Another US Administration Says ITAR License Review Will Get Better
January 2008
President Bush issued an Export Control Directive on January 22, 2008, the directive is presumed to improve the way in which the Department of State responds to the many licenses it receives for the export of defense equipment, services, and technical data. Bush promised, “a more efficient and transparent export license process” and better “dispute resolution mechanisms” but was sure to include that there will remain a strong monitor on protecting national security.
The specific changes include:
- Additional financial resources and intelligence support to provide timely adjudication of defense trade licenses
- New guidelines requiring decisions by the U.S. Government on defense trade export license applications within 60 days unless there is strong reason for additional time which must be approved
- The electronic licensing system will be upgraded to allow all types of defense trade licenses and their submission
- An interagency will be created to allow for timely resolution of licensing jurisdiction issues under the Commodity Jurisdiction process
- A multi-agency working group will be created to improve procedures for export enforcement investigations
The majority applauds the administration’s actions and feels that this will benefit all users. The Aerospace Industries Association and the Coalition for Security and Competitiveness all released statements commending the directive and welcoming it with open arms. Others however, are more skeptical of the reforms and especially the time that will be required to implement such a system. Donald Weadon, a congressional aid and expert on export controls, said the initiative, “fails to address the principal deficiencies of the current system, which are adversely impacting U.S. technology companies.” He also stressed that, “There is little chance that any of the elements touted will be implemented in the next 12 months, especially since they require significant increases in funding and acquisition of sorely needed secure computer systems and the training of skilled manpower.”
No exact dates have been released when the Department of State will begin to see changes and exactly how the changes will be implemented has yet to be released. It will be interesting to see how quickly the directives are executed and if they make a difference, as so many feel very confident about the reform and the impact it will have on the U.S. economy.
We unfortunately are not excited by the latest announcement and are waiting for proof that this is not just another case of a lot of talk that results in marginal and temporary improvement in the ITAR license review problems.
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