The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. is seeking comment on an application it received for a loan or guarantee in excess of $100 million to support the export of U.S.-manufactured nuclear reactor components and U.S.-supplied engineering services to the United Arab Emirates. The principal supplier is Westinghouse Electric. Comments are due by Sept. 2 through www.regulations.gov, reference AP084728XX.

Industry expressed concern over increased controls on exports parts and components that would result from the Bureau of Industry and Security and State Department’s proposed definitions of “specially designed’ on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and U.S. Munitions List (USML), in comments submitted in response to BIS and State’s June 19 proposed rules. Comments were due Aug. 3. While most commenters were generally supportive of BIS and State’s efforts at a unified definition, others were worried about the effect of the rules on small business. A BIS advisory committee voiced its complete opposition to the proposed definitions, calling instead for removal of the phrase “specially designed” from the CCL.

The Bureau of Industry and Security issued a notice correcting the Export Administration Regulations’ at 15 Part 774 Supplement No. 1 (the Commerce Control List) for 5 ECCNs in Category 7 (Navigation and Avionics), and 1 ECCN in Category 9 (Propulsion Systems Space Vehicles and Related Equipment). Changes are as follows:

The Bureau of Industry and Security issued an export denial order prohibiting exports by Universal Industries Limited for three years, and revoking all licenses issued pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Administration Regulations. According to the order, Universal was convicted in August 2011 of knowingly and willfully attempting to export from the U.S. to Singapore military aircraft parts (about 200 J-85 Stage 1 engines blades) that were designated as defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List, without having first obtained a State Department license or written authorization. Universal was previously sentenced to one year probation, a $1,000 fine and a special assessment of $400.

The Bureau of Industry and Security issued an export denial order prohibiting exports by Steven Neal Greenoe for a period of ten years, and revoking all licenses issued pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act or the Export Administration Regulations. According to the order, Greenoe was convicted of knowingly and willfully exporting and causing to be exported from the U.S. to England firearms which are designated as a defense article on the U.S. Munitions List, without having first obtained a license from the State Department. Greenoe was also convicted of engaging in international travel to deal in firearms without a license. Greenoe, 37, was accused of concealing a total of 63 pistols in his checked luggage and traveling from Raleigh, NC, to the United Kingdom, and was sentenced in January 2012 to 120 months in prison followed by three years supervised release. Department of Justice release on Greenoe’s sentencing is here.

The State Department’s Defense Directorate of Trade Controls posted comments it received in response to its proposed rule to amend Category X (personal protective equipment and shelters) of the U.S. Munitions List. Companies and organizations that submitted comments include Boeing, DRS Technologies, IPC, the Proprietary Industry Association, and BAE Systems, plus two anonymous comments. Comments covered the following issues (partial list):

The Agricultural Marketing Service released the “Ocean Shipping Container Availability Report” for the week of Aug. 1-7. The weekly report contains data on container availability for westbound transpacific traffic at 18 intermodal locations in the U.S.¹ from the 10 member carriers of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA)². Although the report is compiled by AMS, it covers container availability for all merchandise, not just agricultural products.

The U.S. Census Bureau scheduled the third webinar in its eight-part series on how to determine the correct classification for products and what tools and resources are available to help narrow the search. The webinar is to be at 1 p.m. ET Aug. 8 and feature Mayumi Escalante, supervisor, Classification Area, Foreign Trade Division, U.S. Census Bureau. Advance registration is (here).

The Bureau of Industry and Security posted videos and transcripts of the presentations at the June 17-19 Update 2012 Conference on Export Controls and Policy. The videos and transcripts include opening remarks and panels by BIS officials, as well as breakout sessions covering topics such as recent regulations and changes to the commerce control list, the Automated Export System, the role of the freight forwarder in export compliance, sanctions, new information technology, etc. The videos and transcripts are available here.

The Bureau of Industry and Security issued a notice correcting the Export Administration Regulations’ at 15 Part 774 Supplement No. 1 (the Commerce Control List) for 8 ECCNs in Category 6 (Sensors and Lasers). Changes are as follows: