Export Rules Get Secretive Committee Review

2026-17323, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Directive Allocation Orders Under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System in Response to Presidential Determination on Recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials

The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment on the OMB approved emergency collection for the Temporary Final Rule "DPAS Directive Allocation Order and Additional Requirements for Recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials" (August 6, 2026, 91 FR 50701).

2026-17230, Removal From the Entity List

The U.S. Department of Commerce just removed one company from Turkey from the Entity List, meaning it’s no longer under tough export restrictions. This change starts August 21, 2026, making it easier and faster for businesses to trade with that company without extra licenses or delays. It’s a win for smoother global trade and shows trust in the company’s good behavior.

2026-17231, Revisions to the Entity List

The U.S. government just updated its Entity List by removing two addresses linked to Arrow Electronics (Hong Kong) from the list that restricts exports to certain Chinese companies. This change, effective August 21, 2026, follows earlier removals of related Arrow entities and means fewer export restrictions for these businesses. If you trade with these companies, expect smoother deals and less paperwork starting soon!

2026-16628, Streamlining Export Controls for Drone Exports

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is easing export controls on certain Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones) and related parts, components, accessories, attachments, technology, and software under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Specifically, this rule: eliminates wind gust tolerance as a parameter for determining UAV controls under the EAR; increases the threshold for national security controls on certain UAVs from an endurance of 30 minutes to an endurance of 3 hours; makes conforming changes to remove national security controls on software and technology associated with UAVs with an endurance less than 3 hours; maintains military end-use and end-user controls on those lower endurance drones and associated software and technology; clarifies Commerce Control List (CCL) controls for certain UAVs specially designed for military use; and removes national security controls on certain specially designed parts, components, accessories, and attachments for such UAVs as they do not provide any significant military or intelligence capabilities.

2026-15961, Request for Public Comments on the Proposed Implementation of Duties on Additional Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Derivative Articles Under Section 232

This notice requests public comments on a proposal to include 14 additional derivative articles within the scope of the Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and copper: aluminum powder; brass-wind musical instruments and their parts and accessories; parts of welding machines and apparatus; floor safes; certain electric conductor cables; fire extinguishers; parts of heat exchange units; parts of certain hydraulic engines and motors; certain self-propelled cranes, mobile lifting frames, and straddle carriers; tanker trailers and semi- trailers; self-loading or self-unloading trailers and semi-trailers for agricultural purposes; certain other trailers and semi-trailers; and certain filled steel containers.

2026-16078, DPAS Directive Allocation Order and Additional Requirements for Recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials

The Bureau of Industry and Security ("BIS") is publishing this temporary final rule to restrict the exportation of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap without a license. Specifically, as of August 27, 2026, U.S. persons engaged in the sale of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap must allocate 100 percent of monthly sales to U.S. persons, unless an adjustment or exception is obtained in advance from BIS. This action is taken pursuant to section 101 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended ("DPA" or the "Act"), the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (15 CFR part 700) and Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 101 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended, on Recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials, dated July 30, 2026 ("DPA Determination on Recoverable CMMs"), in which the President authorized the Department of Commerce ("Commerce") to address the scarcity of recoverable critical minerals and materials ("CMMs"). BIS invites the public to submit comments on whether any additional sales requirements are necessary or appropriate to promote the national defense.

Previous: 2025-09145, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Patent Review and Derivation Proceedings

The USPTO is asking for your thoughts on updating how they collect info for patent reviews and disputes. This affects inventors and companies involved in patent fights, giving them a chance to weigh in before changes are approved. You’ve got 60 days to share your comments, helping keep the process smooth and fair without extra costs.

Next: 2025-09148, Materials and Equipment Technical Advisory Committee

The Materials and Equipment Technical Advisory Committee (METAC) helps the government make smart decisions about export rules. They’re meeting soon to review important policies, with part of the meeting closed to the public. This affects businesses involved in exports and could influence future rules and timelines.