WASHINGTON-Congressional investigators in the General Accounting Office recently issued two reports dealing with export-control policy just as Congress is considering a bill that would relax export-control policy.
The first report said review times for export licenses for the Departments of State and Commerce are similar.
The second report admonished the Commerce Department for not following a law that requires licenses for the export of products with a possible or dual-use military component. GAO said, over the Commerce Department’s objections, that the Commerce Department needed to revise its regulations to require companies wishing to export military-potential products to Canada to obtain a license.
It took an average of 46 days to get an application reviewed by the State Department, while the Commerce Department took 50 days.
“The Department of Commerce’s export regulations are not consistent with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 amendment for the Export Administration Act for missile technology controls. That amendment requires an individual export license for all controlled dual-use missile equipment and technology to all countries. However, the Department of Commerce’s regulations do not require licenses for the export of controlled missile equipment and technology to Canada,” said GAO.
The Commerce Department said no change was needed since the Canadian exemption pre-dates the 1991 amendment. It also said it is consulting with other agencies in preparation for legislation currently being considered by Congress.
The reports come as Senate action is expected shortly on a bill that would relax the export controls on dual-use items. Dual-use items were developed primarily for commercial uses but also have military applications. Current law allows for dual-use items to be licensed by the Commerce Department while the State Department licenses military items, also called munitions.
