BIS Extends Foundational Tech Comment Period, Clarifies Confidential Submissions

The Bureau of Industry and Security on Oct. 6 extended the comment period for its pre-rule on foundational technologies, clarifying that it will accept “confidential business information” from commenters if they follow certain guidelines. Comments, which were previously due Oct. 26 (see 2008260045), are now due Nov. 9.

BIS said filers submitting confidential information should “clearly identify” that portion at the time of the submission and must file a statement “justifying nondisclosure and referring to the specific legal authority claimed.” Filers must also submit a public, nonconfidential version of their submission. For electronic submissions, pages should be clearly marked as confidential, according to BIS instructions.