On January 19, 2017, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) issued several amendments to the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) to implement the India-U.S. Joint Statement of June 7, 2016, recognizing the U.S. and India as Major Defense Partners, and making certain technical changes regarding Hong Kong’s Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations. The net result is a relaxation of licensing policy for certain national security and regional stability controlled items, including 600 series items, exported to India, and expanded documentation requirements with respect to the export of certain items to Hong Kong.
