US Government Export Approval for TI chip
While I'm not affiliated with TI, so I can't do more than speculate into their reasoning, a vendor is required to perform the due diligence necessary to make sure that parts they ship won't end up in a sanctioned nation.  The Overview of U.S. Export Control System has a few guidelines for exporters along with a few common-sense checks that the exporter should perform, all of which sound similar to the data TI collects.

Applying common sense is essential in weeding out potentially problematic transfers. Alarms should sound if:
A customer or agent -
Is reluctant to provide end-use/user information
Is willing to pay cash for high-value shipments
Has little background or history in the relevant business
Appears unfamiliar with the product or its use
Declines normal warranty/service/installation
Orders products/quantities incompatible with the relevant business
Provides vague delivery dates or locations

By providing that information early, often, and consistently, one gives TI plausible deniability should a customer order a bulk shipment of parts and forward it to North Korea, or something along those lines.