U.S. Tightens Chemical, Biological Export Limits

The United States yesterday expanded rules requiring exporters to obtain licenses when sending items that could be used for chemical or biological weapons to any location in the world (see GSN, July 7, 2004).

Previously, licenses had been required only for shipments of subject items to “certain countries of concern,” according to a State Department press release.

The Commerce Department published the licensing notice yesterday in the Federal Register. Export controls are being increased “for foreign policy reasons,” according to the department’s Industry and Security Bureau.

U.S. biological and chemical export controls are consistent with the Australia Group Common Control List, according to the State Department. Items on the list include chemical weapons precursors, dual-use equipment and technology that could be used for chemical weapons, biological agents and animal and plant pathogens (U.S. State Department release, March 30).

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