On Jan. 5, 2008, the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security ("BIS") issued a Request for Public Comments on the effects of U.S. Export Controls on sales of U.S.-origin commercial products and components. Specifically, BIS is seeking public comments on whether U.S. Export Controls influence manufacturers' decisions on whether to use U.S.-origin products and, if export controls do in fact influence sourcing decisions, what the effect is on the U.S. economy as a whole. This is an opportunity for manufacturers and exporters of commercial products to inform the U.S. government as to the economic effects of U.S. Export Controls, and perhaps to have some input into possible reforms of U.S. Export Control law and regulations in the future. Comments are due Feb. 19, 2009.