Technical Advisory Committees (TAC)
What are Technical Advisory Committees?
Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) advise the Department of Commerce on the technical parameters for export controls applicable to dual-use commodities and technology and on the administration of those controls. The TACs are composed of representatives from industry and Government representing diverse points of view on the concerns of the exporting community. Industry representatives are selected from firms producing a broad range of goods, technologies, and software presently controlled for national security, foreign policy, nonproliferation, and short supply reasons or that are proposed for such controls, balanced to the extent possible among large and small firms.
TAC members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and serve terms of not more than four consecutive years. The membership reflects the Department's commitment to attaining balance and diversity. TAC members must be United States citizens and must keep strict confidentiality on internal deliberations in formulating recommendations to the Department of Commerce. Each TAC meets approximately four times per year. Members of the TACs are not compensated for their services.
Technical Advisory Committees at BIS
Emerging Technology Technical Advisory Committee
The ETTAC advises on the latest trends and innovations across all technological categories on the Commerce Control List (CCL) to identify emerging and foundational technologies.
Information Systems Technical Advisory Committee
The ISTAC advises on articles, materials, and supplies of electronics, computers, and telecommunications equipment in CCL Categories 3, 4, and 5.
Materials and Equipment Technical Advisory Committee
The METAC advises on materials, facilities, equipment and processing for nuclear, chemical, and biological materials in CCL Categories 0, 1, and 2.
Regulations and Procedures Technical Advisory Committee
The RPTAC advises on implementation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and provides for continuing review to update the EAR as needed.
Sensors and Instrumentation Technical Advisory Committee
The SITAC advises on articles, materials, and supplies of sensors and instrumentation, including technical data and other information in CCL Category 6.
Transportation and Related Equipment Technical Advisory Committee
The TRANSTAC advises on articles, materials, and supplies of transportation and related equipment, including technical data and other information in CCL Categories 7, 8, and 9.
TAC 2025 meeting calendar
Visit the TAC meeting minutes page to review an archive of meeting minutes.
Date | TAC | Meeting Notice |
|---|---|---|
January 28, 2025 | SITAC | Postponed |
February 19, 2025 | ISTAC | Canceled |
March 10, 2025 | ETTAC | |
March 13, 2025 | METAC | Postponed to April 3, 2025 |
March 25, 2025 | RPTAC | Canceled |
March 26, 2025 | TRANSTAC | Canceled |
April 3, 2025 | METAC | |
April 23-24, 2025 | ISTAC | |
April 25, 2025 | ETTAC | |
April 29, 2025 | SITAC | |
May 21, 2025 | TRANSTAC | |
June 5, 2025 | METAC | |
June 10, 2025 | RPTAC | |
July 23-24, 2025 | ISTAC | Postponed to August 27-28, 2025 |
July 29, 2025 | SITAC | |
August 1, 2025 | ETTAC | |
August 7, 2025 | METAC | |
August 27-28, 2025 | ISTAC | |
September 9, 2025 | RPTAC | |
September 10, 2025 | TRANSTAC | |
October 16, 2025 | METAC | Canceled |
October 28, 2025 | SITAC | Canceled |
October 29, 2025 | ISTAC | Canceled |
November 6, 2025 | METAC | Canceled |
November 7, 2025 | ETTAC | Canceled |
November 12, 2025 | TRANSTAC | Canceled |
December 9, 2025 | RPTAC |
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Helpful TAC Links
Here are additional links to learn more about Technical Advisory Committees at BIS.
If you have a question or need more information about a TAC, please email [email protected].
If you are ready to join a TAC, visit the TAC membership recruitment page.