What regulation is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce that governs the export of dual-use items?

• A. Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• B. International Import Regulations (IIR)
• C. Federal Export Act (FEA)
• D. Defense Trade Controls (DTC)

Answer: (A)

Export Administration Regulations, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Bureau of Industry and Security, govern the export of dual-use items. Dual-use items are goods, software, and technology that have civilian applications but can also be used for military purposes. The EAR provides the licensing framework, classification on the Commerce Control List with ECCN numbers, and controls for export, reexport, and certain transfers. It also covers deemed exports, where controlled technology released to a foreign national inside the United States requires a license. This regime is distinct from controls on defense articles, which fall under other regulations administered by the Department of State. The other options don’t fit because they refer to non-existent regulations or to regimes not administered by Commerce.