World ECR | BIS seeks comment on potential drone supply chain

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on January 2 seeking public comment on potential rules to protect the security of the commercial unmanned aerial system (UAS) supply chain), citing “Serious” risks of Chinese and Russian involvement in drone technology.

“Securing the unmanned aircraft systems technology supply chain is critical to maintaining our national security. This ANPRM is an important step in protecting the United States from vulnerabilities created by foreign entities,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo Gina Raimondo said.

The notice seeks comment that foreign adversaries’ involvement in the drone information and communications technology services (“ICTS”) supply chain “could enable our adversaries to remotely access and manipulate these devices, thereby exposing sensitive U.S. data.”

“The Department of Commerce continues to assess the national security risks posed by foreign adversaries’ participation in our critical technology supply chains,” said Alan F. Estevez, Undersecretary of Industry and Security. “We welcome public comment on this ANPRM as we seek to proactively understand and most effectively address these vulnerabilities in the commercial drone market.”

BIS is requesting feedback on multiple areas, including the definition of UAS components, an assessment of potential risks from ICTS transactions, an assessment of threats from various foreign adversaries, a process for requesting approval of other prohibited transactions, economic impacts, and possible mitigation measures.

The advance notice was issued pursuant to Executive Order 13873, which authorizes the Department of Commerce to investigate and restrict ICTS transactions that pose an undue risk of disruption, catastrophic impact, or other unacceptable national security risks to U.S. critical infrastructure and the digital economy.

“ANPRM marks a critical step in protecting ICTS supply chains from hostile foreign influence,” said Elizabeth Cannon, executive director of the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services.

The public comment period ends on March 4, 2025.

unmanned aerial vehicle system