In response to the devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023, that has heavily impacted Türkiye and Syria, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has expedited the processing of export license applications for items needed to aid survivors. “Our deepest condolences go out to the people of Türkiye and Syria for the tragic loss of life that occurred as a result of the recent earthquake. We seek to ensure that survivors receive desperately needed aid without delay,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “We are expediting export license application processing to ensure that items to meet the immediate needs of survivors quickly reach all parts of Syria through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or directly to the Syrian people.” “Despite substantial and necessary export controls on the Assad Regime, the United States will work to support the legitimate humanitarian needs of Syria’s impacted communities,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez. “We will work closely with our interagency partners to implement a rapid review of license applications to aid in relief efforts and recovery from this devastating disaster.”

 Additional Information: Türkiye and Syria are subject to different licensing requirements under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As a member along with the United States of all four multilateral export control regimes and a NATO ally, most items needed to aid the Turkish people do not require an export license, but BIS will expedite any necessary license applications it receives. Syria is subject to comprehensive export controls as part of a broad U.S. government sanctions program. All items, except for most food and medicine require a license for export and reexport to Syria 

These export and reexport license requirements should not prevent or otherwise impede the shipment of aid and recovery-related items intended directly for the Syrian people or through nongovernmental humanitarian organizations (NGOs) in-country, including in areas under the control of the Assad regime and non-state actors. Examples of items eligible for expedited licensing include heavy equipment, telecommunications hardware and software, portable generators and other power generation equipment, medical devices, water purification and sanitation equipment and shelter materials. Persons with questions about whether an item requires a license, or otherwise seeking assistance with submitting license applications, should contact the BIS Foreign Policy Division at: Foreign.Policy@bis.doc.gov or (202) 482-4252. 

Original source can be found here.