STATE DEPARTMENT PUBLISHES EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY ON REVIEW TIME FOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS

Under National Security Presidential Directive - 56, Defense Trade Reform, the U.S. Department of State was directed to complete the review and adjudication of license applications within 60 days of receipt, except in cases where national security exceptions apply. Under this directive, President Bush further directed that these national security exceptions be published.

In the April 15, 2008 issue of the Federal Register (Vol. 73, No. 73), the U.S. Department of State published the Directive's five national security exceptions. These five exceptions are: (1) where Congressional Notification is required; (2) when the required governmental assurances have not been received; (3) when end user checks have not been completed; (4) when the Defense Department has notified the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls that an overriding national security exception exists; and (5) when the export transaction requires a waiver of restrictions (e.g., a sanctions waiver).

6^th Update

April 16, 2008