Where Industry and Security Intersect
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High Performance Computer Update [12/10/03]: On December 10, 2003, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amended the Export Administration Act (EAR) to implement the December 2002 revisions to the Wassenaar List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies. This regulatory update raised the composite theoretical performance (CTP) control level for high performance computers (HPCs) from 28,000 millions of theoretical operations per second (MTOPS) to 190,000 MTOPS. Computers with CTP not exceeding 190,000 MTOPS may now be exported and reexported No License Required (NLR) except to embargoed and sanctioned destinations (Country Group E:1 - see Supplement No. 1 to part 740 of the EAR). Exports and reexports of HPCs (computers at or exceeding 190,000 MTOPS) to Computer Tier 1 destinations continue to be authorized under License Exception CTP (section 740.7 of the EAR). For HPC licensing requirements to other destinations, refer to section 742.12 of the EAR.
Reminder: It is important to be aware of the licensing requirements for crime control reasons. Certain computers are affected by this and require a license to destinations listed under CC Column 1 in the Country Chart (Supplement No. 1 to Part 738 of the EAR). This licensing requirement includes 4A003, depending on the end-use, as well as 4A980 computers used for fingerprint purposes. Therefore, exporters cannot use License Exception CTP to export fingerprint computers to countries listed in CC Column1. Refer to section 742.7 of the Export Administration Regulations for more information on crime control policy.
India: As of December 22, 1999 License Exception CTP is available for exports to India. Please refer to section 740.7 of the Export Administration Regulations for more information on License Exception CTP.
On-line access to the EAR Parts 740.7 and 742.12 of the Export Administration Regulations address HPC export control requirements.
License Exception CTP Chart - This chart summarizes the provisions of License Exception CTP and includes a list of countries in each Tier.
HPC License Processing - explains the lifecycle of an HPC license application
Security and Safeguard Plans (SSPs) - provides information relating to SSP requirements, plus the most commonly required safeguards. Links to a sample Standard SSP
General Policy and Processing Guidance for HPC licenses - general guidance on process and policy issues that often cause confusion or delay in processing licenses
Guidelines for Preparing Export License Applications for HPCs - step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the BXA 748-P form for HPC licenses and what additional information and documents must be provided with the license application in order for the license to be processed in a timely manner.
This page is designed to serve as a licensing and policy navigation tool for exporters of high performance computers (HPCs) and components. HPC licensing and policy can be complex. We are providing the information linked to this page in order to help smooth the licensing process and to make the policy more transparent. We recommend that you review the documents in the order they appear in the right hand column, so that you may gain a more complete understanding of the licensing process. If you have additional questions about licensing requirements or HPC policy, please call the number listed below.
Tel: 202-482-0707
Fax: 202-501-0784