OSA applauds Final Rule for Export Control Reform.
Press Release Summary:
OSA issued statement regarding the announcement of Final Rule for Category XII of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations that controls export and import of optics and photonics commodities, including laser components and systems, and describes which items have been removed from U.S. Munitions List and placed on less restrictive Commerce Control List. According to Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of OSA, changes help U.S. optics and photonics companies remain competitive in the global marketplace.
Original Press Release:
The Optical Society Applauds the Obama Administration on Final Rule for Export Control Reform, Category XII
WASHINGTON —The Optical Society (OSA) issued the following statement regarding the announcement of Final Rule for Category XII of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) that controls the export and import of optics and photonics commodities, including laser components and systems, and describes which items have been removed from the U.S. Munitions List and placed on the less restrictive Commerce Control List. Please attribute to Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society.
“The changes adopted in the final Category XII Export Control Reform help the U.S. optics and photonics companies, most of which are small businesses, remain competitive in the global marketplace. Optics and photonics is a $400 billion global industry, and it’s imperative that U.S. businesses to have access to the global market.
“The final rule helps ensure that unnecessary restrictions don’t hamper U.S. exports of optics and photonic laser components and systems thereby helping to decrease the time to market on regulated components and reduce the cost of compliance for businesses and universities. The specially designed criteria for defense-related technologies provide the flexibility for U.S. industry to export products that are commercially available from foreign companies while protecting our national security.
Editorial Note:
The final rule will be published in the Federal Register on 12 October 2016. The public inspection documents are currently online:
- International Traffic in Arms: U.S. Munitions List Category XII
- Export Administration Regulations: Control of Fire Control, Laser, Imaging, and Guidance Equipment President Determines No Longer Warrant Control under United States Munitions List
Despite this rule being final, the Department of State has indicated that a notice of inquiry (NOI) will be issued later this year seeking public input on technical criteria that would establish a bright line between military and commercial and civil systems. During the previous proposed rules, the criteria could not yet be identified.
As part of its continuing efforts to educate the optics industry on the impacts of the new regulations, The Optical Society will be holding two informational events.
The Optical Society will host a webinar entitled “Learn about the New Export Control Regulations” featuring Matt Borman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, on 17 October, at 14:00 EDT. Registration details can be found here.
On 3 November at 12:30 pm, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Kevin J Wolf will deliver a luncheon keynote during the OSA Laser Congress in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. To register for the complimentary luncheon please contact Laura Kolton at lkolton@osa.org.
About The Optical Society
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org/100.
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