Export Controls: please explain the General Technology Note.
Question
Will you please explain the GENERAL TECHNOLOGY NOTE (GTN) vis-a-vis the classification of technology.
(This question was asked at one of our recent webinars on Export Controls. You can listen to this webinar on our recent webinars page at https://opentoexport.com/info/webinars/)
Answer
A little difficult in a few words. The essence of the GTN is that the technology controlled is the information needed to meet or exceed the control parameters for a particular item. As an example, assume a company produce a range of machine tools from a basic machine tool up to one that is controlled. Any technology that is common to all the machines will not be controlled as it is not the technology that makes the item licensable. What will be controlled is the technology that allows the machine to meet or exceed the accuracy figure stated in the controls and this will only apply to the top of the range machine. This is what the first paragraph of the GTN says and this sets the requirement for how technology is controlled for dual use goods.