BIS Issues Expedited Licensing Policy to Aid With Earthquake Relief in Syria, Turkey

The Bureau of Industry and Security will expedite export license applications for items related to humanitarian and earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria, BIS announced Feb. 17. Although most aid-related items don’t require a license under the Export Administration Regulations, BIS said it will fast-track any items that do, including heavy equipment, telecommunications hardware and software, portable generators, medical devices, water purification equipment, sanitation equipment and shelter materials.

“Despite substantial and necessary export controls on the Assad Regime, the United States will work to support the legitimate humanitarian needs of Syria’s impacted communities,” BIS Undersecretary Alan Estevez said. “We will work closely with our interagency partners to implement a rapid review of license applications to aid in relief efforts and recovery from this devastating disaster.”

BIS said Syria is subject to “comprehensive export controls” under a broad U.S. sanctions program. But the export restrictions shouldn’t “prevent or otherwise impede the shipment of aid and recovery-related items intended directly for the Syrian people or through” aid groups, “including in areas under the control of the Assad regime and non-state actors.”