National Security Will Remain Job No. 1 Throughout Effort to Reform Export Controls

While export control reform is well under way in the United States, the Obama administration warned exporters that enforcement of the regulations remains a top priority.

The reform, announced by the White House on April 20, calls for significant changes to the way the federal government processes export licenses for controlled U.S.-made military and commercial items. The plan also includes fielding a single computer system for use among the various Commerce, State and Defense department agencies in charge of export controls, and a gradual merger of controlled items lists.

"Concurrently with licensing efficiencies and education efforts, enforcement will become an even higher priority," said Eric L. Hirschhorn, undersecretary for industry and security.

The reform is expected to allow agencies in charge of export controls to more efficiently concentrate their enforcement resources on violations that threaten national security, such as illicit shipments of military technologies to sanctioned countries or terrorist organizations.

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