The Bureau of Industry and Security is reviewing the effectiveness of export controls for spraying or fogging systems described in Commerce Control List (CCL) Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 2B352.i, BIS said in a Federal Register notice.
BIS is accepting comments on the export controls through Oct. 12.
Specifically, BIS is accepting comments to ensure descriptions of these items on the CCL are clear, don’t inadvertently control items in normal commercial use and accurately reflect chemical/biological-related technological capabilities and developments.
Further, BIS is seeking comment to confirm that controls on products in ECCN 2B352.i are consistent with the multilateral Australia Group’s main objective, which is ensuring exports of certain chemicals, biological agents and dual-use chemical and biological manufacturing facilities and equipment don’t contribute to the spread of chemical and biological weapons, the agency said.
The Australia Group is a 43-member multilateral forum maintaining export controls on certain chemicals, biological agents and related equipment and technology that could be used in a chemical or biological weapons program.
ECCN 2B352.i controls complete spraying or fogging systems, spray booms and arrays of aerosol-generating units that are “specially designed” or modified for fitting to aircraft “lighter than air vehicles” or unmanned aerial vehicles and capable of delivering, from a liquid suspension, an initial droplet volume median diameter of less than 50 microns at a flow rate of over 2 liters per minute, BIS said.
The ECCN also controls aerosol-generating units “specially designed” for fitting to the aforementioned equipment.