SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On October 23, 2024, BIS published the proposed rule “Export Administration Regulations: Revisions to Space-Related Export Controls, including Addition of License Exception Commercial Space Activities (CSA)” (89 FR 84784), which proposed changes to controls for spacecraft and related items under the EAR that would conform to proposed changes to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations related to U.S. Munitions List Categories IV and XV. This rule also proposed the addition of a new license exception for certain Commercial Space Activities (CSA). These proposed rules are intended to better enable a globally competitive U.S. space industrial base while continuing to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. ( printed page 87826)

On the same day, the State Department published the proposed rule “International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): U.S. Munitions List Categories IV and XV” (89 FR 84482). The rule proposes to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to revise U.S. Munitions List (USML) Categories IV and XV and related sections of the ITAR to clarify and standardize the regulatory text, add items that warrant designation on the USML, and remove those items that no longer warrant designation on the USML. The rule further proposes to add three new license exemptions to the ITAR.

Public Briefing

On November 6, 2024, the Bureau of Industry and Security will host a public briefing to address the details of and answer questions on these related proposed rules and the final rules discussed elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register . The Department of Commerce, the State Department, and other U.S. Government agencies, as appropriate, will participate in the public briefing. The public briefing will be held on November 6, 2024, at the Commerce Research Library of the U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230. The public briefing will begin at 1 p.m. EST and conclude at 3 p.m. EST.

Procedure for Requesting Participation

To participate in the public meeting virtually or in-person, register at: space.commerce.gov/export24 no later than November 1, 2024, to attend in person, or by November 5, 2024, for virtual participation. for virtual participation. Note that due to space limitations, the capacity for in-person participation is limited. Once in-person capacity is reached, additional registrants will be directed to participate virtually. This web page will also display the agenda of the public meeting and any other necessary information. This web page will also display the agenda of the public meeting and any other necessary information.

Procedure for Submitting Questions

In-person and virtual attendees are encouraged to submit written questions in advance of the briefing through the registration links at space.commerce.gov/export24. Questions must be received by 5 p.m. EST on Monday, November 4, 2024. Note that while public questions will also be accepted during the public briefing if there is available time, written questions will be prioritized.

All questions and answers from the public meeting will be posted at space.commerce.gov/export24 and at the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov under the docket numbers BIS-2018-0029 or BIS 2024-0031. Related records are made accessible in accordance with the regulations published in 15 CFR part 4.

Special Accommodations

For any special accommodation needs, please send an email to: space.commerce@noaa.gov.

89 FR 87825