Export Controls: State and Commerce Have Not Taken Basic Steps to Better Ensure U. S. Interests are Protected

Book excerpt: In controlling the transfer of weapons and related technologies overseas, the U.S. gov¿t. must limit the possibility of sensitive items falling into the wrong hands while allowing legitimate trade to occur. The export control system (ECS) is intended to balance multiple U.S. interests. The ECS is managed by the State Dept., which regulates arms exports, and the Commerce Dept., which regulates dual-use exports that have military and civilian applications. Arms exports require licenses, while dual-use exports do not require licenses. This testimony focuses on export licensing inefficiencies, poor interagency coordination, and limits in State¿s and Commerce's ability to provide a sound basis for changes to the system. Illustrations.