126.9—Advisory opinions and related authorizations.
(a) Advisory opinion.
Any person desiring information as to whether the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls would be likely to grant a license or other approval for the export or approval of a particular defense article or defense service to a particular country may request an advisory opinion from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Advisory opinions are issued on a case-by-case basis and apply only to the particular matters presented to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. These opinions are not binding on the Department of State, and may not be used in future matters before the Department. A request for an advisory opinion must be made in writing and must outline in detail the equipment, its usage, the security classification (if any) of the articles or related technical data, and the country or countries involved. An original and seven copies of the letter must be provided along with seven copies of suitable descriptive information concerning the defense article or defense service.
(b) Related authorizations.
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may, as appropriate, in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, provide export authorization, subject to all other relevant requirements of this subchapter, both for transactions that have been the subject of advisory opinions requested by prospective U.S. exporters, or for the Directorate's own initiatives. Such initiatives may cover pilot programs, or specifically anticipated circumstances for which the Directorate considers special authorizations appropriate.