A former senior export control official with the Commerce Department told the House Select Committee on China that he thinks the Entity List is ineffective against China, because countries can change their names, establish partnerships, change locations, and because the Entity List is a "meat cleaver" approach, given that listed parties are subject to very strict licensing requirements.
Republicans on the House Select Committee on China urged U.S. officials this week to cut off a broader range of exports to China, arguing that trade with China is helping to fund Beijing’s efforts to undermine American national security. Committee chair Mike Galagher, R-Wis., specifically asked witnesses from the Commerce, State and Defense Departments to enact a technology export ban on Huawei that the administration has reportedly been considering for the last year (see 2301310009).
A State Department official this week denied allegations that the agency has held back sanctions and export controls in an effort to limit damage to the U.S.-China relationship, saying the Biden administration continues to enforce a range of human rights-related trade restrictions against Beijing. But the official also said the administration hasn’t yet imposed mandatory sanctions under the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 and was accused by at least one lawmaker of failing to comply with a congressional subpoena that sought information on sanctions against China.
Joseph Cristofaro left his position as chair of the End-User Review Committee to become the new director of the Bureau of Industry and Security's Sensors and Aviation Division, he announced during a July 18 technical advisory committee meeting. Cristofaro said he started his new role in late May.
The Bureau of Industry and Security this week added four European spyware and surveillance technology companies to the Entity List for their role in “threatening” cyber activities. BIS accused all four of “trafficking in cyber exploits used to gain access to information systems, threatening the privacy and security of individuals and organizations worldwide.”
The Bureau of Industry and Security last week revoked export privileges for two people after they illegally exported firearms and other items from the U.S.
The Bureau of Industry and Security added four spyware companies in Greece, Hungary, Ireland and North Macedonia to the Entity List for their role in cyber activities that threaten the “privacy and security of individuals and organizations worldwide.” The additions, outlined in a final rule effective June 18, impose license requirements for all items subject to the Export Administration Regulations. BIS will review license applications under a presumption of denial.
The Commerce Department published its spring 2023 regulatory agenda for the Bureau of Industry and Security and the Census Bureau, including new rules that will add more entities to the Entity List and finalize new export filing requirements.
The Bureau of Industry and Security last week fined two defense companies close to $100,000 combined to resolve their violations of the agency’s antiboycott regulations. The agency fined Arizona-based defense weapons systems manufacturer Profense $48,500 and Washington-based defense contractor B.E. Meyers & Co. $44,750 after they complied with requests from freight forwarders to certify that their goods weren’t Israeli origin.
The U.S. may need to address export control loopholes to better prevent China and others from acquiring sensitive technologies, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said, but he also cautioned the U.S. against imposing controls that are too broad and said they need to be coordinated with allies.