USG Export Functions Returning

Some good news at last – certain U.S. Government export related functions are resuming in key agencies.

DDTC posted a change to their website shutdown notice on Friday advising that limited license and registration operations are now available. As you may know, DDTC stopped all DECCS access when the government shutdown began, and then allowed read-only access. Now DECCS is available and allows exporters to submit new license applications. Anticipate delayed processing as there will be a large influx of new applications this week. And DECCS help desk is still unavailable so it will be difficult to get information from DDTC during this time.

BIS has been accepting export license applications, but only processing emergency cases. NSSF^® has learned that BIS management is working to resume license processing. This entails changes to BIS staffing guidance during the shutdown and OMB clearance. NSSF is tracking this important activity and will advise as soon as more information is available.

ATF is fully staffing NFA application and license processing as of today. NSSF’s October 16 letter to the Department of Justice urged this action and we were gratified to be told by ATF on October 17 that processing of NFA applications and licensing will begin again. There is a backlog of cases to be cleared so approval times will be longer, but with full staff on deck ATF should be able to catch up shortly. This is good news for exporters waiting for their Form 9 export forms to be approved. Unfortunately, despite the request in NSSF’s letter to do so, the Imports Branch is still not processing applications for Form 6 Import permits.

Stay tuned for more information