BIS Corrects Final Rule on Telecom Exports to Sudan

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security corrected a February final rule to ensure certain consumer communications devices and related software are eligible for temporary export and reexport to Sudan (here). “BIS is publishing this rule to facilitate use of employerowned devices such as cell phones, Wi-Fi-equipped computers and tablets by persons engaged in humanitarian efforts in Sudan,” the agency said. The rule takes effect on Sept. 2. The previous final rule, which published concurrently with a Treasury Department rule, paved the way for the U.S. to consider telecommunications exports to Sudan on a case-by-case basis, rather than a policy of denial (see 1502170033). The rule authorized the Consumer Communications Devices license exception for Sudan.