The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a rule to extend the classification of certain software designed for analyzing geospatial imagery under the 0Y521 Temporary Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN), now listed as 0D521, for an additional year. This extension, effective from January 6, 2021, follows the procedures for the 0Y521 series, aiming for eventual multilateral control through international collaboration efforts like the Wassenaar Arrangement. The update is technical, only adjusting the expiration date, and does not alter existing laws or regulations under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Simple Explanation
The government is keeping special rules for a type of computer program that helps understand pictures of places from above, making sure they stay in place for another year, because working together with other countries to decide on long-term rules is taking longer because of the pandemic.