Export Controls: Actions Needed To Improve Enforcement
NSIAD-94-28
Published: Dec 30, 1993. Publicly Released: Jan 31, 1994.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the U.S. government's enforcement of export controls over dual-use items, focusing on: (1) the tools and resources available to the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Customs Service to carry out their enforcement responsibilities; (2) how well these agencies are enforcing export controls; (3) impediments to effective enforcement; and (4) options for modifying the enforcement organizational structure.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should weigh the various options for improving export control enforcement, as well as the recent actions taken by the Commerce Department and the U.S. Customs Service, and then consider amending the Export Administration Act (EAA) as needed to improve the U.S. government's ability to enforce controls over dual-use exports, preferably by: (1) maintaining Commerce's and Customs' shared jurisdiction for dual-use export control enforcement and reinforcing efforts to improve cooperation; or (2) granting Customs primary responsibility for EAA criminal investigations, with corresponding improvements in Customs' operations. | Congress has not yet enacted fundamental changes to the Export Administration Act. According to congressional staff, it is unlikely that any action will be taken in the foreseeable future on this issue. |
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Budget cutsCooperative agreementsCustoms administrationDual-use technologiesExport regulationExportingInteragency relationsInternational trade restrictionIraq War (1991)Jurisdictional authorityLaw enforcement