Administration of Export Controls

An overview is presented of the reports that GAO has issued to Congress recommending that the administration of export controls could be improved by the realignment of the export policy structure and the centralization of export licensing management. A major problem is the growing use of export controls to support foreign policy goals that result in trade barriers which are harmful to U.S. sellers. GAO previously recommended that the Department of Commerce prepare a semiannual report to Congress discussing the specific foreign policy goals that trade controls are designed to serve. GAO also suggested that Congress should administer more efficiently the manner in which foreign availability is determined. The commodity control list, which lists specifications applicable to a product, needs more priority attention. The U.S. and 14 other governments participate in the international Export Control Coordinating Committee (COCOM), but certain restrictions on the U.S. delegate are complicating the effectiveness of this body. There are delays in approving export license applications. The applications are sent to various coordinators in the reviewing agencies; instead, the Office of Export Administration should have full management responsibility for issuing export licenses. A Multiagency Export Policy Advisory Committee should be established for making export control policy.