BIS Posts Its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2005

BIS Highlights for FY 2005

BIS states that this report summarizes its activities during FY 2005, highlights of which are as follows (partial list):

BIS adapted its regulations to accommodate developments in encryption technology, etc. In its efforts to maintain and strengthen the dual-use export control system at the heart of BIS' mission, BIS adapted its regulations to accommodate important developments in encryption technology and worked on developing an updated high-performance computer metric for implementation in 2006.

BIS also updated controls to reflect the successful conclusion of the U.S.-India Next Steps in Strategic Partnership and advances in the four multilateral export control regimes.

BIS processed more export license applications faster than in the previous year. In FY 2005 BIS processed 8% more export license applications, 14% faster, on average, than in the previous year. In addition, BIS expanded its programs of outreach to U.S. exporters to ensure that they had the knowledge they needed to work effectively within the system of dual-use export controls.

BIS met its treaty compliance responsibilities by receiving and verifying 784 declarations and reports. BIS met its treaty compliance responsibilities by receiving and verifying 784 declarations and reports as required by the Chemical Weapons Convention, while also conducting 12 site assistance visits to help U.S. producers meet treaty requirements.

BIS continued its cooperation with other countries to strengthen the global export control system, helped other countries develop/strengthen their export control systems. BIS also continued its cooperation with other countries to strengthen the global export control system that underpins U.S. security. BIS played an essential role in successful U.S. Government efforts to strengthen the international export control regimes, in which major exporting countries coordinate their export policies for maximum effect.

In addition, BIS conducted technical exchanges with 23 countries to help them develop and strengthen their own export control systems.

FY 2005 was a year of accomplishment in eliminating illicit export and illegal boycott activity. FY 2005 was also a year of accomplishment in eliminating illicit export and illegal boycott activity. BIS sharpened its focus on the most dangerous dual-use items and actors, resulting in investigations leading to the criminal conviction of 31 individuals and businesses and over $7.7 million in criminal fines.

In addition, BIS concluded 74 administrative cases and imposed $6.8 million in administrative penalties for violations of the dual-use export control laws, as well as $57,000 in administrative penalties for anti-boycott violations.

BIS saw continued achievement in its support of the defense industrial base and U.S. technology leadership. FY 2005 saw continued achievement in BIS' activities in support of the defense industrial base and U.S. technology leadership. Through the Defense

Priorities and Allocations System, BIS expedited the supply of critically needed defense articles for U.S. and allied armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and facilitated the rebuilding of areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

BIS initiated or completed studies of four industries important to U.S. defense capabilities and completed its ninth congressionally mandated report on the impact of offsets in defense trade, covering data for 1993-2003.

In coordination with the International Trade Administration (ITA), BIS also reviewed 62 potential foreign acquisitions of U.S. companies to ensure that the transaction did not threaten U.S. national security.

BIS Annual Report available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/news/2006/annualReport/BIS_annualReportComplete05.pdf