Which agency is primarily responsible for implementing export regulations?

The primary responsibility for implementing export regulations lies with the U.S. Department of Commerce, specifically through its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The BIS oversees the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which control the export of dual-use goods and technology that can have both civilian and military applications. This includes licensing certain types of commercial exports to ensure they align with national security and foreign policy objectives.

The Department of State, while involved in export controls, focuses more on military and defense-related exports under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The Department of Treasury, particularly through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals but is not primarily responsible for the broader export regulations that the Department of Commerce manages. The Department of Defense oversees military exports and other defense-related issues but does not carry the primary responsibility for overall export regulation enforcement.

Thus, the knowledge of the respective roles of these various agencies provides clarity on why the U.S. Department of Commerce is the correct answer regarding the agency that implements export regulations.