[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 52 (Thursday, March 18, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13338-13340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6721]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of Export Administration

15 CFR parts 734, 740, 742, 752, 772, and 774.

[Docket No. 990311067-9067-01]
RIN: 0694-AB84


Removal of Commercial Communications Satellites and Related Items 
from the Department of Commerce's Commerce Control List for Retransfer 
to the Department of State's United States Munitions List

AGENCY: Bureau of Export Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) is amending the 
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by removing commercial 
communications satellites and related items from the Commerce Control 
List (CCL) and retransferring these items to the United States 
Munitions List (USML). This regulation shall not apply to any export 
license issued by the Department of Commerce before March 15, 1999, or 
to any export license application filed under the Export Administration 
Regulations on or before March 14, 1999, and subsequently issued by the 
Department of Commerce.

DATES: This rule is effective March 15, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James A. Lewis, Office of Strategic 
Trade and Foreign Policy Controls, Bureau of Export Administration, 
Telephone: (202) 482-4196.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On October 17, 1998, the President signed the Strom Thurmond 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Pub. L. 105-
261), which requires all satellites and related items on the Commerce 
Control List of the EAR be retransferred to the USML and controlled 
under Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act. The Act defined 
``related items'' to mean, ``satellite fuel, ground support equipment, 
test equipment, payload adapter or interface hardware, replacement 
parts, and non-embedded solid propellant orbit transfer engines.'' This 
retransfer reverses Presidential decisions shifting commercial 
communications satellites (COMSATS) from the jurisdiction of the 
Department of State to the Department of Commerce. Further, section 
1514(a)(3) of the Act mandates that in the event of the failure of a 
launch from a foreign country of a satellite of United States origin, 
the activities of United States persons or entities in connection with 
any subsequent investigation of the failure are subject to the controls 
established under section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act, including 
requirements for licenses issued by the Secretary of State for 
participation in that investigation.
    In accordance with the FY 1999 National Defense Authorization Act, 
this regulation returns COMSATS and related items to the jurisdiction 
of the Department of State. However, the international space station, 
which is controlled under the same entry on the CCL as COMSATS, remains 
subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce. Items 
specific to the international space station transferred to the 
Department of Commerce by commodity jurisdiction action and controlled 
under ECCN 9A004 also remain subject to Department of Commerce 
jurisdiction. All other commodities and software for ``spacecraft'' 
previously transferred by commodity jurisdiction will be reviewed in 
light of this rule. BXA will be contacting persons who have received 
commodity classifications that are affected by this change. In 
addition, entries on the CCL containing items that are ``space-
qualified'' will be reviewed within 30 days of this retransfer to 
determine the appropriate jurisdiction and may result in a rule change.
    The effective date for the retransfer of jurisdiction of COMSATS 
from the Department of Commerce to the Department of State is March 15, 
1999. In accordance with the FY 1999 National Defense Authorization 
Act, this retransfer shall not affect any export license issued before 
March 15, 1999, or any export license application filed under the 
Export Administration Regulations on or before March 14, 1999, and 
subsequently issued by the Department of Commerce. COMSATS licensed by 
the Department of Commerce, including those already exported, remain 
subject to the EAR and all terms and conditions of issued export 
licenses until their stated expiration date. Although this rule 
eliminates SI controls for items listed in ECCN 9A004, all Department 
of Commerce issued COMSAT licenses, including licenses issued after 
March 15, 1999, remain subject to SI controls throughout the validity 
of the license.
    Although the Export Administration Act (EAA) expired on August 20, 
1994, the President invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers 
Act and continued in effect the EAR, and to the extent permitted by 
law, the provisions of the EAA, as amended, in Executive Order 12924 of 
August 19, 1994, as extended by the President's notices of August 15, 
1995 (60 FR 42767), August 14, 1996 (61 FR 42527) August 13, 1997 (62 
FR 43629) and August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121).

Rule Making Requirements

    1. This final rule has been determined to be significant for 
purposes of E.O. 12866.
    2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is 
required to respond to nor be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. This regulation involves 
collections previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
under control numbers 0694-0088, ``Multi-Purpose Application,'' which 
carries a burden hour estimate of 45 minutes per manual submission and 
40 minutes per electronic submission. In addition, miscellaneous and 
recordkeeping activities account for 12 minutes per submission. In 
Fiscal Year 1997, there were 12 applications submitted for exports of 
commercial communications satellites. As a result, the paper work 
burden on the public is reduced by 11 hours on an annual basis.
    3. This rule does not contain policies with Federalism implications 
sufficient to warrant preparation of a Federalism assessment under 
Executive Order 12612.
    4. The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act requiring 
notice of proposed rule making, the opportunity for public 
participation, and a delay in effective date, are inapplicable because 
this regulation involves a military or foreign affairs function of the 
United States (see 5

[[Page 13339]]

U.S.C. 553(a)(1)). Further, no other law requires that a notice of 
proposed rule making and an opportunity for public comment be given for 
this rule. Because a notice of proposed rule making and opportunities 
for public comment are not required to be given for this rule by 5 
U.S.C. 553, or by any other law, the analytical requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., are inapplicable.
    Therefore, this regulation is issued in final form. Although there 
is no formal comment period, public comments on this regulation are 
welcome on a continuing basis. Comments should be submitted to Frank J. 
Ruggiero, Office of Exporter Services, Bureau of Export Administration, 
Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 273, Washington, D.C. 20044.

List of Subjects

15 CFR part 734

    Administrative practice and procedure, Exports, Foreign trade.

15 CFR parts 740 and 752

    Administrative practice and procedure, Exports, Foreign trade, 
Reporting and record keeping requirements.

15 CFR parts 742, 772, and 774

    Exports, Foreign Trade.

    Accordingly, parts 734, 740, 742, 752, 772, and 774 of the Export 
Administration Regulations (15 CFR Parts 730-774) are amended as 
follows:
    1. The authority citation for 15 CFR Part 734 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 
E.O. 12924, 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., p. 917; E.O. 12938, 3 CFR, 1994 
Comp., p. 950; E.O. 13020, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp. p. 219; E.O. 13026, 3 
CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 228; Notice of August 13, 1997, 3 CFR, 1997 
Comp., p. 306; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121, August 17, 
1998).

    2. The authority citation for 15 CFR Part 740 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 
E.O. 12924, 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., p. 917; E.O. 13020, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp. 
p. 219; E.O. 13026, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 228; Notice of August 13, 
1997, 3 CFR, 1997 Comp., p. 306; Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 
44121, August 17, 1998).

    3. The authority citation for 15 CFR Part 742 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 
18 U.S.C. 2510 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 2139a; 
E.O. 12058, 43 FR 20947, 3 CFR, 1978 Comp., p. 179; E.O. 12851, 3 
CFR, 1993 Comp., p. 608; E.O. 12924, 59 FR 43437, 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., 
p. 917; E.O. 12938, 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., p. 950; E.O. 13020, 3 CFR, 
1996 Comp. p. 219; E.O. 13026, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 228; Notice of 
August 13, 1997, 3 CFR, 1997 Comp., p. 306; Notice of August 13, 
1998 (63 FR 44121, August 17, 1998).

    4. The authority citation for 15 CFR Part 752 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 
E.O. 12924, 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., p. 917; E.O. 13020, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp. 
p. 219; Notice of August 13, 1997, 3 CFR, 1997 Comp., p. 306; Notice 
of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121, August 17, 1998).

    5. The authority citation for 15 CFR Part 772 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 
E.O. 12924, 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., p. 917; E.O. 13026, 3 CFR, 1996 
Comp., p. 228; Notice of August 13, 1997, 3 CFR, 1997 Comp., p. 306; 
Notice of August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121, August 17, 1998).

    6. The authority citations for 15 CFR Part 774 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 50 U.S.C. app. 2401 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 
10 U.S.C. 7420; 10 U.S.C. 7430(e); 18 U.S.C. 2510 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 
287c; 22 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6004; Sec. 201, Pub. L. 104-
58, 109 Stat. 557 (30 U.S.C. 185(s)); 30 U.S.C. 185(u); 42 U.S.C. 
2139a; 42 U.S.C. 6212; 43 U.S.C. 1354; 46 U.S.C. app. 466c; 50 
U.S.C. app. 5; E.O. 12924, 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., p. 917; E.O. 13020, 3 
CFR, 1996 Comp. p. 219; E.O. 13026, 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 228; 
Notice of August 13, 1997, 3 CFR, 1997 Comp., p. 306; Notice of 
August 13, 1998 (63 FR 44121, August 17, 1998).

PART 734--[AMENDED]

    7. Section 734.2 is amended by removing the second sentence of 
paragraph (b)(1) and the second sentence of paragraph (b)(4).
    8. Section 734.4 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 734.4  De minimis U.S. content.

* * * * *
    (b) There is no de minimis level for the reexport of foreign-origin 
items that incorporate ``Information security'' systems and equipment, 
cryptographic devices, software and components specifically designed or 
modified therefor, and related technology controlled for ``EI'' reasons 
under ECCNs 5A002, 5D002, and 5E002. Certain mass market encryption 
software may become eligible for de minimis only after a one-time BXA 
review (refer to Sec. 742.15(b)(1)).
* * * * *

PART 740--[AMENDED]


Sec. 740.2  [Amended]

    9. Section 740.2 is amended by revising the phrase ``manned 
aircraft, satellite,'' in paragraph (a)(5) to read ``manned 
aircraft,''.

PART 742--[AMENDED]

    10. Section 742.14 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 742.14  Significant items: hot section technology for the 
development, production or overhaul of commercial aircraft engines, 
components, and systems.

    (a) License requirement. Licenses are required for all 
destinations, except Canada, for ECCNs having an ``SI'' under the 
``Reason for Control'' paragraph. These items include hot section 
technology for the development, production or overhaul of commercial 
aircraft engines controlled under ECCN 9E003.a.1. through a.12., .f, 
and related controls.
    (b) Licensing policy. Pursuant to section 6 of the Export 
Administration Act of 1979, as amended, foreign policy controls apply 
to technology required for the development, production or overhaul of 
commercial aircraft engines controlled by ECCN 9E003.a.1. through a.12, 
.f, and related controls. These controls supplement the national 
security controls that apply to these items. Applications for export 
and reexport to all destinations will be reviewed on a case-by-case 
basis to determine whether the export or reexport is consistent with 
U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The following 
factors are among those that will be considered to determine what 
action will be taken on license applications:
    (1) The country of destination;
    (2) The ultimate end-user(s);
    (3) The technology involved;
    (4) The specific nature of the end-use(s); and
    (5) The types of assurance against unauthorized use or diversion 
that are given in a particular case.
    (c) Contract sanctity. Contract sanctity provisions are not 
available for license applications reviewed under this Sec. 742.14.
    (d) [Reserved]
* * * * *

PART 752--[AMENDED]


Sec. 752.3  [Amended]

    11. Section 752.3 is amended by removing paragraph (a)(8) and 
redesignating paragraphs (a)(9), (a)(10), and (a)(11) as paragraphs 
(a)(8), (a)(9), and (a)(10).

PART 772--[AMENDED]

    12. Part 772 is amended by removing the definition of ``export of 
satellites''.

Part 774--[AMENDED]

    13. In Supplement No. 1 to part 774, Category 9--Propulsion 
Systems, Space

[[Page 13340]]

Vehicles and Related Equipment is amended by revising ECCN 9A004:

9A004 Space launch vehicles and ``spacecraft''.

License Requirements

    Reason for Control: NS and AT

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                Control(s)                         Country chart
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NS applies to entire entry...............  NS Column 1
AT applies to entire entry...............  AT Column 1
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License Exceptions

LVS: N/A
GBS: N/A
CIV: N/A

List of Items Controlled

    Unit: Equipment in number. Components, parts and accessories in 
$ value. Related Controls: (1.) See also 9A104. (2.) Space launch 
vehicles are under the jurisdiction of the Department of State. (3.) 
Effective March 15, 1999, all satellites, including commercial 
communications satellites, are subject to the ITAR. Effective March 
15, 1999, all license applications for the export of commercial 
communications satellites will be processed by the State Department, 
Office of Defense Trade Controls. Retransfer of jurisdiction for 
commercial communications satellites and related items shall not 
affect the validity of any export license issued by the Department 
of Commerce prior to March 15, 1999, or of any export license 
application filed under the Export Administration Regulations on or 
before March 14, 1999, and subsequently issued by the Department of 
Commerce. Commercial communications satellites licensed by the 
Department of Commerce, including those already exported, remain 
subject to the EAR and all terms and conditions of issued export 
licenses until their stated expiration date. All licenses issued by 
the Department of Commerce for commercial communications satellites, 
including licenses issued after March 15, 1999, remain subject to SI 
controls throughout the validity of the license. Effective March 15, 
1999, Department of State jurisdiction shall apply to any instance 
where a replacement license would normally be required from the 
Department of Commerce. Transferring registration or operational 
control to any foreign person of any item controlled by this entry 
must be authorized on a license issued by the Department of State, 
Office of Defense Trade Controls. This requirement applies whether 
the item is physically located in the United States or abroad. (4.) 
All other ``spacecraft'' not controlled under 9A004 and their 
payloads, and specifically designed or modified components, parts, 
accessories, attachments, and associated equipment, including ground 
support equipment, are subject to the export licensing authority of 
the Department of State unless otherwise transferred to the 
Department of Commerce via a commodity jurisdiction determination by 
the Department of State. (5.) Exporters requesting a license from 
the Department of Commerce for ``spacecraft'' and their associated 
parts and components, other than the international space station, 
must provide a statement from the Department of State, Office of 
Defense Trade Controls, verifying that the item intended for export 
is under the licensing jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce. 
All specially designed or modified components, parts, accessories, 
attachments, and associated equipment for ``spacecraft'' that have 
been determined by the Department of State through the commodity 
jurisdiction process to be under the licensing jurisdiction of the 
Department of Commerce and that are not controlled by any other ECCN 
on the Commerce Control List will be assigned a classification under 
this ECCN 9A004. (6.) Technical data required for the detailed 
design, development, manufacturing, or production of the 
international space station (to include specifically designed parts 
and components) remains under the jurisdiction of the Department of 
State. This control by the ITAR of detailed design, development, 
manufacturing or production technology for NASA's international 
space station does not include that level of technical data 
necessary and reasonable for assurance that a U.S.-built item 
intended to operate on NASA's international space station has been 
designed, manufactured, and tested in conformance with specified 
requirements (e.g., operational performance, reliability, lifetime, 
product quality, or delivery expectations). All technical data and 
all defense services, including all technical assistance, for launch 
of the international space station, including launch vehicle 
compatibility, integration, or processing data, are controlled and 
subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of State, in 
accordance with 22 CFR parts 120 through 130.

Items

    a. The international space station being developed, launched and 
operated under the supervision of the U.S. National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration. Hardware specific to the international space 
station transferred to the Department of Commerce by commodity 
jurisdiction action is also included.
    b. Specific items as may be determined to be not subject to the 
ITAR through the commodity jurisdiction procedure administered by the 
Department of State after March 15, 1999.

    Dated: March 15, 1999.
R. Roger Majak,
Assistant Secretary for Export Administration.
[FR Doc. 99-6721 Filed 3-16-99; 12:02 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-33-P