Export Controls 1998 Legislative Mandate for High Performance Computers
Abstract
In 1996, the executive branch streamlined its export controls for high performance computers by removing licensing requirements for most exports to civilian end users while focusing control on military and proliferation related end users. This streamlined process made exporters responsible for determining if they needed to apply for an export license because they were selling a computer to a military or proliferation related end user. In 1997, however, several high performance computers were exported to Russian nuclear weapons laboratories and to a military end user in China without a license. Concerned that exporters may not be aware of the activities of the end users they sell to, Congress included a provision in the fiscal year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 105-85) to require exporters to notify the Commerce Department of any proposed high performance exports to countries that pose a concern for military or proliferation reasons to determine if these exports need a license. The act also requires Commerce to verify that high performance computers exported to countries of concern are being used by the appropriate end user for the intended purpose. In response to your request, we determined (1) whether exporter notification to Commerce of proposed sales of high performance computers to countries of concern has resulted in license applications and what final action was taken on these licenses and (2) how Commerce is conducting post-shipment verifications of the use of high performance computers after their export to these countries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA369492
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office