The State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls issued a name change notification on Nov. 5:

The State Department announced plans to hold the following meetings to address international business security for U.S. industry and private sector dispute resolution:

The Department of State issued a Travel Warning on Oct. 24 for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning U.S. citizens against travel to the war-torn eastern regions of the country, particularly North Kivu province. Armed groups, bandits, and elements of the Congolese military remain security concerns in the region, said State. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC continues to assist the Congolese government with the protection of civilians and efforts to combat militias, said State.

The new DS2032 Statement of Registration Form, version 4.0, will be published for use, effective Oct. 25. Older versions of the DS2032 form will not be accepted if submitted after Oct. 25. Version 4.0 includes the following modifications, according to State:

The State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) announced on Oct. 23 decision tree tools to help guide U.S. exporters on Export Control Reform (ECR) regulations. The tools are titled Specially Designed (here) and Order of Review (here). As part of the Obama Administration's ECR, a rule took effect on Oct. 15 that transferred items from the U.S. Munitions List, under the State Department and subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, to the Commerce Department’s Commerce Control List (see 13101618). The rule change, initially published in the Federal Register on April 16, includes a revised definition of “Specially Designed.” These tools are not binding and are not a substitute for a Commodity Jurisdiction, said DDTC.

The Department of State issued a Travel Warning for the Republic of South Sudan, warning U.S. citizens against travel in the northern border regions with Sudan due to potential for renewed troop build-ups and conflict. South Sudan seceded from the north in 2011, after decades of warfare. The two sides have since clashed over alleged support for local militias and oil transit arrangements. The crime rate throughout the country is high, however, according to State, including in the capital Juba. The government has minimal capacity to deter crime or provide security to travelers throughout the country, said State.

The Department of State received notice from the Magellan Pipeline Company pipeline that Magellan has acquired rights to operate and maintain pipeline facilities on the U.S.-Mexican border. Magellan is requesting State issue a new or amended Presidential Permit to authorize pipeline usage. The permitted facilities consist of existing 2.75-mile 8.625-inch carbon steel pipelines that extend from El Paso, Texas to the U.S. boundary with Mexico. State is circulating this application to concerned federal agencies for comment. State has the responsibility to determine whether issuance of a new or amended Presidential Permit is in the U.S. national interest.

The State Department Electronic Forms System (EFS) will be upgraded to v1.2 in support of the State Department interim final rule on brokers and brokering activities that takes effect Oct. 25 (here), State’s Directorate of Defense Controls (DDTC) said. The EFS will be unavailable Oct. 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT. Interested parties should contact DDTC Help Desk at dtradehelpdesk@state.gov or (202) 663-2838 with questions.

The State Department issued the following notice on Oct. 13:

The State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls issued a name change notification on Oct. 16: