On January 17, 2017, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published in the Federal Register a final rule [Docket No. 160901810–6810–01] that revises the policy of review for applications for licenses to export or reexport to Sudan certain items that are intended to ensure the safety of civil aviation or the safe operation of fixed-wing, commercial passenger aircraft. Such applications will now be reviewed under a general policy of approval rather than a general policy of denial.
The rule also revises the review policy from a general policy of denial to a general policy of approval for applications for licenses to export or reexport to Sudan certain items for use to inspect, design, construct, operate, improve, maintain, repair, overhaul or refurbish railroads in Sudan. This rule does not create any new license requirements or remove any existing license requirements for exports or reexports to Sudan. BIS is making these licensing policy changes in connection with ongoing U.S.-Sudan bilateral engagement, and with the aim of enhancing the safety of Sudan’s civil aviation and improving the country’s railroads. This action takes into account the United States’ goals to improve regional peace and security.
The rule also removes two instances of “contract sanctity dates” pertaining to the export and reexport of certain items to Sudan from the EAR that currently serve no practical purpose.
BIS is taking these actions in coordination with the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which is amending the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations.
