Maryland Woman Accused of Exporting Canadian UAV Autopilots from U.S. to China

The Associated Press reports (story below) that a Silver Spring, Maryland woman has been charged with exporting Canadian manufactured miniature autopilots for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and micro aerial vehicles (MAV) from the U.S. to China. The miniature autopilots were produced by Manitoba-based MicroPilot and exported to the U.S.

While we have not yet seen the indictment, guidance or control systems specially designed for integration into non-military UAVs that are capable of a maximum range of at least 300 kilometers are classified on the Commerce Control List as ECCN 9A012.b. and controlled for export from the U.S. for National Security, Missile Technology and Anti-Terrorism reasons.

Exports of products "subject to" the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and that are classified as ECCN 9A012.b. require an export license from the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security before they can be exported from the U.S. to China. Canadian products located in the U.S. are "subject to" the U.S. Export Administration Regulations.