Export Controls: Issues Concerning Sensitive Stealth-Related Items and Technologies

GAO discussed export controls over stealth-related items and technologies, focusing on: (1) how these controls are split between the U.S. Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL); (2) the impact of shared jurisdiction over stealth-related items; and (3) whether current referral procedures allow the Department of Defense (DOD) to review all militarily sensitive stealth exports. GAO noted that: (1) the licensing jurisdiction over stealth-related items between USML and CCL is not clearly defined; (2) unclear jurisdiction over stealth-related commodities increases the likelihood that militarily sensitive stealth technology will be exported under the less restrictive Commerce export control system; (3) current interagency referral practices do not permit DOD, State, and Commerce to ensure that stealth-related license applications are properly reviewed and controlled; (4) the executive branch has drafted an executive order that would give the relevant agencies the authority to review all dual-use license applications; and (5) if properly implemented, such authority should improve DOD and State review of sensitive exports.