Do You need an Export License?

To export your products to other countries, for the US Governemnt, you’ll need to take some things into account from the US Department of Commerce (DoC).  A key in determining whether an export license is needed from the DoC is finding out if the item you intend to export has a specific Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). ECCNs are five digit alpha-numeric strings used on the Commerce Control List (CCL) for export control purposes, used to identify dual-use items.   An ECCN categorizes items based on the the products nature. Product types include: commodities, software, or technology and its respective technical criteria.

An ECCN is different from Schedule B numbers used by the Bureau of Census to collect trade statistics. It is also different from the Harmonized Tariff System Nomenclature, that are used to determine import duties.

All ECCNs are listed in the Commerce Control List (CCL) (Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 of the EAR), which is divided into ten broad categories, and each category is further subdivided into five product groups. The first character of the ECCN identifies the broader category to which it belongs and the second character identifies the product group
(Examples in boxes below).

What if Your Item is Not on the Commerce Control List? – EAR99

If your item falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Commerce but is not listed on the CCL, it is designated as “EAR99”. The majority of commercial products are designated EAR99 and generally won’t require a license to be exported or reexported. However, certain situations may be required you to obtain a license to export an EAR99 item:

• embargoed or sanctioned country
• Sending to a party of concern
• Shipping in support of a prohibited end-use

To obtain further assistance regarding the ECCN of your product, see the Bureau of Industry & Security’s “How to Request an ECCN” brochure.