The Executive Role in Culturing Export Control Compliance

The control of exports in order to protect national interests is subject to a “frightful labyrinth” of laws and regulations. The motive for enacting these laws varies: some are enacted to satisfy United States treaty obligations, some for national security reasons, and others for humanitarian considerations. Further complicating matters, these laws issue from multiple sources. At times, the enabling legislation has lapsed only to be cobbled back together by interim legislation or by Executive Order. The result is a legal regime where “it can be difficult to find and piece together applicable law.”