Revisions to License Exception GOV To Provide Authorization for Exports and Reexports of Commodities for Use on the International Space Station (ISS)

This rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR or Regulations) by revising an existing license exception to provide a new authorization for exports and reexports of certain commodities subject to the EAR when those commodities are intended for use on the International Space Station (ISS). This rule establishes specific terms and conditions with which exports or reexports must comply in order to take advantage of the new authorization. For example, an export or reexport undertaken in accordance with the new authorization must be consigned to an eligible recipient involved in the launch of the commodity to the ISS. This new authorization is limited to commodities that are subject to the EAR that are needed at a launch destination outside the United States on short notice. This rule defines `short notice' as a requirement to have a commodity manifested and at the scheduled launch site for hatch-closure (final stowage) no more than forty-five (45) days from the time the exporter or reexporter received complete documentation. `Complete documentation' means the exporter or reexporter received the technical description of the commodity and purpose for use of the commodity on the ISS. This rule defines `hatch- closure (final stowage)' as the final date specified by a launch provider by which items must be at a specified location in a launch country in order to be included on a mission to the ISS. BIS has determined there is a low risk of diversion and a high benefit for authorizing these types of transactions to proceed under a license exception.