(c)
excludes from control the part, component, accessory, or attachment
itself that is ``in normal commercial use.''
Comment: One commenter recommended removing the technical
parameters for microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMIC) and
discrete microwave transistors from ECCN 3A611.c and .d. The commenter
recommended that ECCN 3A611.c and .d should cover microwave monolithic
integrated circuits and discrete microwave transistors specially
designed for military applications and not found in commercial
applications instead.
Response: BIS is not adopting this recommendation. One of the goals
of the Export Control Reform Initiative is to describe the controlled
items using specific parameters whenever feasible. The text of ECCN
3A611.c and .d in this proposed rule reflects the efforts of the
Departments of Defense, State, and Commerce to tailor the control text
so that it describes the MMIC power amplifiers and discrete microwave
transistors that have significant military application. If we have
described in the proposed text items that are or are likely
[[Page 45032]]
to be in normal commercial use, then please provide a comment regarding
such uses and the evidence to support the comment.
Comment: One commenter noted that MMIC power amplifiers in ECCN
3A001.b.2 have a higher threshold floor operating frequency than MMIC
power amplifier in 3A611.c. The commenter recommended that the 3A611.c
operating frequency threshold floor be raised to at least 3.2 GHz.
Response: BIS is not adopting this proposal to raise the threshold
floor frequency for MMIC power amplifiers. Although the current
threshold floor frequency for MMIC power amplifiers listed in ECCN
3A001.b.2 is 3.2 GHz, the frequency threshold floor for MMIC power
amplifiers listed in in ECCN 3A982 is 2.7 GHz. The U.S. government has
presented a proposal to the Wassenaar Arrangement to make 2.7 GHz the
threshold floor on the Wassenaar Arrangement Dual-Use List. In this
proposed rule, ECCN 3A611.c and .d are based on that proposal with the
addition of power added efficiency, higher peak saturated power,
increased fractional bandwidth, or some combination of these factors to
limit ECCN 3A611.c and .d. to those MMIC power amplifiers and discrete
microwave transistors that have significant military applications. BIS
encourages comments on the parameters set forth in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter stated that MMICs and discrete microware
transistors with significant military applications operate at
frequencies that fall within the gaps between the operating frequency
ranges listed in paragraph .c and .d of ECCN 3A611 in the November 28
(military electronics) rule.
Response: There are no gaps between the operating frequency ranges
in ECCN 3A611.c and .d in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter provided extensive comments on the MMIC
amplifiers and discrete microwave transistors in ECCN 3A611.c and .d of
the November 28 (military electronics) rule. Those comments are
summarized below.
Wireless broadband and mobile carriers operate in the 2.5-
2.7 GHz segment of the S-band frequency range.
Descriptions of operating frequency thresholds should be
consistent among ECCNs, and recommend the pattern currently in ECCN
3A001 (frequencies exceeding X up to and including Y) as being better
than the pattern in the November 28 (military electronics) rule
(frequencies of X up to and including Y). The commenter stated that the
bottom threshold creates a problem because standard cell phone carrier
equipment typically operates in the range of 2.5 to 2.7 GHz, with a
performance roll off slightly above that frequency. Using ``exceeding''
would prevent 3A611 from capturing a large segment of commercial
products that are currently EAR99.
A total overlap exists between the frequency ranges for
both MMIC amplifier and transistors in proposed ECCN 3A611 and existing
ECCN 3A982. ECCN 3A611 would add a power added efficiency metric of 30%
and a third unit of measure for power thresholds to the two already
implemented under ECCN 3A982. The result would make ECCN 3A982 entirely
redundant, and make these products ineligible for License Exception
STA, i.e., tightening export controls in these products.
ECCNs 3A611.c and .d--For tiers exceeding 3.2 GHz,
proposed ECCN 3A611 would encompass the same frequencies currently
covered by ECCN 3A001 (with carve outs in the 31.8 GHz range and for
frequencies exceeding 75 GHz). However, by changing the unit of measure
for the wattage cut-off points from average power to peak power, the
power thresholds would become more restrictive.
The proposed power thresholds for transistors and MMICs in
ECCN 3A611 bear no direct correlation to military-specific applications
in accordance with the stated intention. By taking the existing
frequency and power thresholds under ECCNs 3A001 and 3A982 and
converting the power unit of measure to a tighter metric, this rule
would have the opposite effect.
The addition of a power-added efficiency metric to the
transistor and MMIC controls does not lessen the impact of overly
restrictive power thresholds. Most Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors
and MMICs perform at levels that exceed the proposed power added
efficiency thresholds for 3A611. Accordingly, it does not help to focus
the ECCN on high performance parts, which instead would capture most of
the GaN transistors and MMICs presently used in telecom, backhaul,
point-to-point, and satellite applications.
Telecom infrastructure providers use wide band gap
products, such as with a frequency range of DC-18 GHz for backhaul
services (telecom providers can take the traffic at a local cell phone
tower back to the switchboard by aggregating the calls).
The proposed power added efficiency thresholds, as a
function of bandwidth, bear no logical correlation to the way that
discrete microwave transistors and MMIC technologies actually work. The
lower frequencies should correspond with higher power-added efficiency;
as the frequency goes higher, the power-added efficiency should
decrease.
The proposed power-added efficiency values start at 30%
for the lowest frequency tier, go up to 40%, then go back down to 35%
before hitting 30% again. The commenter believes that these thresholds
are arbitrary and impractical, and proposes alternatives of 60%, 53%,
45%, 30%, 15%, & 10% for HEMTs and 65%, 57%, 50%, 30%, & 15% for MMICs.
Saturated peak output power is the most appropriate
measure. A peak output power metric would most accurately address
potential concern relating to military importance for parts. This unit
also would eliminate many of the close-to-the-threshold concerns by
providing a more precise measure of power. BIS should adopt peak output
power for all ECCNs that apply to discrete microwave transistors and
MMICs. In particular, the average power metric should be eliminated
from proposed 3A611, 3A001 and 3A982, or at least that term should be
clearly defined in a way that corresponds to peak power.
The commenter expects a surge in demand for discrete
microwave transistors with a rated peak power of 120 W in the 3.55-3.65
GHz band (currently used by naval radar systems) because of an FCC
proposal to allow small cells/citizens band radio to operate in that
range (78 FR 1188, January 8, 2013).
The commenter recommended that 3A611 exclude discrete
microwave transistors and MMICs that are specifically designed for
communications in a frequency band allocated by the International
Telecommunications Union, stating that similar language is used in ECCN
3A001.
Proposed 3A611 would expand controls on several commercial
parts that are, and should continue to be, 3A001 or EAR99. Similar
parts are available without license restrictions from UMS (Germany),
Mitsubishi (Japan), Toshiba (Japan), and Sumitomo (Japan).
Increasing controls on parts that currently are available
without restriction, and creating ambiguity among proposed ECCN 3A611
and existing ECCNs 3A001 and 3A982, would create an unlevel playing
field for U.S. manufacturers and jeopardize thousands of high paying
jobs.
This commenter urged removal of discrete microwave
transistors and MMICs from proposed 3A611
[[Page 45033]]
altogether, because proposed control thresholds overlap with existing
controls on the CCL. Alternatively, if they are to remain in 3A611, the
commenter stated that BIS should tailor the provisions narrowly so that
they apply only to a limited range of products that truly are specially
designed for military use, with no potential commercial applications in
the designated power, frequency, and efficiency ranges. There should be
a logical progression from ECCNs 3A001 to 3A983 to 3A611. Additionally,
the units of measure should be harmonized for all three ECCNs.
Response: BIS has substantially revamped the criteria for proposed
ECCNs 3A611.c and .d in this proposed rule compared to the November 28
(military electronics) rule, in an effort to tailor these paragraphs to
apply to MMIC power amplifiers and discrete microwave transistors that
have significant military applications. These changes are also intended
to avoid controlling MMIC power amplifiers and discrete microwave
transistors that have significant civil applications, which will remain
in ECCNs 3A001 and 3A982. Furthermore, The U.S. government has
presented a proposal to the Wassenaar Arrangement to modify the
Wassenaar Arrangement Dual List parameters for MMIC power amplifiers
and discrete transistors. These proposed modifications are being
evaluated and would align controls among ECCNs 3A001, 3A982, and 3A611
and prevent overlap.
In this proposed rule, paragraph .c would control MMIC power
amplifiers and paragraph .d would control discrete microwave
transistors, as was the case in the November 28 (military electronics)
rule. As recommended by this commenter, frequency ranges are expressed
in the form ``frequencies exceeding X up to and including Y'' for all
subparagraphs of both paragraphs .c and .d.
The MMIC power amplifiers subject to paragraph .c would be
described in 13 subparagraphs. Each subparagraph would apply to a
specified operating frequency range, starting with subparagraph .c.1,
which would apply to MMIC power amplifiers with operating frequencies
exceeding 2.7 GHz up to and including 2.9 GHz, and increasing with each
paragraph to paragraph c.13, which applies to MMIC power amplifiers
with operating frequencies exceeding 110 GHz. Each subparagraph would
be further defined by the peak saturated power output value that the
MMIC power amplifiers must exceed to be included within that paragraph.
Fractional bandwidth and power added efficiency would further define
the MMIC power amplifiers controlled by some of the subparagraphs. The
terms ``average power output,'' ``pulse power output,'' and ``duty
cycle,'' would not be used to describe the MMIC power amplifiers in
paragraph .c.
The Departments of Defense, State and Commerce identified these
parameters as describing the MMIC power amplifiers that are
sufficiently important to military applications to justify control
under a 600 series ECCN. BIS believes that when the EAR are read
according to the order of review published in the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule, any apparent overlap between the MMIC power
amplifiers listed in proposed ECCN 3A611 and those listed in ECCNs
3A001 or 3A982 would be unambiguously resolved, and that only those
MMIC power amplifiers with significant military application would be in
ECCN 3A611.c. BIS welcomes comments on whether such is, in fact, the
case.
The discrete microwave transistors subject to paragraph .d are
described in 12 subparagraphs. Each subparagraph applies to a specified
operating frequency range starting with subparagraph .d.1, which
applies to discrete microwave transistors with operating frequencies
exceeding 2.7 GHz up to and including 2.9 GHz, increasing with each
paragraph to paragraph c.12, which applies to discrete microwave
transistors with operating frequencies exceeding 75 GHz. Within each of
the first 11 subparagraphs peak saturated power output and power added
efficiency further define the discrete microwave transistors to which
paragraph .d would apply. In the twelfth and final subparagraph, only
peak saturated power output further defines the controlled discrete
microwave transistors. BIS and the Departments Defense, State and
Commerce identified these parameters as describing the discrete
microwave transistors that are sufficiently important to military
applications to justify control under a 600 series ECCN. BIS believes
that when the EAR are read according to the order of review published
in the April 16 (initial implementation) rule, any apparent overlap
between the transistors listed in proposed ECCN 3A611 and those listed
in ECCNs 3A001.b.3 or 3A982 can be unambiguously resolved and that only
those discrete microwave transistors with significant military
application would be in ECCN 3A611.d. BIS welcomes comments on whether
such is, in fact, the case.
Comment: One commenter stated that the description in 3A611.d
``discrete radio frequency transistors'' should be the same as ECCN
3A001.b.3 ``discrete microwave transistors.''
Response: The preamble to the November 28 (military electronics)
rule used the phrase ``discrete radio frequency transistors,'' whereas
the regulatory text used the phrase ``discrete microwave transistors.''
This proposed rule uses the latter phrase in the preamble.
Comment: One commenter stated that discrete microwave transistors
in 3A611.d have a higher operating frequency than those in 3A001.b.3.
This commenter recommended that threshold floor operating frequency in
3A611.d be raised to at least 3.2 GHz.
Response: This second proposed rule would not raise the operating
frequency threshold floor for discrete microwave transistors as
compared to the November 28 (military electronics) rule. Although the
current threshold floor frequency for power transistors listed in ECCN
3A001.b.3 is 3.2 GHz, the frequency threshold floor for transistors
listed in in ECCN 3A982 is 2.7 GHz. The U.S. government has presented a
proposal to the Wassenaar Arrangement to make 2.7 GHz the threshold for
coverage on the Wassenaar Arrangement Dual Use List. In this proposed
rule, ECCN 3A611.d is based on that proposal with the added factor of
power added efficiency, or peak saturated power, or some combination
thereof, to identify discrete microwave transistors that have
sufficient military significance to warrant inclusion in a 600 series
ECCN. BIS encourages comments on the parameters in this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter stated that proposed ECCN 3A611.e duplicates
equipment proposed to be classified under Category XI(a)(2)(v) and
(vi). The commenter urged the Departments of State and Commerce to
specify exactly what is proposed for each list either by name or
discrete technical parameters.
Response: BIS believes that the commenter was referring to proposed
Category XI(a)(3)(v) and (vi), which address radars, as does ECCN
3A611.e. (The Department of State's November 28 (military electronics)
rule did not contain a Category XI(a)(2)(v) or (vi)). This second
proposed rule and the proposed rule being published simultaneously by
the Department of State include revisions to proposed Category
XI(a)(3)(v) and ECCN 3A611.e to more precisely describe each than was
done in BIS's and State's November 28 (military electronics) rules.
Under the order of review published in the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule, if
[[Page 45034]]
an item meets the specific parameters of a USML category, it is
classified under that category, and one need not refer to the CCL. BIS
believes that the revised text in this second proposed rule, combined
with the order of review, removes any ambiguity that may have existed
in the November 28 (military electronics) rule.
Comment: Several commenters addressed the originally proposed ECCN
3A611.f, which applied to microelectronic devices or printed circuit
boards produced at a trusted foundry, trusted source or trusted
supplier accredited by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DEMA).
One commenter stated that this paragraph would be a positive move that
would clearly define the articles covered. Other commenters perceived
problems with the paragraph. Those perceived problems were: the
paragraph appeared to be a delegation by BIS of a Department of State
classification authority to the DEMA; the rule provided no guidance as
to how to validate a supplier's accreditation; the paragraph would
control items not necessarily made for military use if they were
trusted devices; and DEMA accredits various facilities for a variety of
functions relating to production and testing--the rule needs clarifying
language on this point.
Response: Upon review, the Department of Defense concluded that all
of the items in proposed 3A611.f that would be appropriate for ``600
series'' ECCN classification can be fully covered elsewhere in 3A611 or
other ``600 series'' ECCNs. Therefore, this re-proposed rule does not
mention microelectronic devices or printed circuit boards produced at a
trusted foundry, trusted source or trusted supplier accredited by DEMA.
Comments: One commenter stated that the .x concept in the 600
series is confusing and would frustrate users attempting to classify
parts correctly. This commenter also stated that the .x control did not
clearly align jurisdictional status of software and technology with the
items to which they relate. This commenter suggested that confusion
could be reduced by revising the first two related control notes in
ECCN 3A611 to read, ``(1) Electronic items that are BY THEMSELVES
enumerated . . . .'' and ``(2) Electronic items `specially designed'
for military end us that are not BY THEMSELVES controlled within any
USML category but are within the scope of another `600 series' ECCN . .
. .''
Another commenter stated that 3A611.x includes parts, components,
accessories and attachments ``specially designed'' for military end use
that are neither enumerated in any USML category nor another ``600
series'' ECCN. The commenter stated that it is not clear that there are
any such parts, components, accessories and attachments. The commenter
noted that electronics are often found in other end-items, and as such
would be controlled under the ECCN for the end-item, and that the
proposed language is not required and needlessly complicates the CCL.
Response: This proposed rule would continue to use the ``.x''
concept. The April 16 (initial implementation) rule specifies an order
of review and provides a definition of the term ``specially designed.''
BIS believes that these provisions, read together, would make clear
that a part, software, or technology for a commodity, unless
specifically enumerated elsewhere on the USML or CCL, is treated for
purposes of EAR license requirements as a part of that component rather
than as a part of an end-item into which the component will be
installed. The specially designed definition provides greater clarity
as to which parts and components are specially designed for commodities
on the CCL.
Moreover, listing in ECCN 3A611 every single specially designed
part or component of every piece of military electronic equipment found
on the USML or in ECCN 3A611 would make the ECCN long and cumbersome.
Some catch-all license requirements, as currently exist on the USML,
are needed to provide the United States Government with visibility into
the disposition and use of military equipment around the world.
Finally, there are many types of electronic components specially
designed for military items that would not be controlled under other
600 series items.
BIS welcomes further comments on whether the definition of
``specially designed'' and the order of review add clarity and
certainty to the process of classifying parts for military electronics.
Comments on ECCN 3A611.y and .y Paragraphs Generally
Comment: One commenter expressed a belief that placing the .y
paragraphs in separate ECCNs would lead to inconsistent
classifications. That commenter offered several examples from various
BIS proposed rules, e.g., indicator lights for commodities in some
ECCNs would be in the .y paragraph, but not in other ECCNs that apply
to items that have indicator lights. This commenter asserted that the
multiple .y paragraphs would create an unnecessary classification
burden. This commenter recommended a single list of all .y items. (The
only CCL reason for control that applies to items in the .y paragraphs
of 600 series ECCNs is antiterrorism. Such items are also subject to
the China military end-use requirement.)
Response: Although this second proposed rule continues to list
separate ECCN-specific .y paragraphs, BIS is considering four options
to address items of limited military significance, and would like
additional public comments on the desirability of each alternative.
Those options are: (1) Creating separate ECCN-specific .y paragraphs;
(2) creating a single list of 600 series items subject only to
antiterrorism and China military end-use license requirements; (3)
establishing a classification request procedure whereby a 600 series
item could be designated as subject to only antiterrorism and China
military end-use license requirements, but eliminating the .y listings
from the regulations; or removing all .y lists completely. In
evaluating the desirability of each option, commenters should bear in
mind that the .y designation indicates that the Departments of Defense,
State and Commerce have agreed that a specified item is of such limited
military significance, for almost all destinations, that the U.S.
government need not attempt to control access to items or monitor their
distribution to obtain visibility into supply chains necessary to keep
military equipment functioning. Each option presents different
advantages and disadvantages.
Creating separate ECCN specific .y paragraphs would allow BIS to
tailor the controls most precisely, but would also produce the most
complex and lengthy regulations. Control over a commodity designed for
a military ground vehicle might provide less visibility into relevant
supply chains than would control over that same type of commodity for a
submarine or surface vessel of war. A single .y list would make the
regulation of insignificant military items shorter and less complex,
but likely would contain fewer items than separate .y paragraphs. Such
a list would need to be a lowest common denominator list equally
relevant to all parts for all types of military end items, from
military trucks to advanced submarines. Only those items that do not
provide useful visibility into the relevant supply chain for any 600
series ECCN or USML category could be included in such a list. A case-
by-case classification process would likely produce the simplest and
shortest regulations; it could also tailor .y status
[[Page 45035]]
to very specific items. However, the classification process likely
would be time consuming and, because classifications are not published
by BIS, the results would not be as widely distributed as would a list
or lists in the EAR. Removing all .y lists completely. This would have
the benefit of substantially simplifying and shortening the relevant
ECCNs and leaving to one paragraph--the .x paragraphs--the controls
over non-enumerated parts, components, accessories, and attachments.
The downside to this option would be substantial over-control on
insignificant items.
Comment: Some commenters expressed concern about controlling
commodities of little or no military significance in 3A611.y. One
commenter thought that such items could be controlled in existing
ECCNs. Another commenter suggested that paragraph .y might cause
confusion with items controlled under other categories, and might
increase controls on items already classified as EAR99. One commenter
recommended that three specific commodities: Electrical connectors,
electrical connector backshells, and waveguides, would be more
appropriately controlled in a non-600 series ECCN because of their
commercial applications.
Response: Commodities proposed for ECCN 3A611.y are currently
controlled in the catch-all paragraph XI(c) on the USML. BIS has not
proposed moving any EAR99 items and is proposing to move only items
controlled by other than -018 ECCNs or ECCN 0A918 into the 600 series
ECCNs. Although commodities with the same or a similar name, e.g.,
``electric fans,'' may be controlled under other ECCNs or may be EAR99,
the distinguishing factor that makes a commodity subject to 3A611.y is
that it is both ```specially designed' for a commodity in ECCN 3A611
and not elsewhere specified in the CCL (revised to read ``not elsewhere
specified in a 600 series ECCN'' in this proposed rule--see explanation
below). Items that are specified in a non- 600 series ECCN (other than
those ending in ``018,'' all of which are expected to be subsumed into
the 600 series in the course of the Export Control Reform Initiative)
would not be specifically designed for the military electronic
equipment in 3A611. Items that are specially designed need some measure
of control and for consistency that control should be in a 600 series.
Readers should review the final definition of ``specially designed''
(cited above) in evaluating paragraph .y in this proposed rule.
Comment: Some commenters recommended adding some commodities to
3A611.y because they believed that the commodities have commercial
application or perform the same function in military equipment as they
do in commercial applications. The items proposed for addition were:
Crystals and crystal oscillators used a components in articles
enumerated under USML Category XI
Cross-field amplifiers, inductive output tubes
Optical and electrical cables, and harnesses
Capacitors, crystals oscillators, diodes
Electrical sockets, optical connectors
Inductors
Relays, resistors
Optical connector backshells
Optical switches
Laser and optical terminals
Digital signal processors
Power supply
Passive microwave components
Telecom receivers and transmitters
Response: This proposed rule does not add any items to the .y
paragraphs that did not appear in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. Based on the responses to the question whether to
modify or even maintain the .y list as proposed. BIS will consider
whether to add more items to a .y structure. The public is encouraged
to provide justification why particular types of items, regardless of
how they would be modified for any military item, are nonetheless so
insignificant as to not warrant more than AT-only controls.
Comment on ECCN 3B611
Comment: One commenter noted that BIS originally stated that ECCN
3B611 is intended to align with WAML category ML18. This commenter
recommended including the WAML category ML18 note listing the equipment
subject to this control in ECCN 3B611.
Response: BIS is not adopting this recommendation. ECCN 3B611
applies to test, inspection and production equipment for military
electronics. WAML category ML18 applies to such equipment for items on
the WAML in general. Note 2 to WAML category ML18 lists examples of
production and test equipment for a wide range of items on the WAML,
but none of the examples relates specifically to production or testing
of military electronics. Therefore, BIS believes that adding that list
to ECCN 3B611 would be less helpful than suggested.
Comment on ECCN 3D611
Comment: One commenter recommended that ECCN 3D611 be revised for
consistency with the EAR interpretation of ``use,'' i.e., all six
elements of the term use must be present for the software to be
controlled as ``use'' software. Alternatively, the commenter
recommended limiting ECCN 3D611 to software for development and
production. The commenter thought the proposed rule language may cause
confusion and result in a ``roll-back'' from BIS's prior
interpretation. See 71 FR 30840, 30843 (May 31, 2006).
Response: BIS is not adopting either of these recommendations. The
Federal Register notice to which the commenter referred interpreted the
adjective ``use'' as it applied to software and technology on the CCL
prior to the creation of the 600 series ECCNs. Nearly all of the
software and technology in existing and proposed 600 series ECCNs comes
from USML categories. One goal of the US government in the Export
Control Reform Initiative is not to decontrol completely and
inadvertently items the President determines no longer warrant control
on the USML. BIS believes that the formulation in ECCN 3D611 in the
November 28 (military electronics) rule, controlling ``software
`specially designed' for the `production,' `development,' operation or
maintenance . . .'' achieves this objective.
Comments on ECCN 3E611
Comment: One commenter stated that the following phrase in ECCN
3E611.a ``Technology'' (other than that described in ECCN 3E611.b or
3E611.y) not otherwise enumerated in this ECCN . . .'' was redundant.
Response: BIS agrees. The phrase ``not otherwise enumerated in this
ECCN'' . . .'' does not appear in ECCN 3E611.a of this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter noted that paragraph .b of ECCN 3E611 in the
November 28 (military electronics) rule lists technology for helix
traveling wave tubes, transmit/receive modules, MMICs and discrete
radio frequency transistors. However, nothing in this paragraph would
limit its scope to technology for commodities and software in ECCNs
3A611, 3B611 or 3D611. This omission gives the impression that 3E611
controls technology for commodities and software in non-600 series
ECCNs, which is inconsistent with the wording in the preamble. See 77
FR 70947 (November 28, 2012). The commenter suggests removing paragraph
.b and the reference to paragraph .b that was in the parenthetical in
paragraph .a as a way to eliminate the problem.
Response: BIS agrees that the technology in ECCN 3E611.b should not
apply beyond helix traveling wave tubes, transmit/receive modules,
MMICs
[[Page 45036]]
and discrete microwave transistors covered by ECCN 3A611, and this
proposed rule modifies ECCN 3E611.b to that effect. This proposed rule
does not adopt the commenter's suggestion to eliminate paragraph .b.
Paragraph .b is needed because use of License Exception STA is limited
to ``build-to-print'' technology with respect to the items listed in
paragraph .b. No such limitation applies to paragraph .a.
Comment: One commenter noted that proposed ECCN 3E611 applied to ``
`technology' `required' for the `development,' `production,' operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, or overhaul of . . . .'' and
proposed replacing that phrase with the phrase `` `technology'
`required' for the `development,' `production,' operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of . . .'' or with the
word ``use.'' The commenter noted that its recommended change would
make ECCN 3E611 consistent with other technology ECCNs in which the
word use indicates that the software must perform all six functions to
be covered.
Response: BIS is not making this change. As described above, BIS is
revising 3E611 to include all six elements.
Comment: One commenter noted BIS's December 6 (military vehicles)
rule (See 76 FR 76085 (December 6, 2011)), which stated that BIS was
considering recommendations to ``limit the controls on form, fit, and
function data needed to provide military insignificant items for
military vehicles to the antiterrorism reason.'' This commenter
recommended that the rule make clear that ECCN 3E611 does not control
information about automotive electronics that is outside the scope of
ECCN 0E606, nor does it control information about automotive
electronics that is controlled by ECCN 0E606, because that information
relates to an item controlled by ECCN 0A606.y. This commenter also
noted that manufacturers of commercially available automotive
electronics may employ people from a number of countries. If
information about minor adaptations to widely commercially available
components must be kept from foreign employees, or licenses are
required to share such information with foreign employees, compliance
costs would be significant, resulting in higher costs for the U.S.
military. The commenter reiterated the definition of specially designed
that it provided in response to the proposed rule entitled ```Specially
Designed' Definition'' (77 FR 36409, June 19, 2012) as an alternative
to its specific proposal that ECCN 3E611 should not control information
controlled by ECCN 0E606.
Response: The Related Controls paragraph of ECCN 3A611 in this
second proposed rule contains the following statement ``Electronic
components not enumerated on the USML or another 600 series entry that
are `specially designed' for a military vehicle controlled by USML
Category VII or ECCN 0A606 are controlled by ECCN 0A606.x.''
Additionally, the final definition of ``specially designed,'' in the
April 16 (initial implementation) rule, excludes certain named parts
and components, parts and components that are identical to parts and
components used in civil items that are in production or that differ
from items only with respect to fit. It also excludes parts and
components where documentation contemporaneous with development
indicates the part or component was designed for a civil item or for no
specific item. BIS welcomes comments on the impact of that definition
on the provisions of this proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter expressed approval of using the word
``required'' in ECCN 3E611, because it serves to focus the controls on
critical technology and is well understood by exporters.
Response: BIS agrees. The term ``required'' is based on the
Wassenaar Arrangement general technology note and is used in technology
ECCNs throughout the EAR to focus the scope of the control.
Comment: One commenter questioned whether the reference to ``Sec.
746.3 (Iraq)'' is needed in note 1 in ECCN 4A003.
Response: The reference to Sec. 746.3 (Iraq) is currently in note
1 in ECCN 4A003. The note indicates that certain transactions that do
not require a license for many destinations do, however, require a
license pursuant to Sec. 746.3 of the EAR for destinations in Iraq. It
is unrelated to the purpose of the proposed revisions to ECCN 4A003 in
the November 28 (military electronics) rule, which was to impose the
missile technology (MT Column 1) reason for control on analog-to-
digital converters in 4A003.e that meet or exceed the parameters of
ECCN 3A101.a.4. Therefore, BIS is not making any changes to the text of
proposed ECCN 4A003 as a result of this comment.
Comment: One commenter stated that ECCN 5A001.f and .h duplicate
items found in proposed USML Category XI(a)(4)(iii), and recommended
that the overlap be resolved before releasing a final rule.
Response: The proposed Department of State rule being published
simultaneously with this proposed rule contains a note to USML Category
XI(a)(4)(iii) stating that ``Paragraph XI(a)(4)(iii) does not control
mobile telecommunications jamming equipment determined to be subject to
the EAR via a commodity jurisdiction determination . . . .'' BIS
believes that the commodity jurisdiction process will effectively
resolve the overlap that this commenter perceived and is, therefore,
not making any changes to the text of ECCN 5A001.f and .h in this
proposed rule.
Comment: One commenter stated that changes proposed to USML
Category XI(b) would complicate the classification of equipment
currently classified in 5A001.i and 5A980, and recommended that both
rules be revised to create jurisdictional ``bright lines'' and
``positive lists'' of the equipment controlled in each list as intended
by the Export Control Reform Initiative.
Response: BIS believes that the USML Category XI(b) as set forth in
the proposed Department of State rule being published simultaneously
with this proposed rule, along with the order of review in the April 16
(initial implementation) final rule published by BIS (See 78 FR 22735,
April 16, 2013), will provide certainty as to which agency has
jurisdiction over which articles. Under the order of review, items
enumerated on the USML are subject to the ITAR, even if they are within
the parameters of an ECCN. Accordingly, BIS is making no changes to
ECCNs 5A001.i or 5A980 as a result of this comment. However, if upon
review of the Department of State text in light of the ``order of
review,'' readers believe uncertainty still exists, BIS will consider
comments to that effect. In addition, BIS invites recommendations from
the public regarding text that would provide a clear distinction
between the items controlled by USML Category XI(b) and items
controlled by ECCN 5A001.i or 5A980.
Comment: One commenter stated that the ``Reason for Control'' table
in ECCN 7A006 indicates that MT controls apply to commodities that meet
or exceed the parameters of 7A106. It appears that, by definition, all
items in 7A006 meet or exceed the parameters of 7A106; therefore this
language should be removed.
Response: BIS believes that this language is needed because of the
longstanding order of review of non-600 series ECCNs, wherein one
reviews ECCNs within a category in order. ECCNs with a 0 as the third
character follow the Wassenaar Arrangement Dual Use List text. ECCNs
with a 1 as the third character generally follow the MTCR text. When
the two regimes have
[[Page 45037]]
identical text about a particular item, the MT reason for control is
included in an ECCN with the 0 as the third character. However, when
the MTCR text differs from the Wassenaar Arrangement Dual Use List
text, the reference to the parameters of the MTCR based ECCN are used
to identify items in the text of the ECCN with the 0 as the third
character to be precise. This system is used throughout the EAR.
Therefore, BIS is making no changes in response to this comment.
Comments Concerning License Exception STA
Comment: Some commenters noted that exports under STA are likely to
be in support of foreign defense programs. One commenter recommended
the proposed language for the License Exception STA consignee statement
set forth in the June 21 (transition) rule (See 77 FR 37541, June 21,
2013) be revised to include the following underscored language: ``(vi)
For `600 series' items, confirms that unless otherwise authorized by
the U.S. government, the items are for end use by a government of a
country listed in Sec. 740.20(c) . . . .'' The Commenter cited the
example of a European-built military transport aircraft that contains
some US-origin parts and components. Some of the aircraft would be sold
to governments eligible to receive items under STA, while others would
be sold elsewhere. Neither the U.S. supplier nor the foreign
manufacturer would have any way of knowing which parts would go into
aircraft for eligible governments and which would not and, thus, under
BIS's proposed language, could not use STA. This commenter appeared to
contemplate a situation in which the consignee could apply for a
license to use parts already received under License Exception STA in
connection with an activity or end-user not authorized by License
Exception STA.
One commenter proposed allowing use of STA based on the consignee's
assurance that the appropriate U.S. government authorization would be
obtained before sending the item outside the STA eligible countries.
Another commenter proposed allowing some kind of use of STA on a
program basis.
Response: BIS intends that the U.S. government will have authority
to license shipments under STA that will not be limited to the end
users specified in Sec. 740.20(c). Under the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule, the U.S. government could issue a license
authorizing the use of License Exception STA to ship to a consignee
parts that would ultimately be incorporated into items that will be
used by end-users not otherwise be eligible to receive 600 series end
items. BIS did not intend to require that the license explicitly
mention License Exception STA. BIS intends to publish a correction rule
so that any license issued to the STA consignee authorized the end use,
could be a basis for authorizing an export, reexport or transfer to
that consignee under License Exception STA of items otherwise eligible
for transfer under License Exception STA.
The consignee would have to obtain the license prior to any
shipment of parts to it under License Exception STA because the
consignee would have to furnish a copy of the license to the exporter
before the exporter could ship under License Exception STA. If after
the consignee received parts under License Exception STA, the consignee
learned that those already received parts are needed for an item being
produced for an end user other than one authorized under STA, that
consignee could still apply to the U.S. government for a license to use
those parts in such production, notwithstanding the language about end
use in the consignee's prior statement. BIS does not intend to preclude
STA consignees from requesting a new or expanded authorization based on
facts of which the consignee was unaware at the time it made the
original statement. BIS does not believe that a change in the
regulatory text is needed to make this point. BIS is interested in
comments on whether the approach described in the initial
implementation rule is feasible and addresses the point of the comment.
Comment: One commenter expressed general approval of License
Exception STA and recommended more outreach to increase understanding
and use of it.
Response: BIS is developing outreach programs to address this need.
Comment: One commenter recommended that, provided security needs
are adequately addressed, the number of eligible STA destinations
should be increased.
Response: Although the number of License Exception STA eligible
destinations may grow or shrink over time, expanding the geographic
scope of License Exception STA is not a part of this rulemaking
exercise, which is concerned with adding to the CCL items that the
President determines no longer warrant control under the USML.
Comment: One commenter recommended that BIS eliminate the STA
consignee statement entirely (or at least to NATO countries) to
significantly ease the administrative burden on industry when using
this exception. The commenter asserted that this statement is similar
to the DSP-83 ``Nontransfer and Use Certificate'' form, which is
required currently for Significant Military Equipment (SME) but not for
the non-SME articles in Category XI(c). Most of the items would be
moved to the CCL 600 series under the proposed rule are not SME.
Response: BIS is not adopting this recommendation. Use of the STA
consignee statement can readily be distinguished from use of the DSP-
83. The consignee must send the STA consignee statement to the exporter
as one of the requirements that the parties to the transaction must
meet in order to be able to execute the transaction without prior US
government approval. The DSP-83 is a document that must be submitted to
the US government in support of an application for a government
authorization to proceed with the transaction. The STA consignee
statement is required for all transactions under License Exception STA.
Although statements for 600 series items have more elements than
statements for non-600 series items, those additional elements reflect
the limitations on use of License Exception STA that are appropriate
given the military nature of the 600 series items. This STA consignee
statement is necessary to provide reasonable assurance that the
consignee is aware of the requirements and limitations of License
Exception STA, and has agreed to abide by them before the parties are
permitted to proceed with a license-free transaction. The alternative
is to apply for a license, which parties are free to do.
Comment: One commenter stated that making ECCN 3A611.c and d. high
electron mobility transistors (HEMT)s and microwave monolithic
integrated circuits (MMIC)s ineligible for License Exception STA would,
when combined with the NS1 and RS1, impose a license requirement for
all destinations other than Canada, making these commodities controlled
as if they were subject to the ITAR. The commenter noted that
commodities in ECCN 3A001 and HEMTs in ECCN 3A982 are both eligible for
STA.
Response: The November 28 (military electronics) rule and this
second proposed rule would make all commodities controlled in ECCN
3A611 ineligible for paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (which
authorizes shipments to eight countries), but would not preclude use of
paragraph (c)(1) of STA (which authorizes shipments to 36 countries).
Comment: One commenter stated that two of BIS's prior proposed
Export Control Reform Initiative rules (the
[[Page 45038]]
November 7 (aircraft) and the December 6 (gas turbine engine) rules)
would preclude use of License Exception STA for electrical equipment,
parts, and components specially designed for electro-magnetic
interference (EMI) that conform to the requirements of MIL-STD-461. The
commenter stated that this preclusion raises two difficulties. First,
the distinction between electric and electronic parts and components is
often unclear and that they may be ambiguously classified. The
commenter also stated that this difficulty made it appropriate to raise
the issue in a comment on the November 28 (military electronics) rule.
Second, the commenter stated that standard MIL-STD-461 is a poor
criterion for determining when items designed for EMI compatibility
should be restricted from STA eligibility or subject to any reasons for
control other than anti-terrorism because: (1) There are several
historical versions of MIL-STD-461 that remain in effect for existing
programs; (2) A number of civil requirements offer performance equal to
or superior to MIL-STD-461; and (3) Military programs outside the
United States may use multinational or foreign standards. The commenter
states that a better criterion would be a degree of EMI protection
exceeding the equivalent civil requirements for the item.
Response: BIS believes that the commenter misunderstood the scope
of the rules. The rules cited by the commenter proposed restricting
from STA software and technology for the development or production of
aircraft electrical equipment, parts and components electrical
equipment, parts, and components specially designed for electro-
magnetic interference (EMI) that conform to the requirements of MIL-
STD-461. They did not propose restricting from STA the equipment, parts
and components themselves. The April 16 (initial implementation) rule
published these restrictions in ECCNs 9D610 and 9E610 (See 78 FR 22733-
22734, April 16, 2013).
Comment: One commenter provided two sets of comments. The first set
provided detailed proposals for rewording USML Category XI and a number
of ECCNs as they appeared in the November 28 (military electronics)
rules of the Departments of State and Commerce. The second set proposed
detailed rewording of a number of ECCNs and the creation of some new
ECCNs in Category 9 of the CCL.
First Set of Comments
The commenter divided the proposals in his first set of comments
into three topics, which he characterized as edits to remove: Overlaps
in BIS's and State's November 28 (military electronics) rules that
would move items from the CCL to the USML; ambiguities in the November
28 [Commerce] rule; and other CCL ambiguities that the commenter
perceived to be relevant.
Instances in Which the Commenter Expressed a Belief That the Rule Would
Transfer Items From the CCL to the USML
The commenter identified 18 instances in which he asserted that
overlapping text would have the effect of transferring items from the
CCL to the USML. BIS is not adopting any of the specific changes
proposed by the commenter under this topic. In some instances, the
commenter proposed only changes to the USML and not to the CCL. In
other instances, the comment appeared to reflect an incomplete reading
of either the USML or CCL entries such that detailed technical
specifications were interpreted without consideration of introductory
text that limited the overall range of the items to which the technical
specifications applied. BIS does not believe that the November 28
(military electronics) rule or this proposed rule would transfer any
items from the CCL to the USML. BIS invites comments that describe
specific examples of actual items that are today subject to the EAR
that would become subject to the ITAR were this and the corresponding
State proposed rule to become final.
Instances in Which the Commenter Expressed a Belief That the Rule
November 28 (Military Electronics) Rule Was Ambiguous
The commenter cited about 50 situations in which he thought the
rule was ambiguous and needed changes for precision. In most instances,
BIS either does not agree that the proposed text cited by the commenter
was ambiguous or believes that the comment addressed text that is
outside the scope of the proposal. However, in four instances, this
proposed rule adopts changes recommended by this commenter.
The four instances in which this second proposed rule adopts
changes from the November 28 (military electronics) rule in response to
the comments proposed by this commenter are:
Adding the phrase ``or software'' to paragraph .y of ECCN
3E611. Paragraph .y of ECCN 3E611 applies to technology for 3A611.y and
3D611.y. ECCN 3A611 applies to commodities and ECCN 3D611 applies to
software. Use of the term ``commodities'' to apply to technology for
both ECCNs in the November 28 (military electronics) rule was in error.
Adding the word ``acoustic'' to the list of items in the
note to ECCN 3A611.a and note 1 to 3A611.x. These notes describe in
general terms the items that if not enumerated on the USML or another
600 series ECCN, are controlled by ECCN 3A611. Adding the word
``acoustic'' makes the listing more comprehensive.
Adding the phrase ``Acoustic systems and equipment'' to
the header of ECCN 6A611. In the November 28 (military electronics)
rule, ECCN 6A611 referred readers to ECCN 3A611 for radar and related
items specially designed for military use. The reference was included
because CCL Category 6 controls a number of other radars. ECCN 3A611
would control acoustic systems and equipment specially designed for
military use that are not on the USML or any other 600 series ECCN and
other acoustic systems and equipment also in Category 6 of the CCL.
Including the additional phrase will make ECCN 6A611 more descriptive
and comprehensive.
Adding a new ECCN 7A611 that only refers readers to ECCN
3A611 for navigation and avionics, parts, components, accessories and
attachments ``specially designed'' for military use that are not
enumerated in any USML category or other ``600 series'' ECCN. ECCN
3A611 applies to military electronic avionic and navigation devices not
enumerated on the USML or in another 600 series ECCN. Because CCL
Category 7 applies to such devices not specially designed for military
use, the cross-reference will be helpful to alerting readers to check
ECCN 3A611.
This proposed rule did not adopt the following proposals of this
commenter.
Comment: Indicate in the foregoing cross-reference ECCNs that ECCN
3A611 does not control radar, acoustic systems and equipment,
computers, telecommunication equipment or navigation and avionics and
related items if controlled by any other ECCN, including non-600 series
ECCNs. Apply ECCN 3A611 to commodities that are specially designed for
military use.
Response: Commodities in non-600 series ECCNs (other than ECCNs
ending in ``018'' and ECCN 0A918) are not specially designed for
military use, so there should be no overlap between ECCN 3A611 and non-
600 series ECCNs. Moreover, the April 16 (initial implementation) rule
created an order of review that gives 600 series ECCNs preferences over
non-600 series ECCNs. Adopting the commenter's proposal
[[Page 45039]]
would appear to undermine that order of review.
Comment: Replace the term ``specially designed'' with ``required''
in several ECCNs covering software. The term ``required'' as a well-
defined meaning in the EAR that is based on a Wassenaar Arrangement
definition. That term is defined in relation to technology rather than
software.
Response: BIS believes that the term ``specially designed'' as
defined on the April 16 (initial implementation) rule provides
reasonable, practical and objective criteria for classifying products,
the term ``required'' as currently defined would exclude many parts and
components that are in fact designed for military items and that have
no other practical use.
Comment: Do not use the term ``specially designed'' in instances
where the Missile Technology Control Regime uses the word ``designed.''
Generally, the commenter recommended that no word replace the phrase
``specially designed,'' on the ground that the specifications in the
ECCN are sufficiently precise that no qualifier is needed.
Response: BIS believes that the term specially designed as defined
in the April 16 (initial implementation) rule is adequate to meet its
MTCR obligations.
Comment: Replace the term ``operation or maintenance'' with the
term ``use'' in several software ECCNs.
Response: BIS has adopted the phrase `` `development,'
`production,' operation or maintenance'' as a standard practice in 600
series ECCNs. The commenter suggested no persuasive reason to change
this policy.
Comment: Remove the term ``directly related'' and, in some
instances, replace it with the word ``required'' in the several
``Related controls'' notes of software and technology ECCNs.
Response: The related control notes at issue refer readers to the
USML for controls on ``technical data'' (which, on the USML, includes
both software and technology) that is similar to the software or
technology covered by that ECCN. The USML uses the term ``related to''
in describing the objects to which those technical data apply. In these
cross-references to the USML, using the USML terminology is
appropriate.
Comment: Do not use the phrase ``technical data,'' except in its
meaning as defined in part 772 of the EAR.
Response: The specific uses of the term ``technical data'' to which
this commenter objected are references to the USML. In that context,
the term is used in a way that is consistent with its meaning in the
USML. The term is not surrounded by quotation marks, which would
signify that it is defined in part 772.
Comment: Replace the word ``and'' with the word ``or'' in the
definition of ``use'' in the EAR.
Response: This proposal would affect every software ECCN in the
entire CCL and is outside the scope of the November 28 (military
electronics) rule.
Comment: The commenter recommended a number of changes to ECCNs or
ECCN paragraphs for which modifications are not needed to accomplish
the purpose of the November 28 (military electronics) rule and this
proposed rule, which is to control on the CCL items that the President
determines no longer warrant control on the USML.
Response: Without commenting on the merit of each of those proposed
changes, BIS is not including them in this proposed rule because they
are outside the scope of what BIS proposed in the November 28 (military
electronics) rule. Including them in this proposed rule would distract
readers and potential commenters, possibly depriving BIS of the benefit
of informed analysis and comments on the rule's efficacy in achieving
its purpose as stated above.
In addition to the changes discussed above, this commenter
recommended several changes to the proposed ECCNs in CCL Category 9
concerning cryogenic and superconductive equipment and related items.
Comment:
Add the phrase ``not controlled by 1C005, 3A001.d,
3A001.e.3, 3A201.b, 6A002.d.1, 6A006.a.1 or 8A002.o.2.c'' to the header
of ECCN 9A620
Add a related control note referring to ECCNs 1C005,
3A001.d, 3A001.e.3, 3A201.b, 6A002.d.1, 6A006.a.1 or 8A002.o.2.c.
Remove the phrase ```specially designed' to be installed''
and the phrase ``and capable of'' from paragraphs .a and .b of 9A620
Remove the words ``Parts'' and ``attachments'' from
9A620.x
Change the word ``and'' to ``or'' everywhere it appears in
the following phrase in ECCN 9B620: ``Test, inspection and production
end items and equipment . . .''
In ECCN 9A620.x, replace the phrase ``specially designed
for a commodity controlled by ECCN 9A620'' with ``for a commodity
controlled by ECCN 9A620.a or 9A620.b having any of the characteristics
described in the texts of those sub-items.''
In ECCN 9B620, replace the phrase: `` `Specially designed'
for items controlled in ECCN 9A620'' with the phrase ``having any of
the characteristics described in 9A620.a or 9A620.b.''
Response: The ECCNs that this commenter proposes adding to the
header of ECCN 9A620 and to a related control note in that ECCN apply,
inter alia, to a number of commodities that have cryogenic or
superconducting properties. None of them has the qualifier ``
`specially designed' to be installed in a vehicle for military . . .
applications,'' which appears in paragraphs .a and .b of proposed ECCN
9A620. In fact, only one ECCN, 8A002.o.2.c, relates to a vehicle of any
kind. In addition, the order of review in the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule makes clear that items with characteristics that
meet the parameters of a 600 series ECCN are controlled by that 600
series ECCN and not by a non-600 series ECCN.
The phrases `` `specially designed' to be installed'' and the
phrase ``and capable of'' are drawn from WAML category ML20, on which
ECCN 9A620 is based. The commenter offered no specific reason to depart
from the regime text. WAML category ML20 also uses the phrase
``components and attachments.'' The Wassenaar Arrangement does not
define either ``components'' or ``attachments.'' However, BIS believes
that as used in the Wassenaar Arrangement's control lists, the term
``components'' would encompass ``parts'' and ``components'' as defined
in the April 16 (initial implementation) rule and the term
``attachments'' would encompass ``accessories'' and ``attachments'' as
defined in the April 16 (initial implementation) rule. The phrase
``Test, inspection and production equipment'' is also used widely in
describing product group B in all nine categories of the EAR. BIS
believes that it is widely understood to encompass each of those three
types of equipment, and that changing the formula for one ECCN would be
more likely to increase than to decrease any misunderstandings that may
exist. The suggested alternative phrases for ECCNs 9A620.x and 9B620
(replacing ``specially designed'' with ``having any of the
characteristics of'') would distort the meaning of these ECCNs in ways
that would in some instances extend the control beyond what BIS
intends, and in other instances fail to control things that BIS intends
to control. BIS believes that with the publication of the definition of
the term ``specially designed'' in the April 16 (initial
implementation) rule, these ECCNs will be best understood and
appropriately tailored by retaining that term.
[[Page 45040]]
Comments That Commenter Characterized as ``Other'' Military Electronics
Ambiguities
Comment: This commenter cited ten instances of alleged military
electronics ambiguities, i.e., instances in which the applicable ECCN
for an item was uncertain.
Response: BIS is not adopting any of this commenter's recommended
changes in this category. Two of the comments in essence repeated the
view that ECCNs 3A001.d and .e.3 should be cross referenced in ECCN
9A620 because they apply to superconducting commodities. The remaining
eight comments do not address any text on the CCL that is related to or
affected by the decision to control on the CCL items that the President
determines no longer warrant control on the USML and are thus outside
the scope of the November 28 (military electronics) rule.
Second Set of Comments Submitted by This Commenter
Comment: The commenter proposed changes to 57 of the 63 ECCNs
currently in CCL Category 9, and the creation of five new ECCNs for
that category. The commenter did not propose any changes to the four
new ECCNs proposed for that category by the November 28 (military
electronics) rule.
Response: All these proposed changes are outside the scope of the
November 28 (military electronics) rule, and are extraneous to the
purpose of that or this second proposed rule. Therefore, BIS is not
making any changes to this proposed rule in response to these comments.
Detailed Description of Changes Proposed by This Rule
Revisions to ECCN 3A101
Currently, ECCN 3A101 refers readers to the ITAR for analog-to-
digital converters described in paragraph .a. These converters would
move to the CCL and continue to be controlled for MT reasons because
they are identified on the MTCR Annex. Placing such items in this ECCN,
rather than the new ECCN 3A611, will make it easier to identify,
classify, and control such items. Consequently, this proposed rule adds
analog-to-digital converters usable in ``missiles'' and having any of
the characteristics described in proposed 3A101.a.1 or a.2. This
proposed rule modifies the text of ECCN 3A101.a.1 compared to what was
published in the November 28 (military electronics) rule to more
closely follow the format and text of Category II, Item 14, 14.A.1 of
the MTCR Annex. This is not a substantive change from what was
previously proposed.
New 3Y611 Series of ECCNs
Proposed new ECCNs 3A611, 3B611, 3D611, and 3E611 would control
military electronics and related test, inspection, and production
equipment and software and technology currently controlled by USML
Category XI that the President determines no longer warrant control on
the USML. To the extent that they are not enumerated on the proposed
revisions to Category XI, these proposed new ECCNs would also control
computers, telecommunications equipment, radar ``specially designed''
for military use, parts, components, accessories, and attachments
``specially designed'' therefor, and related software and technology.
This structure aligns with the current USML Category XI and ML11, which
include within the scope of ``electronics'' such items as computers,
telecommunications equipment, and radar. BIS believes that it will be
easier to include such items within the scope of the proposed new 600
series that corresponds to USML Category XI, rather than creating new
600 series ECCNs in CCL Categories 4 (computers), 5
(telecommunications), 6 (radar) and 7(avionics). BIS, however, proposes
including cross references in CCL Categories 4, 5, 6 and 7 to alert
readers that ECCN 3A611 may control such items. As described above, BIS
nonetheless solicits comments regarding whether it would be easier to
understand and comply with controls on military electronics that move
to the CCL from the USML if they were divided among 600 series entries
in CCL Categories 4, 5, 6, and 7.
The proposed ECCN 3X611 series, except for ECCN 3X611.y, would be
controlled for national security (NS Column 1 or NS1), regional
stability (RS Column 1 or RS1), antiterrorism (AT Column 1 or AT1), and
United Nations embargo (UN) reasons. ECCNs 3X611.y would only be
controlled for AT1 reasons (ECCN 3B611 would not have a .y paragraph).
Each ECCN in this 3X611 series is described more specifically below.
New ECCN 3A611
Proposed ECCN 3A611 paragraph .a would control electronic
``equipment,'' ``end items,'' and ``systems'' ``specially designed''
for military use that are not enumerated in either a USML category or
another ``600 series'' ECCN.
Paragraph .b would be reserved. The corresponding USML Category is
XI(b), which, in the Department of State proposed rule being published
concurrently with this rule, would continue to be a catch-all control
and would contain the following clarified version of the current
Category XI(b): ``Electronic systems or equipment specially designed
for intelligence purposes that collects, surveys, monitors, or exploits
the electromagnetic spectrum (regardless of transmission medium), or
for counteracting such activities.'' In the Department of State's
proposed rule being published simultaneously with this proposed rule,
Category XI(b) references certain types of equipment and systems that
are per se within the scope of the revised Category XI(b). BIS
encourages the public to comment on whether this approach creates any
confusion regarding the jurisdictional status of any items that are
commonly used in normal commercial, non-intelligence, or non-security
use, including those controlled under ECCN 5A980 (``Devices primarily
useful for the surreptitious interception of wire, oral, or electronic
communications.'')
Paragraphs .c and .d would control MMIC power amplifiers and
discrete microwave transistors, respectively. These two paragraphs have
been extensively revised from what was proposed in the November 28
(military electronics) rule in an effort to tailor them to control MMIC
power amplifiers and discrete microwave transistors that have military
end use and little or no civilian application. The new parameters are
discussed under the heading ``Public Comments on the November 28
(military electronics) rule'' below. Additionally, a note has been
added stating that paragraph .d includes bare dice, dice mounted on
carriers or dice mounted in packages. The note also recognizes discrete
transistors may also be referred to as power amplifiers but that doing
so does not change the classification, whether under ECCN 3A001.b.3 or
3A611.d.
Paragraph .e would control high frequency (HF) surface wave radar
capable of ``tracking'' surface targets on oceans.
In this proposed rule, microelectronic devices and printed circuit
boards that are certified to be a `trusted device' from a DMEA
accredited supplier that were listed in paragraph .f in the November 28
(military electronics) rule are not listed because, upon review, all
such devices and printed circuit boards that needed to be controlled
were covered by other paragraphs of 3A611.
Paragraphs .f, .g, and .h in this proposed rule apply respectively
to: (1) Application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and
programmable logic devices (PLD) programmed for 600 series items; (2)
printed circuit boards and populated
[[Page 45041]]
circuit card assemblies whose layout is ``specially designed'' for 600
series items; and (3) multichip modules for which the pattern or layout
is ``specially designed'' for 600 series items. These commodities were
not explicitly included in the November 28 (military electronics) rule,
but would have been covered by the ``catch all'' paragraph 3A611.x in
that rule. However, these same types of devices, if for defense
articles on the USML, were explicitly identified in Category XI.c.1, .2
and .3 of the Department of State rule of November 28. A comment on
that Department of State proposal stated that greater clarity was
needed to prevent classifying ASICs, PLDs, and printed circuit boards
for 600 series items as defense articles subject to the ITAR.
Identifying ASICs, PLDs and printed circuit boards for 600 series items
explicitly in ECCN 3A611 contributes to this clarity. These additions
are not substantive changes from what was proposed in the November 28
(military electronics) rule.
Each of the foregoing ECCN 3A611 paragraphs describes electronic
items that BIS understands to be inherently military or otherwise
exclusively designed and manufactured for military use. BIS encourages
the public to test this understanding and identify items, if any, that
fall within the scope of these new ECCNs that are in normal commercial
use. If so, the comments should provide details on such commercial
applications. In particular, BIS asks the public to comment on whether
the controls in proposed new paragraphs 3A611.c (MMIC power amplifiers)
and 3A611.d (discrete microwave transistors) are sufficiently limited
to those not now or likely to be in normal commercial use by US or
foreign telecommunications or other non-military applications. The
basis for this request is that the current USML Category XI(c) does not
now control any electronic parts, components, accessories, attachments,
or associated equipment ``in normal commercial use'' even if they were
``specifically designed or modified for use with the equipment''
controlled in USML categories XI(a) or XI(b), which are, in essence,
electronic equipment ``specifically designed, modified, or configured
for military application.'' One of the goals of the reform effort is to
ensure that items that are currently EAR controlled are not, through
the creation of the more positive lists, unintentionally made ITAR or
``600 series'' controlled. This objective, however, does not preclude
the possibility of the Administration intentionally making ITAR or
``600 series'' controlled items that are today subject to the other
parts of the EAR.
Paragraphs .i through .w would be reserved.
Paragraph .x would control ``parts,'' ``components,''
``accessories'' and ``attachments'' that are ``specially designed'' for
a commodity controlled by ECCN 3A611 or for an article controlled by
USML Category XI, and not enumerated in a USML category.
A related control note is proposed for ECCN 3A611 clarifying that
electronic parts, components, accessories, and attachments that are
``specially designed'' for military use that are not enumerated in any
USML Category, but are within the scope of a ``600 series'' ECCN, are
controlled by that ``600 series'' ECCN. For example, electronic
components not enumerated on the USML that are ``specially designed''
for a military aircraft controlled by USML Category VIII or ECCN 9A610
would be controlled by ECCN 9A610.x. Similarly, electronic components
not enumerated on the USML that are ``specially designed'' for a
military vehicle controlled by USML Category VII or ECCN 0A606 would be
controlled by ECCN 0A606.x. The purpose of this note and the
limitations in ECCN 3A611.x is to prevent any overlap of controls over
electronics specially designed for particular types of items described
in other 600 series ECCNs (which would not be controlled by 3A611.x),
on one hand, and other electronic parts, components, accessories, and
attachments specially designed for military electronics that are not
enumerated on the USML (which would be controlled by ECCN 3A611.x), on
the other.
Additional proposed related control notes address: Electronic items
that are enumerated in USML categories, application specific integrated
circuits, unprogrammed programmable logic devices, printed circuit
boards and populated circuit cards, and multichip modules. Finally, a
related control note informs readers that certain radiation hardened
microelectronic circuits would be controlled by proposed ECCN 9A515.d.
See 78 FR 31431, 31442 (May 24, 2013) for the proposed text of ECCN
9A515.
A note proposed for ECCN 3A611.x specifies that ECCN 3A611.x
controls parts and components ``specially designed'' for underwater
sensors or projectors controlled by proposed USML Category XI(c)(12)
containing single-crystal lead magnesium niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT)
based piezoelectrics.
ECCN 3A611 also would contain a paragraph .y for items of little or
no military significance that would be controlled only for AT1 reasons.
New ECCN 3B611
Proposed ECCN 3B611 would impose, under paragraph .a, controls on
test, inspection, and production end items and equipment ``specially
designed'' for the ``development,'' ``production,'' repair, overhaul,
or refurbishing of items controlled in ECCN 3A611 or USML Category XI
that are not enumerated in USML XI or controlled by a ``600 series''
ECCN and, under paragraph .x, for ``parts,'' ``components,''
``accessories'' and ``attachments'' that are ``specially designed'' for
such test, inspection and production end items and equipment that are
not enumerated on the USML or controlled by another ``600 series''
ECCN. Paragraphs .b through .w would be reserved.
New ECCN 3D611
Proposed ECCN 3D611 paragraph .a would impose controls on software
``specially designed'' for the ``development,'' ``production,''
operation, or maintenance of commodities controlled by 3A611 or 3B611
other than software for 3A611.y. Paragraph .b would impose controls on
software specially designed for the ``development,'' ``production,''
operation or maintenance of technology in ECCN 3E611.b; i.e., software
(other than build-to-print software) for technology for helix traveling
wave tubes (TWTs), transmit/receive or transmit modules, MMICs; and
discrete microwave circuits controlled under ECCN 3A611 would not be
eligible for License Exception STA. Paragraphs .c through .x would be
reserved. Paragraph .y would control specific ``software'' ``specially
designed'' for the ``production,'' ``development,'' operation or
maintenance of commodities enumerated in ECCNs 3A611.y.
New ECCN 3E611
Proposed ECCN 3E611 would impose controls on ``technology''
``required'' for the ``development,'' ``production,'' operation,
installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul, or refurbishing of
commodities or software controlled by ECCN 3A611, 3B611 or 3D611
(except technology for 3A611.y and 3D611.y, which would be controlled
for AT1 reasons only). Technology (other than ``build-to-print''
technology for helix traveling wave tubes (TWTs), transmit/receive or
transmit modules, MMICs; and discrete microwave circuits controlled
under ECCN 3A611 would not be eligible for License Exception STA.
[[Page 45042]]
Revisions to ECCN 4A003
As noted above, the analog-to-digital converters described in the
proposed revision to 3A101.a would become subject to the EAR. Adding
the text in 3A101.a.2.b for electrical input type analog-to-digital
converter printed circuit boards or modules requires that this proposed
rule amend ECCN 4A003 to add an MT control for items classified under
ECCN 4A003.e when meeting or exceeding the parameters described in ECCN
3A101.a.2.b. This amendment is necessary because the MT items in new
paragraph 3A101.a.2.b are a subset of the items in paragraph 4A003.e.
Revisions to ECCN 5A001
This proposed rule revises the Related Controls paragraph in ECCN
5A001 to provide more detailed references to telecommunications
equipment subject to the ITAR under USML Categories XI and XV, while
maintaining references to ECCNs 5A101, 5A980, and 5A991.
New Cross Reference ECCNs
Four new cross reference ECCNs would be created to alert readers
that computers, telecommunications equipment, radar and avionics--and
parts, components, accessories and attachments ``specially designed''
therefor--are controlled by ECCN 3A611 if they are specially designed
for military use. These cross references are intended to reduce the
likelihood of confusion that might otherwise arise because computers,
telecommunications equipment, radar and avionics generally are in CCL
Categories 4, 5 (Part 1), 6 and 7, respectively. The new cross
reference ECCNs and the Categories in which they would appear are:
4A611, Category 4; 5A611, Category 5, Part 1; 6A611, Category 6; 7A611,
Category 7. The avionics cross reference ECCN was not in the November
28 (military electronics) rule. As discussed below, BIS received public
comments expressing a preference for controlling 600 series computers,
telecommunications and radar in the CCL Categories under which other
computers, telecommunications and radar are controlled rather than in a
single ECCN in Category 3. The latter approach more closely follows the
USML pattern. BIS encourages further comment on this issue.
Corrections to ECCNs 7A006 and 7D101
This proposed rule would correct the reasons for control paragraph
of ECCN 7A006 to state that the MT reason for control applies to those
items covered by ECCN 7A006 that also meet or exceed the parameters of
ECCN 7A106. ECCN 7A006 now applies the missile technology reason for
control to a range of airborne altimeters that extends beyond the range
of altimeters that are on the MTCR Annex. BIS's practice is to apply
the MT reason for control only to items on that Annex. This proposed
change would conform ECCN 7A006 to that practice. Similarly, this
proposed rule would add the phrase ``for missile technology reasons''
to the heading of ECCN 7D101. ECCN 7D101 applies the missile technology
reason for control to software for a range of commodity ECCNs. Not all
of those commodities are controlled for MT reasons. The text proposed
here would limit the scope of missile technology controls in ECCN 7A106
to commodities on the MTCR Annex, and that of ECCN 7D101 to software
for commodities on the MTCR Annex.
New 9X620 Series of ECCNs
Proposed ECCNs 9A620, 9B620, 9D620, and 9E620 would apply NS1, RS1,
AT1 and UN reasons for control to cryogenic and superconducting
equipment described in category ML20 of the WAML, and to test,
inspection and production equipment, software and technology therefor.
Category ML20 covers cryogenic and superconducting equipment that is
``specially designed'' to be installed in a vehicle for military
ground, marine, airborne, or space applications. BIS believes that such
equipment is used in experimental or developmental vehicle propulsion
systems that employ superconducting components and cryogenic equipment
to cool those components. BIS has not identified evidence of trade in
such items. To the extent that exports do exist, the items would be
subject to the license requirements of the USML category that controls
the vehicle into which the equipment would be installed, i.e., Category
VI, surface vessels; Category VII, ground vehicles; Category VIII,
aircraft; and Category XV, spacecraft. BIS proposes to place this
cryogenic and superconducting equipment, its related test, inspection
and production equipment, and its related software and technology into
a single set of 600 series ECCNs ending with the digits ``20'' to
correspond to the relevant WAML category. This approach would further
the administration's Export Control Reform Initiative goal of aligning
US controls with multilateral controls wherever feasible. Each ECCN in
this series is described more specifically below.
New ECCN 9A620
Proposed ECCN 9A620.a would control equipment ``specially
designed'' to be installed in a vehicle for military ground, marine,
airborne, or space applications, capable of operating while in motion
and of producing or maintaining temperatures below 103 K (-170 [deg]C).
Paragraph .b would control ``superconductive'' electrical equipment
(rotating machinery and transformers) ``specially designed'' to be
installed in a vehicle for military ground, marine, airborne, or space
applications, and capable of operating while in motion. Paragraphs .c
through .w would be reserved. Paragraph .x would control parts,
components, accessories and attachments ``specially designed'' for a
commodity controlled by ECCN 9A620.
New ECCN 9B620
Proposed ECCN 9B620 would control test, inspection, and production
end items and equipment ``specially designed'' for the ``development,''
``production,'' repair, overhaul or refurbishing of items controlled in
proposed ECCN 9A620.
New ECCN 9D620
Proposed ECCN 9D620 would control software ``specially designed''
for the ``development,'' ``production,'' operation, or maintenance of
commodities controlled by ECCNs 9A620 or 9B620.
New ECCN 9E620
Proposed ECCN 9E620 would control a ``technology'' ``required'' for
the ``development,'' ``production,'' operation, installation,
maintenance, repair, overhaul, or refurbishing of commodities or
software controlled by ECCNs 9A620, 9B620 or 9D620.
Proposed New ECCNs and License Exception STA
One of the objectives of the Export Control Reform Initiative is to
align the jurisdictional status of technology and software with the
items to which they relate. Thus, for example, as a general matter, all
technical data and software directly related to a defense article,
i.e., an item identified on the ITAR's USML, will also be ITAR
controlled. All technology, including technical data (other than
classified technical data directly related to items controlled under
ECCNs 3A611, 3B611, 3C611, or 3D611), and software for the production,
development, or other aspects of an item on the EAR's CCL, will be
subject to the EAR. Nevertheless, some types of software and technology
are more significant than the commodities that are developed or
produced from or that utilize such software or technology. In
recognition of that fact, this proposed rule would preclude in the
ECCNs the use of License Exception STA for
[[Page 45043]]
software and technology (other than build-to-print software and
technology) for the following types of items if controlled by ECCN
3A611: (1) Helix traveling wave tubes (TWTs); (2) Transmit/receive or
transmit modules; (3) Microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMIC)s;
and (4) Discrete microwave transistors. This fact is noted in the
License Exception STA paragraphs for ECCNs 3D611 and 3E611.
Request for Comments
All comments must be in writing and submitted via one or more of
the methods listed under the ADDRESSES caption to this notice. All
comments (including any personal identifiable information) will be
available for public inspection and copying. Those wishing to comment
anonymously may do so by submitting their comment via regulations.gov
and leaving the fields for identifying information blank.
Effects of This Proposed Rule
Use of License Exceptions
Military electronic equipment, certain cryogenic and
superconducting equipment, and parts, components, and test, inspection,
and production equipment therefor currently on the USML that this rule
would place on the CCL would become eligible for several license
exceptions, including STA, which would be available for exports to
certain agencies of NATO governments and other multi-regime close
allies. The exchange of information and statements required under STA
are substantially less burdensome than the license application
requirements under the ITAR, as discussed in more detail in the
``Regulatory Requirements'' section of this proposed rule. BIS does not
intend with this proposed rule to move any items currently subject to
the EAR to a 600 series ECCN; therefore, it would not narrow the scope
of license exception eligibility for any items currently on the CCL.
Alignment With the Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List
The Administration has stated since the beginning of the Export
Control Reform Initiative that the reforms will be consistent with the
obligations of the United States to the multilateral export control
regimes. Accordingly, the Administration will, in this and subsequent
proposed rules, exercise its national discretion to implement, clarify,
and, to the extent feasible, align its control text with those of the
regimes. This proposed rule would maintain the alignment that exists
between the USML, in which military electronics are controlled under
Category XI, and the WAML, in which military electronic equipment is
controlled under ML11, and would be controlled by ECCN 3A611 in this
proposed rule. Similarly, 3B611 aligns with WAML 18, which, inter alia,
controls ``specially designed or modified `production' equipment for
the `production' of products specified by the Munitions List, and
specially designed components therefor.''
This proposed rule would align cryogenic and superconducting
equipment currently controlled in Categories VI, VII, VIII, and XV of
the USML with Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List category ML20 by
controlling them under ECCN 9A620. As with other 600 series ECCNs, this
rule follows the existing CCL numbering pattern for test, inspection
and production equipment (3B611 and 9B620), software (3D611 and 9D620)
and technology (3E611 and 9E620), rather than strictly following the
Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List pattern of placing production
equipment, software and technology for munitions list items in
categories ML18, ML21 and ML22, respectively. BIS believes that
including the ECCNs for test, inspection and production equipment,
software, and technology in the same category as the items to which
they relate results in an easier to understand CCL than would separate
categories.
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 amended by Executive Order 13637 of March
8, 2013, 78 FR 16129 (March 13, 2013), as extended by the Notice of
August 15, 2012, 77 FR 49699 (August 16, 2012), has continued the
Export Administration Regulations in effect under the International
Emergency Economic Powers Act. BIS continues to carry out the
provisions of the Export Administration Act, as appropriate and to the
extent permitted by law, pursuant to Executive Order 13222.
Rulemaking Requirements
1. Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess all
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public
health and safety effects, distribute impacts, and equity). Executive
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This rule has been designated a ``significant regulatory
action,'' although not economically significant, under section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the rule has been reviewed by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is
required to respond to, nor is 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 OMB
control number. This proposed rule would affect two approved
collections: Simplified Network Application Processing System (control
number 0694-0088), which includes, among other things, license
applications, and License Exceptions and Exclusions (0694-0137).
As stated in the proposed rule published at 76 FR 41958 (July 15,
2011), BIS initially believed that the combined effect of all rules to
be published adding items to the EAR that would be removed from the
ITAR as part of the administration's Export Control Reform Initiative
would increase the number of license applications to be submitted by
approximately 16,000 annually. As the review of the USML has
progressed, the interagency group has gained more specific information
about the number of items that would come under BIS jurisdiction,
whether those items would be eligible for export under license
exception. As of June 21, 2012, BIS believes the increase in license
applications may be 30,000 annually, resulting in an increase in burden
hours of 8,500 (30,000 transactions at 17 minutes each) under control
number 0694-0088.
Military electronic equipment, certain cryogenic and
superconducting equipment, related test, inspection and production
equipment, ``parts,'' ``components,'' ``accessories'' and
``attachments,'' ``software'' and ``technology'' formerly on the USML
would become eligible for License Exception STA under this rule. BIS
believes that the increased use of License Exception STA resulting from
the combined effect of all rules to be published adding items to the
EAR that would be removed from the ITAR as part of the Administration's
Export Control Reform Initiative would increase the burden associated
with control number 0694-0137 by about 23,858 hours (20,450
transactions @ 1 hour and 10 minutes each).
[[Page 45044]]
BIS expects that this increase in burden will be more than offset
by a reduction in burden hours associated with approved collections
related to the ITAR. The largest impact of the proposed rule would
likely apply to exporters of replacement parts for military electronic
equipment that has been approved under the ITAR for export to allies
and regime partners. Because, with few exceptions, the ITAR allows
exemptions from license requirements only for exports to Canada, most
exports of such parts, even when destined to NATO and other close
allies, require specific State Department authorization. Under the EAR,
as proposed here, such parts would become eligible for export to NATO
and other multi-regime allies under License Exception STA. Use of
License Exception STA imposes a paperwork and compliance burden
because, for example, exporters must furnish information about the item
being exported to the consignee and obtain from the consignee an
acknowledgement and commitment to comply with the EAR. However, the
Administration understands that complying with the burdens of STA is
likely less burdensome than applying for licenses. For example, under
License Exception STA, a single consignee statement can apply to an
unlimited number of products, need not have an expiration date, and
need not be submitted to the government in advance for approval.
Suppliers with regular customers can tailor a single statement and
assurance to match their business relationship rather than applying
repeatedly for licenses with every purchase order to supply reliable
customers in countries that are close allies or members of export
control regimes or both.
Even in situations in which a license would be required under the
EAR, the burden is likely to be reduced compared to the license
requirement of the ITAR. In particular, license applications for
exports of technology controlled by ECCN 3E611 are likely to be less
complex and burdensome than the authorizations required to export ITAR-
controlled technology, i.e., Manufacturing License Agreements and
Technical Assistance Agreements.
3. This rule does not contain policies with Federalism implications
as that term is defined under E.O. 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 (or his or her designee) certifies that a rule
will not have a significant 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 Regulation, Department of Commerce, submitted a memorandum
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration,
certifying that the November 28 (military electronics) rule would not
have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
The rationale for that certification was set forth in the preamble to
that proposed rule (77 FR 70945, 70950-70951, November 28, 2012).
Although BIS received no comments on that rationale, and has
accordingly made no changes to the proposed rule based on the RFA
certification, BIS has determined that, in the interest of openness and
transparency, it will briefly restate the rationale behind the
certification here.
This rule, if implemented, is part of the Administration's Export
Control Reform Initiative, which seeks to revise the USML to a positive
list--one that does not use generic, catch-all controls for items
listed--and to move some items that the President has determined no
longer merit control under the ITAR to control under the CCL.
Although BIS does not collect data on the size of entities that
apply for and are issued export licenses, and is therefore unable to
estimate the exact number of small entities--as defined by the Small
Business Administration's regulations implementing the RFA--BIS
acknowledges that some small entities may be affected by this proposed
rule.
The main effects on small entities resulting from this rule will be
in application times, costs, and delays in receiving licenses to export
goods subject to the CCL. However, while small entities may experience
some costs and time delays for exports due to the license requirements
of the CCL, these costs and delays will likely be significantly less
than they were for items previously subject to the USML. BIS believes
that in fact this rule will result in significantly reduced
administrative costs and delays for exports of items that will, upon
this rule's implementation, be subject to the EAR rather than the ITAR.
Currently, USML applicants must pay to use the USML licensing procedure
even if they never actually are authorized to export. Registration fees
for manufacturers and exporters of articles on the USML start at $2,250
per year, increase to $2,750 for organizations applying for one to ten
licenses per year and further increases to $2,750 plus $250 per license
application (subject to a maximum of three percent of total application
value) for those who need to apply for more than ten licenses per year.
By contrast, BIS is statutorily prohibited from imposing licensing
fees. In addition, exporters and reexporters of goods that would become
subject to the EAR under this rule would need fewer licenses because
their transactions would become eligible for license exceptions that
were not available under the ITAR. Additionally, the ITAR controlled
parts and components even when they were incorporated--in any amount--
into a foreign-made product. That limitation on the use of U.S.-made
goods subject to the ITAR discouraged foreign manufacturers from
importing U.S. goods. However, the EAR has a de minimis exception for
U.S.-manufactured goods that are incorporated into foreign-made
products. This exception may benefit small entities by encouraging
foreign producers to use more U.S.-made items in their goods.
Even where an exporter or reexporter would need to obtain a license
under the EAR, that process is both cheaper and the process is more
flexible than obtaining a license under the ITAR. For example, unlike
the ITAR, the EAR does not require license applicants to provide BIS
with a purchase order with the application, meaning that small (or any)
entities can enter into negotiations or contracts for the sale of goods
without having to caveat any sale presentations with a reference to the
need to obtain a license under the ITAR before shipment can occur.
Second, the EAR allows license applicants to obtain licenses to cover
all expected exports or reexports to a particular consignee over the
life of a license, rather than having to obtain a new license for every
transaction.
In short, BIS expects that the changes to the EAR proposed in this
rule will have a positive effect on all affected entities, including
small entities. While BIS acknowledges that this rule may have some
cost impacts to small (and other) entities, those costs are more than
offset by the benefits to the entities from the licensing procedures
under the EAR, which are much less costly and less time consuming than
the procedures under the ITAR. Accordingly, the Chief Counsel for
Regulation for the
[[Page 45045]]
Department of Commerce has certified that this rule, if implemented,
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. Accordingly, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis
is not required, and none has been prepared.
List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 774
Exports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Accordingly, part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations (15
CFR Parts 730-774) is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 774--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for 15 CFR part 774 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.;
10 U.S.C. 7420; 10 U.S.C. 7430(e); 22 U.S.C. 287c, 22 U.S.C. 3201 et
seq., 22 U.S.C. 6004; 30 U.S.C. 185(s), 185(u); 42 U.S.C. 2139a; 42
U.S.C. 6212; 43 U.S.C. 1354; 15 U.S.C. 1824a; 50 U.S.C. app. 5; 22
U.S.C. 7201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 7210; 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 August 15, 2012, 77 FR 49699 (August 16, 2012).
0
2. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, Category 3, amend Export Control
Classification Number (ECCN) 3A101 by:
0
a. revising the Related Controls paragraph in the List of Items
Controlled section; and
0
b. revising paragraph a in the Items paragraph in the List of Items
Controlled section, to read as follows:
Supplement No. 1 to Part 774--The Commerce Control List
* * * * *
3A101 Electronic equipment, devices and components, other than those
controlled by 3A001, as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
* * * * *
List of Items Controlled
* * * * *
Related Controls: See also ECCN 4A003.e for controls on analog-to-
digital converter, printed circuit boards, or modules for computers.
* * * * *
Items:
a. Analog-to-digital converters usable in ``missiles,'' and
having any of the following characteristics:
a.1. ``Specially designed'' to meet military specifications for
ruggedized equipment;
a.2. ``Specially designed'' for military use and being any of
the following types:
a.2.a. Analog-to-digital converter microcircuits which are
radiation-hardened or have all of the following characteristics:
a.2.a.1. Having a quantization corresponding to 8 bits or more
when coded in the binary system;
a.2.a.2. Rated for operation in the temperature range from -54
[deg]C to above +125 [deg]C; and
a.2.a.3. Hermetically sealed; or
a.2.b. Electrical input type analog-to-digital converter printed
circuit boards or modules, having all of the following
characteristics:
a.2.b.1. Having a quantization corresponding to 8 bits or more
when coded in the binary system;
a.2.b.2. Rated for operation in the temperature range from below
-45 [deg]C to above +55 [deg]C; and
a.2.b.3. Incorporating microcircuits identified in 3A101.a.2 or
a.3;
* * * * *
0
3. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs 3A292
and 3A980, add new entry for ECCN 3A611 to read as follows:
3A611 Military electronics, as follows (see list of items
controlled).
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry except 3A611.y. NS Column 1
RS applies to entire entry except 3A611.y. RS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
UN applies to entire entry except 3A611.y. See Sec. 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
LVS: $1500 for 3A611.a, .d through .h and .x; N/A for ECCN 3A611.c
and .y
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (Sec. 740.20(c)(2)
of the EAR) may not be used for any item in 3A611.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: End items in number; parts, components, accessories and
attachments in $ value
Related Controls: (1) Electronic items that are enumerated in USML
Category XI or other USML categories, and technical data (including
software) directly related thereto, are subject to the ITAR. (2)
Application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and programmable
logic devices that are programmed for defense articles that are
subject to the ITAR are controlled in USML Category XI(c)(1). (3)
See ECCN 3A001.a.7 for controls on unprogrammed programmable logic
devices. (4) Printed circuit boards and populated circuit cards
whose layout is specially designed for defense articles that are
subject to the ITAR are controlled in USML Category XI(c)(2). (5)
Multichip modules for which the pattern or layout is ``specially
designed'' for defense articles that are subject to the ITAR are
controlled in USML Category XI(c)(3). (6) Electronic items
``specially designed'' for military use that are not controlled in
any USML category but are within the scope of another ``600 series''
ECCN are controlled by that ``600 series'' ECCN. Thus, ECCN 3A611
controls only electronic items ``specially designed'' for a military
use that are not otherwise within the scope of a USML category or
``600 series'' ECCN other than ECCN 3A611. For example, electronic
components not enumerated on the USML or a 600 series other than
3A611 that are ``specially designed'' for a military aircraft
controlled by USML Category VIII or ECCN 9A610 are controlled by the
catch-all control in ECCN 9A610.x. Electronic components not
enumerated on the USML or another 600 series entry that are
``specially designed'' for a military vehicle controlled by USML
Category VII or ECCN 0A606 are controlled by ECCN 0A606.x.
Electronic components not enumerated on the USML that are
``specially designed'' for a missile controlled by USML Category IV
are controlled by ECCN 0A604. (7) Certain radiation hardened
microelectronic circuits are controlled by ECCN 9A515.d, when
``specially designed'' for defense articles, 600 series items, or
items controlled by 9A515.
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Electronic ``equipment,'' ``end items,'' and ``systems''
``specially designed'' for military use that are not enumerated in
either a USML category or another ``600 series'' ECCN.
Note: ECCN 3A611.a includes any radar, telecommunications,
acoustic or computer equipment, end items, or systems ``specially
designed'' for military use that are not enumerated in any USML
category or controlled by a ``600 series'' ECCN.
b. [Reserved]
c. Microwave ``monolithic integrated circuits'' (MMIC) power
amplifiers having any of the following:
c.1. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 2.7 GHz up to
and including 2.9 GHz and having any of the following:
c.1.a. A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 15%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 75 W (48.75 dBm) and a power
added efficiency of 50% or greater anywhere within the operating
frequency range; or
c.1.b. A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 60%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 150 W (51.8 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.2. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 2.9 GHz up to
and including 3.2 GHz and having any of the following:
c.2.a A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 15%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 55 W (47.4 dBm) and a power
added efficiency of 45% or greater anywhere within the operating
frequency range; or
c.2.b. A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 55%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 110 W (50.4 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
[[Page 45046]]
c.3. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 3.2 GHz up to
and including 3.7 GHz and having any of the following:
c.3.a A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 15%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 40 W (46 dBm) and a power added
efficiency of 45% or greater anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
c.3.b A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 50%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 80 W (49 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.4. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 3.7 GHz up to
and including 6.8 GHz and having any of the following:
c.4.a. A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 15%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 20 W (43 dBm) and a power added
efficiency of 40% or greater anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
c.4.b A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 45%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 40 W (46 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.5. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 6.8 GHz up to
and including 8.5 GHz and having any of the following:
c.5.a A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 10%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 10 W (40.0 dBm) and a power
added efficiency of 40% or greater anywhere within the operating
frequency range; or
c.5.b A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 40%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 20 W (43 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.6. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 8.5 GHz up to
and including 16 GHz and having any of the following:
c.6.a. A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 10%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 5 W (37 dBm) and a power added
efficiency of 35% or greater anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
c.6.b A ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than 40%, with a peak
saturated power output greater than 10 W (40 dBm) anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.7. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 16 GHz up to
and including 31.8 GHz with a ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than
10%, and having a peak saturated power output greater than 3 W
(34.77 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 20% or greater anywhere
within the operating frequency range;
c.8. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 31.8 GHz up to
and including 37 GHz, and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 2 W (33 dBm) anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
c.9. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 37 GHz up to
and including 43.5 GHz with a ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than
10%, and having a peak saturated power output greater than 1 W (30
dBm) and a power added efficiency of 15% or greater anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.10. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 43.5 GHz up
to and including 75 GHz with a ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than
10%, and having a peak saturated power output greater than 31.62 mW
(15 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 10% or greater anywhere
within the operating frequency range;
c.11. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 75 GHz up to
and including 90 GHz with a ``fractional bandwidth'' greater than
5%, and having a peak saturated power output greater than 10 mW (10
dBm) and a power added efficiency of 10% or greater anywhere within
the operating frequency range;
c.12. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 90 GHz up to
and including 110 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 1.0 mW (0 dBm) anywhere within the operating frequency
range; or
c.13. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 110 GHz and
having a peak saturated power output greater than 100 nW (-40 dBm)
anywhere within the operating frequency range.
Note 1 to 3A611.c: The status of an item whose rated operating
frequency includes frequencies listed in more than one frequency
range, as defined by 3A611.c.1 through 3A611.c.13 is determined by
the lowest saturated output power threshold.
Note 2 to 3A611.c: Peak saturated power output may also be
referred to as output power, saturated power output, maximum power
output, peak power output, or peak envelope power output.
d. Discrete microwave transistors having any of the following:
d.1. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 2.7 GHz up to
and including 2.9 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 400 W (56 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 50% or
greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.2. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 2.9 GHz up to
and including 3.2 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 205 W (53.12 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 50%
or greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.3. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 3.2 GHz up to
and including 3.7 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 115 W (50.61 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 45%
or greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.4. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 3.7 GHz up to
and including 6.8 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 60 W (47.78 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 45% or
greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.5. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 6.8 GHz up to
and including 8.5 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 50 W (47 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 50% or
greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.6. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 8.5 GHz and up
to and including 12 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 20 W (43 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 35% or
greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.7. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 12 GHz up to
and including 16 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 40 W (46 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 35% or
greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.8. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 16 GHz up to
and including 31.8 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 20 W (43 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 30% or
greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.9. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 31.8 GHz up to
and including 37 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 2 W (33 dBm) anywhere within the operating frequency
range;
d.10. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 37 GHz up to
and including 43.5 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 1 W (30 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 20% or
greater anywhere within the operating frequency range; or
d.11. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 43.5 GHz to
and including 75 GHz and having a peak saturated power output
greater than 0.5 W (27 dBm) and a power added efficiency of 15% or
greater anywhere within the operating frequency range;
d.12. Rated for operation at frequencies exceeding 75 GHz and
having a peak saturated power output greater than 0.1 W (20 dBm)
anywhere within the operating frequency range.
Note 1 to 3A611.d: The status of an item whose rated operating
frequency includes frequencies listed in more than one frequency
range, as defined by 3A611.d.1 through 3A611.d.12 is determined by
the lowest saturated output power threshold.
Note 2 to 3A611.d: Peak saturated power output may also be
referred to as output power, saturated power output, maximum power
output, peak power output, or peak envelope power output.
Note 3 to 3A611.d: 3A611.d includes bare dice, dice mounted on
carriers, or dice mounted in packages. Some discrete transistors may
also be referred to as power amplifiers, but the status of these
products are determined by 3A001.b.3. and 3A611.d.
e. High frequency (HF) surface wave radar that maintains the
positional state of maritime surface or low altitude airborne
objects of interest in a received radar signal through time.
Note: ECCN 3A611.e does not apply to systems, equipment, and
assemblies ``specially designed'' for marine traffic control.
f. Application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and
programmable logic devices (PLD) programmed for 600 series items.
g. Printed circuit boards and populated circuit card assemblies
for which the layout is ``specially designed'' for 600 series items.
h. Multichip modules for which the pattern or layout is
``specially designed'' for 600 series items.
[[Page 45047]]
i. through w. [Reserved]
x. ``Parts,'' ``components,'' ``accessories'' and
``attachments'' that are ``specially designed'' for a commodity
controlled by this entry or for an article controlled by USML
Category XI, and not enumerated in any USML category.
Note 1 to ECCN 3A611.x: ECCN 3A611.x includes parts, components,
accessories, and attachments ``specially designed'' for a radar,
telecommunications, acoustic systems or equipment or computer
``specially designed'' for military use that are neither enumerated
in any USML category nor controlled in another ``600 series'' ECCN.
Note 2 to ECCN 3A611.x: ECCN 3A611.x controls parts and
components ``specially designed'' for underwater sensors or
projectors controlled by USML Category XI(c)(12) containing single-
crystal lead magnesium niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT) based
piezoelectrics.
y. Specific ``parts,'' ``components,'' ``accessories'' and
``attachments'' ``specially designed'' for a commodity subject to
control in this entry and not elsewhere specified in any 600-series
ECCN as follows:
y.1. Electric couplings;
y.2. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs);
y.3. Electrical connectors;
y.4. Electric fans;
y.5. Rotron fans;
y.6. Electric fuses other than those specially designed for
explosive detonation;
y.7. Grid vacuum tubes;
y.8. Audio headphones, earphones, handsets, and headsets;
y.9. Heat sinks;
y.10. Intercom systems;
y.11. Joy sticks;
y.12. Loudspeakers;
y.13. Mica paper capacitors;
y.14. Microphones;
y.15. Potentiometers;
y.16. Rheostats;
y.17. Electric connector backshells;
y.18. Solenoids;
y.19. Speakers;
y.20. Electric switches other than RF, pressure, diplexer,
duplexer, circulator, or isolator switches;
y.21. Trackballs;
y.22. Electric transformers;
y.23. Vacuum tubes other than TWTs, klystron tubes, or tubes
specially designed for articles enumerated in USML Category XII;
y.24. Waveguide.
0
4. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs 3B002
and 3B991, add new entry for ECCN 3B611 to read as follows:
3B611 Test, inspection, and production commodities for military
electronics, as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry................ NS Column 1
RS applies to entire entry................ RS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
UN applies to entire entry................ See Sec. 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
LVS: $1500
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (Sec. 740.20(c)(2)
of the EAR) may not be used for any item in 3B611.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: N/A
Related Controls: N/A
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Test, inspection, and production end items and equipment
``specially designed'' for the ``development,'' ``production,''
repair, overhaul or refurbishing of items controlled in ECCN 3A611
or USML Category XI that are not enumerated in USML Category XI or
controlled by another ``600 series'' ECCN.
b. through w. [Reserved]
x. ``Parts,'' ``components,'' ``accessories'' and
``attachments'' that are ``specially designed'' for a commodity
listed in this entry and that are not enumerated on the USML or
controlled by another ``600 series'' ECCN.
0
5. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs 3D101
and 3D980, add a new entry for ECCN 3D611 to read as follows:
3D611 ``Software'' ``specially designed'' for military electronics,
as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry except 3D611.y. NS Column 1
RS applies to entire entry except 3D611.y. RS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
UN applies to entire entry except 3D611.y. See Sec. 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
CIV: N/A
TSR: N/A
STA: 1. Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (Sec.
740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be used for any ``software'' in
3D611. 2. Except for ``build-to-print'' software, License Exception
STA is not eligible for software enumerated in ECCN 3D611.b.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: $ value
Related Controls: ``Software'' directly related to articles
enumerated in USML Category XI is controlled in USML Category XI(d).
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Software ``specially designed'' for the ``development,''
``production,'' operation, or maintenance of commodities controlled
by ECCN 3A611 (other than 3A611.y) and 3B611.
b. Software specially designed for the ``development,''
``production,'' operation or maintenance of technology in ECCN
3E611.b.
c. through x. [Reserved]
y. Specific ``software'' ``specially designed'' for the
``production,'' ``development,'' operation or maintenance of
commodities enumerated in ECCNs 3A611.y.
0
6. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs 3E292
and 3E980, add new entry for ECCN 3E611 to read as follows:
3E611 Technology ``required'' for military electronics, as follows
(see List of Items Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry except 3E611.y. NS Column 1
RS applies to entire entry except 3E611.y. RS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
UN applies to entire entry except 3E611.y. See Sec. 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
CIV: N/A
TSR: N/A
STA: 1. Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (Sec.
740.20(c)(2) of the EAR) may not be used for any technology in
3E611. 2. Except for ``build-to-print'' technology, License
Exception STA is not eligible for technology enumerated in ECCN
3E611.b.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: $ value
Related Controls: Technical data directly related to articles
enumerated in USML Category XI is controlled in USML Category XI(d).
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. ``Technology'' (other than that described in 3E611.b or
3E611.y) ``required'' for the ``development,'' ``production,''
operation, installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul, or
refurbishing of commodities or software controlled by ECCN 3A611,
3B611 or 3D611.
b. ``Technology'' ``required'' for the ``development,''
``production,'' operation, installation, maintenance, repair,
overhaul, or refurbishing of the following if controlled by ECCN
3A611, including 3A611.x:
b.1. Helix traveling wave tubes (TWTs);
b.2. Transmit/receive or transmit modules;
b.3. Microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMIC); or
b.4. Discrete microwave transistors.
c. through x. [Reserved]
y. Specific ``technology'' ``required'' for the ``production,''
``development,'' operation,
[[Page 45048]]
installation, maintenance, repair, overhaul, or refurbishing of
commodities or software enumerated in ECCNs 3A611.y or 3D611.y.
0
7. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, amend ECCN 4A003 by revising the
License Requirements section to read as follows:
4A003 ``Digital computers'', ``electronic assemblies'', and related
equipment therefor, as follows (see List of Items Controlled) and
specially designed components therefor.
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, MT, CC, AT, NP
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to 4A003.b and .c.............. NS Column 1
NS applies to 4A003.e and .g.............. NS Column 2
MT applies to 4A003.e when the parameters MT Column 1
in 3A101.a.2.b are met or exceeded.
CC applies to ``digital computers'' for CC Column 1
computerized finger-print equipment.
AT applies to entire entry (refer to 4A994 AT Column 1
for controls on ``digital computers''
with a APP >0.0128 but <=3.0 WT).
NP applies, unless a License Exception is available. See Sec.
742.3(b) of the EAR for information on applicable licensing review
policies.
Note 1: For all destinations, except those countries in Country
Group E:1 of Supplement No. 1 to part 740 of the EAR, no license is
required (NLR) for computers with an ``Adjusted Peak Performance''
(``APP'') not exceeding 3.0 Weighted TeraFLOPS (WT) and for
``electronic assemblies'' described in 4A003.c that are not capable
of exceeding an ``Adjusted Peak Performance'' (``APP'') exceeding
3.0 Weighted TeraFLOPS (WT) in aggregation, except certain transfers
as set forth in Sec. 746.3 (Iraq).
Note 2: Special Post Shipment Verification reporting and
recordkeeping requirements for exports of computers to destinations
in Computer Tier 3 may be found in Sec. 743.2 of the EAR.
* * * * *
0
8. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs 4A102
and 4A980, add a new entry for ECCN 4A611 as follows:
4A611 Computers, and parts, components, accessories, and attachments
``specially designed'' therefor, ``specially designed'' for military
use that are not enumerated in any USML category are controlled by
ECCN 3A611.
0
9. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, amend ECCN 5A001 by revising the
Related Controls paragraph of the List of Items Controlled section, to
read as follows:
5A001 Telecommunications systems, equipment, components and
accessories, as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
* * * * *
List of Items Controlled
* * * * *
Related Controls: 1. See USML Category XV for controls on
telecommunications equipment defined in 5A001.a.1 and any other
equipment used in satellites that are subject to the ITAR. See USML
Category XI for controls on direction finding equipment defined in
5A001.e and any other military or intelligence electronic equipment
subject to the ITAR. 2. See USML Category XI(a)(4)(iii) for controls
on electronic attack and jamming equipment defined in 5A001.f and .h
that are subject to the ITAR. 3. See also ECCNs 5A101, 5A980, and
5A991.
* * * * *
0
10. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs
5A101 and 5A980, add a new entry for ECCN 5A611 as follows:
5A611 Telecommunications equipment, and parts, components,
accessories, and attachments ``specially designed'' therefor,
``specially designed'' for military use that are not enumerated in
any USML category are controlled by ECCN 3A611.
0
11. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs
6A226 and 6A991, add a new entry for ECCN 6A611 as follows:
6A611 Acoustic systems and equipment, radar, and parts, components,
accessories, and attachments ``specially designed'' therefor,
``specially designed'' for military use that are not enumerated in
any USML category or other ECCN are controlled by ECCN 3A611.
0
12. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, ECCN 7A006, revise the Reasons for
Control paragraph of the License Requirements section to read as
follows:
7A006 Airborne altimeters operating at frequencies other than 4.2 to
4.4 GHz inclusive and having any of the following (see List of Items
Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, MT, AT
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry................ NS Column 1
MT applies to commodities in this entry MT Column 1
that meet or exceed the parameters of
7A106.
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
* * * * *
0
13. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs
7A117 and 7A994, add a new entry for ECCN 7A611 as follows:
7A611 Navigation and avionics equipment and, systems and parts,
components, accessories, and attachments ``specially designed''
therefor, ``specially designed'' for military use that are not
enumerated in any USML category or another 600 series ECCN are
controlled by ECCN 3A611.
0
14. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, ECCN 7D101, revise the heading to
read as follows:
7D101 ``Software'' specially designed or modified for the ``use'' of
equipment controlled for missile technology (MT) reasons by 7A001 to
7A006, 7A101 to 7A107, 7A115, 7A116, 7A117, 7B001, 7B002, 7B003,
7B101, 7B102, or 7B103.
* * * * *
0
15. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs
9A120 and 9A980, add a new entry for ECCN 9A620 to read as follows:
9A620 Cryogenic and ``superconductive'' equipment, as follows (see
list of items controlled).
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry................ NS Column 1
RS applies to entire entry................ RS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
UN applies to entire entry................ See Sec. 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
LVS: $1500
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (Sec. 740.20(c)(2)
of the EAR) may not be used for any item in 9A620.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: End items in number; parts, components, accessories and
attachments in $ value.
Related Controls: Electronic items that are enumerated in USML
Category XI or other USML categories, and technical data (including
software) directly related thereto, are subject to the ITAR.
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Equipment ``specially designed'' to be installed in a vehicle
for military ground, marine, airborne, or space applications, and
capable of operating while in motion and of producing or maintaining
temperatures below 103 K (-170[deg]C).
Note to 9A620.a: ECCN 9A620.a includes mobile systems
incorporating or employing accessories or components manufactured
from non-metallic or non-electrical conductive materials such as
plastics or epoxy-impregnated materials.
[[Page 45049]]
b. ``Superconductive'' electrical equipment (rotating machinery
and transformers) ``specially designed'' to be installed in a
vehicle for military ground, marine, airborne, or space
applications, and capable of operating while in motion.
Note to 9A610.b: ECCN 9A620.b. does not control direct-current
hybrid homopolar generators that have single-pole normal metal
armatures which rotate in a magnetic field produced by
superconducting windings, provided those windings are the only
superconducting components in the generator.
c. through w. [Reserved]
x. ``Parts,'' ``components,'' ``accessories'' and
``attachments'' that are ``specially designed'' for a commodity
controlled by ECCN 9A620.
0
16. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs
9B117 and 9B990, add a new entry for ECCN 9B620 to read as follows:
9B620 Test, inspection, and production commodities for cryogenic and
``superconductive'' equipment (see List of Items controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry................ NS Column 1
RS applies to entire entry................ RS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
UN applies to entire entry................ See Sec. 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
LVS: $1500
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (Sec. 740.20(c)(2)
of the EAR) may not be used for any item in 9B620.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: N/A
Related Controls: N/A
Related Definitions: N/A
Items:
a. Test, inspection, and production end items and equipment
``specially designed'' for the ``development,'' ``production,''
repair, overhaul or refurbishing of items controlled in ECCN 9A620.
b. [Reserved]
0
17. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs
9D105 and 9D990, add a new entry for ECCN 9D620 to read as follows:
9D620 ``Software'' ``specially designed'' for cryogenic and
``superconductive'' equipment, as follows (see List of Items
Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry................ NS Column 1
RS applies to entire entry................ RS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
UN applies to entire entry................ See Sec. 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
CIV: N/A
TSR: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (Sec. 740.20(c)(2)
of the EAR) may not be used for any ``software'' in 9D620.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: $ value
Related Controls: ``Software'' directly related to articles
enumerated on USML are subject to the control of that USML category.
Related Definitions: N/A
Items: Software ``specially designed'' for the ``development,''
``production,'' operation, or maintenance of commodities controlled
by ECCNs 9A620 or 9B620.
0
18. In Supplement No. 1 to Part 774, between the entries for ECCNs
9E102 and 9E990, add a new entry for ECCN 9E620 to read as follows:
9E620 Technology ``required'' for cryogenic and ``superconductive''
equipment, as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
License Requirements
Reason for Control: NS, RS, AT, UN
Control(s) Country chart
NS applies to entire entry................ NS Column 1
RS applies to entire entry................ RS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry................ AT Column 1
UN applies to entire entry................ See Sec. 746.1(b) for UN
controls
License Exceptions
CIV: N/A
TSR: N/A
STA: Paragraph (c)(2) of License Exception STA (Sec. 740.20(c)(2)
of the EAR) may not be used for any technology in 9E620.
List of Items Controlled
Unit: $ value
Related Controls: Technical data directly related to articles
enumerated on USML are subject to the control of that USML category.
Related Definitions: N/A
Items: ``Technology'' ``required'' for the ``development,''
``production,'' operation, installation, maintenance, repair,
overhaul, or refurbishing of commodities or software controlled by
ECCN 9A620, 9B620 or 9D620.
Dated: July 12, 2013.
Kevin J. Wolf,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013-17559 Filed 7-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-33-P