January 2008
U.S. Administration: Export Control Modernization Directives Reforming Military and Dual Use Licensing
The White House signed a package of directives "that will ensure the United States' export control policies and practices support the National Security Strategy of 2006, while facilitating the United States' continued international economic and technological leadership." The Administration notes that these directives will "provide 'a more efficient and transparent export licensing process,' that would ensure 'continued U.S. economic competitiveness and innovation while protecting national security.' The directives promised 'additional financial resources and intelligence support' to provide 'timely adjudication of defense trade licenses,' guidelines requiring a license application decision within 60 days, upgrades in electronic licensing, a more efficient dispute resolution mechanism and procedures for export enforcement investigations." See the Department of Commerce and State Department fact sheets outlining important points in the directives.
