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January 10, 2000
Billing Code: 3510-33-P

 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of Export Administration

15 CFR Parts 734, 740, 742, 770, 772, and 774

[Docket No. ]

RIN: 0694-AC11

Revisions to Encryption Items

AGENCY: Bureau of Export Administration, Commerce

ACTION: Interim final; request for comments.

SUMMARY: This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to allow the export and reexport of any encryption commodity or software to individuals, commercial firms, and other non-government end-users in all destinations. It also allows exports and reexports of retail encryption commodities and software to all end-users in all destinations. Post-export reporting requirements are streamlined, and changes are made to reflect amendments to the Wassenaar Arrangement. This rule implements the encryption policy announced by the White House on September 16 and will simplify U.S. encryption export rules. Restrictions on terrorist supporting states (Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan or Syria), their nationals and other sanctioned entities are not changed by this rule.

DATES: This rule is effective (DATE OF PUBLICATION). Comments must be received on or before [INSERT 120 DAYS FROM DATE OF PUBLICATION].

ADDRESSES: Written comments on this rule should be sent to Frank J. Ruggiero, Regulatory Policy Division, Bureau of Export Administration, Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 273, Washington, DC 20044. Express mail address: Frank J. Ruggiero, Regulatory Policy Division, Bureau of Export Administration, Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., Room 2705, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James A. Lewis, Director, Office of Strategic Trade, at (202) 482-0092.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

BACKGROUND:

On September 16, 1999, the U.S. announced a new approach to its encryption export control policy. This approach rests on three principles: a technical review of encryption products in advance of sale, a streamlined post-export reporting system and a process that permits the government to review exports of strong encryption to foreign governments. The full range of national interests continue to be served by this new policy: supporting law enforcement and national security, protecting privacy and promoting electronic commerce. Encryption export controls will be simplified and U.S. companies will have new opportunities to sell their products in the global marketplace.

This regulation also implements changes for encryption items made by the Wassenaar Arrangement, including: conversion of Category 5- Part 2 (Information Security) of the Commerce Control List (CCL) to a positive list; creation of a Cryptography Note and removal of encryption software from the General Software Note; decontrol of 64-bit mass market software and commodities, including components; and decontrol of certain 512-bit key management products.

The EAR is amended as follows:

In addition to these changes, BXA is making the following clarifications and interpretations for all encryption items subject to the EAR.

 

Rulemaking Requirements

List of Subjects

15 CFR part 734

15 CFR part 740

15 CFR parts 742, 770, 772, and 774

DATED:

 

 

R. Roger Majak

Assistant Secretary

for Export Administration

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