What term describes a person who has authority to inquire into exports or imports and refuse to sign any request?

• A. Empowered Official
• B. Entity
• C. Duration
• D. Downgrade

Answer: (A)

This term describes an official who has formal authority to scrutinize export or import requests and to refuse to sign them. In export control and regulatory compliance, an empowered official is designated to ensure all conditions are met before a license or permit is granted. The power to inquire into details and to withhold signing acts as a necessary check against noncompliant transactions, helping prevent illegal or unsafe shipments. Because only someone with delegated authority to inspect and veto can sign or deny licenses, this term is the best fit. The other options refer to a person or thing not tied to holding that decision-making power: an entity is the organization or person, duration is a time span, and downgrade is a change in status.