Washington loosens some drone controls, blocks exports to rivals

The United States has eased export controls on certain unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), along with related components, software and technology, while imposing additional restrictions on drone exports to China, Russia and Venezuela.

The changes were announced by the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in a notice published in the Federal Register.

“The Bureau of Industry and Security ... is easing export controls on certain unmanned aerial vehicles — UAVs or drones — and related parts, components, accessories, support equipment, technology and software under the Export Administration Regulations,” the notice said.

Under the revised rules, the United States has removed permissible wind-gust speed as a factor used to determine export controls on certain drones. Washington has also raised the flight-duration threshold for applying national security controls from 30 minutes to three hours.

The Commerce Department said it had removed national security controls on software and technology associated with UAVs capable of flying for less than three hours, while also lifting such controls on certain drone components.

At the same time, the administration introduced restrictions on the export, re-export and transfer of drones and related components to China, Russia and Venezuela, citing regional stability concerns.

As a result, suppliers will be required to obtain a special license before providing US-origin goods to entities subject to Commerce Department restrictions.

License applications for such transactions will be reviewed under a “presumption of denial,” indicating that they are unlikely to be approved.

By Vafa Guliyeva