New Space Export Control Rules Offer Regulatory Relief

Satellite wrapped in red tape over Earth, with scissors about to cut the tape

On October 17, the Departments of Commerce (DOC) and State released a series of space export control rulemakings intended to enable a globally competitive U.S. industrial base while protecting national security and foreign policy interests:

  1. DOC Final Rule
    Export Administration: Removal of License Requirements for Certain Spacecraft and Related Items for Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom
    View at federalregister.gov
  2. DOC Interim Final Rule
    Export Administration: Space-Related Export Controls
    View at federalregister.gov | Submit comments at regulations.gov (due 12/23/2024)
  3. State Department Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    International Traffic in Arms Regulations: U.S. Munitions List Categories IV and XV
    View at federalregister.gov | Submit comments at regulations.gov (due 12/23/2024)
  4. DOC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    Export Administration: Revisions to Space-Related Export Controls, Including Addition of License Exception Commercial Space Activities
    View at federalregister.gov | Submit comments at regulations.gov (due 12/23/2024)

Together, these export control updates represent a concerted effort to strengthen international partnerships and empower U.S. innovators to continue their leadership in the global space economy.

Read more about the three DOC rules at BIS.gov

Read more about the State Department proposed rule at state.gov

Updates

The deadline for comments has been extended from November 22, 2024, to December 23, 2024.
View Federal Register notice 1
View Federal Register notice 2
View Federal Register notice 3

The Department of Commerce hosted a public meeting about the new rules on November 6, 2024.
Learn more

“As the diversity of commercial activity in space grows, these rules will reduce the burden for U.S. industry to continue innovating and leading in the space sector. This update also significantly advances our ability to broaden and deepen international partnerships, to grow our economy, and to collaborate on mutual space priorities.”

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves