Amendments to the Export Administration Regulations: Implementation of Limited Syria Waiver for Reconstruction Assistance

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to implement a limited waiver, published by the Secretary of State on June 12, 2013, of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (the SAA). The waiver authorizes BIS to issue licenses on a case-by-case basis for the export or reexport of certain commodities, software, and technology necessary for the support of the Syrian people. Specifically, consistent with Section 5(b) of the SAA, Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), BIS implements the waiver by amending its Syria licensing policy under the EAR. BIS will review licenses on a case-by-case basis for the export or reexport of certain commodities, software, and technology, including, but not limited to, those related to water supply and sanitation, agricultural production and food processing, power generation, oil and gas production, construction and engineering, transportation, and educational infrastructure, as a means of helping to address the critical needs of the Syrian people and facilitating reconstruction. These exports are necessary to support a political transition, restore stability, and counter destabilizing influences in the region, and are therefore essential to the national security of the United States.