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BIS Preparing Proposed Automated Peptide Synthesizer Export Controls

The Bureau of Industry and Security is preparing new proposed export controls on automated peptide synthesizers, building off a September advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (see 2209120021). The agency sent the proposed rule for interagency review March 29.

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BIS last year said it was considering the controls because certain instruments for the automated synthesis of peptides could be used to produce biological weapons and give the U.S. or its adversaries a “qualitative military or intelligence advantage.” In public comments, U.S. companies urged BIS to avoid placing controls on the synthesizers, saying restrictions could hurt U.S. technological leadership and wouldn't do much to limit the proliferation of biological weapons (see 2211080020).