House Bill Could Lead to New Genetic Mapping Tech Export Controls, Sanctions

A bill was introduced in the House that could lead to new export controls on genetic mapping technology and sanction entities in China and elsewhere involved in certain genetic mapping efforts. The bill would specifically direct the Commerce Department to deny licenses for those exporting these items to certain countries unless the exporter can submit documentation to the government "to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that, if the license is approved, the technology will not be used for human rights abuses or by an entity that has engaged in human rights abuses."

The Stopping Genetic Monitoring by China Act covers Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria along with China. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., introduced the bill, and the text was published Aug. 24. It has no co-sponsors.

The items Dunn wishes to be controlled include next generation and "Sanger Generation" genetic sequencers, genetic sequencing kits and reagents, DNA testing kits, related laboratory instruments, any instrument-specific software related to "genetic testing, genetic mapping, genetic sequencing, genetic analysis and editing," and "any other related genetic technology that could enable human rights abuses, as identified by the head of any agency represented on the End-User Review Committee, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services." The items are required to be added to the Commerce Control List within 90 days of the bill's enactment.

The bill also directs the administration to apply financial sanctions to parties that have been added to the Entity List for human rights abuses "directly or indirectly related to genetic monitoring efforts." Sanctions would also be applied against people or parties that have or are providing "to an entity in a covered country genetic sampling and analysis technology that could directly or indirectly enable gross violations of internationally recognized human rights."

Sanctions could also target any private Chinese university or company that has "a history of subcontracting for the People’s Liberation Army, the People’s Armed Police, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, or any affiliate." Regulations from the Treasury Department would be due 180 days after enactment.