OIRA Begins Review of BIS Proposed Rule for Emerging Tech Control

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs began an interagency review for a proposed Bureau of Industry and Security rule to control “software” for the operation of “automated nucleic acid assemblers and synthesizers.” BIS will request comments on the proposed export controls. OIRA received the rule July 20.

In its spring agenda, BIS said it was planning to propose the rule this month (see 2007140027). The agency said the software can be used to produce pathogens and toxins for use in biological weapons. BIS said the control will be part of the agency’s effort to restrict sales of emerging and foundational technologies under the Export Control Reform Act (see 2005190052).