WASHINGTON -- The US Commerce Department seeks public input on a revised export control list.

The Commerce Control List, which governs items that can be shipped abroad, describes items using objective criteria such as qualities to be measured (e.g., accuracy, speed and wavelength), units of measure (e.g., hertz, horsepower and microns) or other precise descriptions rather than broad, open-ended, subjective, catch-all or design intent-based criteria.

However, says Commerce, not all export control classification numbers contain so-called "positive" descriptions, and some descriptions could be clearer and more specific.

The Obama administration wants to change this so that persons who understand the technical parameters, characteristics and capabilities of an item, even if they are not knowledgeable about US export controls, will ordinarily be able to determine its export control classification and jurisdictional status without needing to consult the government for an interpretation.

Public comment is sought on how to improve the descriptions of items on the CCL that are unclear or that use vague, open-ended or subjective criteria.

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