Export Controls Eased on Some Underwater Drones

The State Department has issued an interim final rule that, effective Oct. 19, will amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to remove certain uncrewed underwater vehicles from the U.S. Munitions List and make conforming changes to related export controls. The USML will continue to describe UUVs at or under 8,000 pounds only if they are specially designed to have navigation capabilities beyond the ability to (1) follow fixed waypoints and (2) perform collision avoidance maneuvers that adhere to the see-and-avoid principles of navigation regulations

State is also requesting by Oct. 19 comments to assist in further refining ITAR controls on UUVs and to identify possible enhancements to the license exemption for certain UUV-related activities.