Michigan Manufacturer Violated Export Controls, BIS Says

Michigan-based Thermotron Industries violated U.S. export controls when it shipped a controlled environmental test chamber to South Korea without a license, the Bureau of Industry and Security said in an enforcement order released this week. BIS said Thermotron, an environmental test equipment manufacturer, exported the test chamber in 2012 despite it being subject to missile technology controls and subject to a license requirement under Export Control Classification Number 9B106.

As part of a settlement agreement, Thermotron admitted to “committing the alleged conduct described” in the charging letter, part of a new effort by BIS to do away with no-admit, no-deny clauses in settlements (see 2206300069). The company will be subject to a two-year probationary period in which it may have its export privileges revoked if it commits another violation of the Export Control Reform Act or Export Administration Regulations.

Thermotron also agreed to conduct export compliance training for its staff and management within two years, and it will have to certify to BIS’s Office of Export Enforcement that it completed the training. The company also agreed to waive “and will not assert any Statute of Limitations defense” in connection with the violation.

Thermotron didn’t respond to a request for comment.