Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations: Equipment Related to the Production of Chemical Weapons and Warfare Agents, Microorganisms and Toxins; Revision to Australia Group Members

摘要

The Bureau of Export Administration maintains the Commerce Control List (CCL), which appears in the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This rule amends the CCL by revising Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) 1B70 and 1C61. These ECCNs control dual- use items that can be used in the production of chemical and biological weapons (CBW). The changes made by this rule are intended to conform the list of CBW related items controlled by the United States to the lists of items agreed to and adopted by countries participating in the Australia Group (AG). In addition, this rule revises the list of countries participating in the Australia Group (AG) to include Argentina and Hungary, since both countries now participate in the Australia Group. This revision is expected to reduce the number of export license applications that will have to be submitted for items that are being made exempt from the validated license requirements described in the chemical and biological weapons control provisions of the EAR, thereby reducing the paperwork burden on the public.