[Paparazzi-devel] Re: Several Issues about Purchasing Paparazzi Hardware

[James Peverill]

I would suggest anyone in the US considering shipping PPZ hardware to 
China (or anywhere overseas) talk to a lawyer versed in export control 
law.  The penalties for knowingly violating the laws can be very stiff 
(ie jail time and/or huge fines).  In particular, the US maintains an 
arms embargo against China so the rules are more strict.

Unfortunately US export laws governing UAV technologies are very 
strict.  Since Paparazzi is not a military product, it should not be 
covered under the ITAR (which would explicitly restrict any export 
without requesting permission for each individual export).  However, 
general export restrictions do cover "Navigation and Avionics" 
technologies which may restrict export to China.  Whether an 
unprogrammed paparazzi autopilot is still covered is debatable, but 
again I'd talk to a lawyer.

Anyways, I don't want to bring down the list, or insult our researchers 
in China, but I'd hate to see someone unknowingly run afoul of these 
laws.  I'm not a fan of these restrictions but unfortunately people in 
the US need to be mindful of them.


James