Introduction
The US government controls exports of sensitive equipment, software and technology for reasons of national security and foreign policy. Generally, the goals of US export controls are to (1) protect the national security of the United States by limiting access to the most sensitive US technology and weapons, (2) promote regional stability, (3) prevent the proliferation of weapons and technologies, and (4) protect human rights around the world.
US export controls frequently apply extraterritorially, extending US export controls compliance obligations to non-US persons. For example, an item of US origin can remain controlled under US laws even after its initial export, and require a licence or authorisation for re-export – or even transfer within a single country – from one non-US person to another non-US person. Even certain items produced outside the United States may be subject to US export controls if they are the direct product of certain technology, softwar