Export control violations involving unauthorized export without necessary licenses
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce on June 24, 2024, announced a settlement with a university in the United States concerning alleged export control violations involving the unauthorized export of genetically modified fruit flies to various international research institutions without the necessary licenses. These fruit flies were modified to produce a subunit of a controlled toxin, specifically the ricin A sequences.
The settlement, which resulted from the university’s voluntary disclosure and cooperation with the BIS investigation, includes a non-monetary resolution due to the university's proactive engagement and remedial actions post-discovery. As part of the agreement, the university admitted to the 42 alleged violations and is required to implement additional export compliance training and deliver presentations on the matter to relevant communities.
Read the BIS release (June 24, 2024)