Commerce Has Worked to Update Thermal Imaging Export Controls, Spokesperson Says
After a thermal imaging industry official this week said the Commerce Department hasn’t significantly updated its export controls surrounding infrared technologies since 2005 (see 2201260047), an agency spokesperson pointed to two recent regulatory actions that they said have updated controls.
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The spokesperson first pointed to Commerce’s 2009 “overhaul” of license requirements for thermal imaging cameras “in recognition of the emerging availability of these cameras around the world, the export licensing practices of other governments, and the potential use of these cameras in military applications.” The person also said “many” infrared imaging products were moved from the State Department’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations to the Export Administration Regulations in 2017 as a result of Export Control Reform.
The industry official, speaking during a Jan. 25 meeting of the Commerce Department’s Sensors and Instrumentation Technical Advisory Committee, told the TAC that more changes are needed to improve the competitiveness of U.S. thermal imaging firms. “BIS appreciates the input provided by our TAC members, which help to inform our policies and approach,” the Commerce spokesperson said Jan. 26.