BIS Issues New Guidelines for Preparing Export License Applications Involving Foreign Persons (Deemed Exports/Reexports)
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued new guidelines to assist deemed export applicants in obtaining licenses. The guidelines primarily apply to employment situations; however, they also address other situations such as the release of controlled technology to foreign students participating in research.
The guidelines cover basic requirements for applying and renewal and include an application checklist.
Background on Licenses for Deemed Exports/Reexports
The obligation to obtain an export license from BIS before releasing controlled technology to a foreign person is informally referred to as a “deemed” export. The release is considered an export to the person’s country or countries of nationality.
The Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Section 734.13, defines a deemed export as releasing or otherwise transferring “technology” or “source code” to a foreign person in the United States.
Typical organizations using deemed export licenses include universities, research institutions, bio-chemical firms, medical organizations, and computer companies.
New Guidance
The basic guidance for filling out license applications is set forth in Supplement 1 to part 748 of the EAR. The new guidelines supplement the basic guidance and are intended to assist licensing officers in reviewing license applications more efficiently.
Basic Requirements
The guidelines reiterate that applicants must include all the necessary information and documentation required when submitting a license application. BIS will return applications with insufficient information.
Basic documentation required:


