> ... when we ordered some XMEGA devices
> from Digikey and we found that we couldn't buy the parts because they
> couldn't be exported to Brazil. No further explanation.

> After some thought, I arrived to the conclusion that it was due to the
> embedded cryptographic module (3-DES and AES). That's ridiculous ...

> So, beware. Check whether you can import the parts you want.before
> starting the project.

It does seem ridiculous BUT it is not Digikey's fault (although they
would be wise to explain the situation) - it's a result of very strict
US government regulations over which the suppliers have no control.

Products which are subject to ITAR restrictions are effectively
classified as munitions, and their export in manners which contravene
the regulations carry extremely severe penalties.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Traffic_in_Arms_Regulations

So suppliers are extremely careful to comply with them. Cryptographic
products are often subject to ITAR, even though products which are
often more secure (eg PGP) are freely available worldwide. [[AFAIK PGP
was originally subject to ITAR but was legitimately exported by
printing it in paper form which made it subject to ?1st amendment?
freedoms which overcame the regulations. ]]


=A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 Russell

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