BIS Proposes Removal of EAR Special Comprehensive License

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is proposing a rule to eliminate the Special Comprehensive License in the Export Administration Regulations. The SCL gives authorization to U.S. companies to consolidate activities, such as project, distribution, service supply, service facilities, aircraft and vessel repair station procedure, and special chemical handling, under one license with the potential for extension. But other changes to the EAR, including a series of amendments under the Export Control Reform regime, have “overtaken” the advantages of the SCL, said BIS. Although the SCL intended to simplify export controls, the license option is now “unduly burdensome,” said some U.S. responders in comments to a related rule in recent years, said BIS. The Strategic Trade Authorization license exception, for instance, is making the SCL obsolete, said one commenter, according to BIS. Comments are due Oct. 30.