Commerce Rule Published to Ease US Telecom, Certain Software Exports to Cuba

A Department of Commerce rule to facilitate telecom and other exports to Cuba was published in the Federal Register Wednesday. Under the rule, various exports and reexports will be subject to a general policy of license approval by the Bureau of Industry and Security, including: “(i) Telecommunications items that would improve communications to, from, and among the Cuban people; (ii) Commodities and software to human rights organizations or to individuals and non-governmental organizations that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba; (iii) Commodities and software to U.S. news bureaus in Cuba whose primary purpose is the gathering and dissemination of news to the general public.” The rule was announced Tuesday (see 1601270018).