Today, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released three rules—one Final Rule, one Interim Final Rule, and one Proposed Rule—to modernize BIS’s space-related export controls.

In a Final Rule, BIS is removing license requirements for exports of certain items involving remote sensing or space-based logistics, assembly, or servicing spacecraft destined for Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-23932.pdf?utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov

In an Interim Final Rule, BIS is removing license requirements for exports of certain spacecraft components to over 40 allies and partners worldwide, reducing licensing requirements for the least sensitive components for many destinations, and broadening license exceptions to support additional National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) cooperative programs. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-23958.pdf?utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov

Additionally, in a Proposed Rule published in concert with the Department of State, BIS outlines initial proposals to transfer jurisdiction of certain space-related defense articles that no longer provide a critical military or intelligence advantage from the U.S. Munitions List (USML) maintained by the Department of State to the Commerce Control List. Examples include spacecraft capable of refueling other spacecraft and spacecraft capable of autonomous collision avoidance. This proposed transfer would enable the use of BIS license exceptions that facilitate exports of commercial space items to close allies and partners.

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-23975.pdf?utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov

Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding these rules.