BIS Seeks Comment on ‘Foundational Technologies’ Needing Tighter Export Controls

Comments are due Oct. 26 on a Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security advance NPRM to decide if there are “specific foundational technologies” that warrant “more restrictive” export controls, says Thursday's Federal Register. “Foundational technologies essential to the national security are those that may warrant stricter controls if a present or potential application or capability of that technology poses a national security threat,” it says. Foundational technologies “could include items that are currently subject to control for military end use,” it says. “Many of these items, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment and associated software tools, lasers, sensors, and underwater systems, can be tied to indigenous military innovation efforts in China, Russia or Venezuela. Accordingly, they may pose a national security threat.” The ANPRM is in docket BIS-2020-0029 at Regulations.gov.