We're pleased to announce that our standard night vision imaging system (NVIS) filter blanks are no longer subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State. They are now controlled by the Department of Commerce (DOC) by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The U.S. Department of State determined that the filter blanks should be classified by the DOC as EAR99. The formulations that are available were designed for use in the aerospace market to be compatible with standard night vision imaging systems. This classification is applicable to our secure blue-green, NVIS Green B, NVG White, NVIS Green A, NVIS Green A (Intruder) and NVIS Yellow B compositions. The EAR99 classification is applicable unless the molded filter blanks are specifically designed, developed, configured, adapted or modified for military application or defense article use.
Previously we applied for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) licenses for the filter blanks on a case by case basis. This was a cumbersome process that involved a filing fee and processing lead times of 2 -4 weeks These factors directly impacted the lead times and competitive pricing that we were able to quote our customers.
"Adherence to U.S. export laws is critical to our reputation as an international glass supplier. The ability to classify our molded filter blanks benefits both Kopp Glass and our customers. It accelerates the sales cycle and enables us to ship orders faster. The elimination of the filing fee will also save our customers money and make their products more competitive." - Colleen Reichert, Kopp Glass Customer Service & Support Manager
