OIRA Concludes Review of BIS Emerging Tech Rule

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on Sept. 30 completed an interagency review for a proposed Bureau of Industry and Security rule (see 2007210033) to control “software” for the operation of certain “automated nucleic acid assemblers and synthesizers.” BIS will request comments on the proposed export controls, which fall under the agency’s effort to control emerging technologies. OIRA received the rule July 20. On its spring agenda, BIS said the software can be used to produce pathogens and toxins that potentially can be used in biological weapons (see 2007140027).