If you ship a commercial item from the United States to a foreign

destination, your transaction is likely to be subject to the jurisdiction

of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Bureau of Industry
and Security (BIS) within the U.S. Department of Commerce
has jurisdiction over the export and reexport of “dual-use” items
(i.e., commodities, technology and software that have both civilian
and military or proliferation applications). These controls are
implemented through the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

If your item is subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department

of Commerce, you should first determine if your item is designated
by an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) on the
Commerce Control List (CCL). The ECCN is a key factor in
determining whether you need a license to export dual-use items
outside of the U.S.

The Commerce Control List can be found in Supplement 1 to Part

774 of 15 CFR or at http://www.bis.doc.gov. Click the link for the
“Commerce Control List” on the left side of the page.

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What is an ECCN?
An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is an
alphanumeric designation (i.e., 1A984 or 4A001) used in the CCL
to identify items for export control purposes. An ECCN categorizes
items based on the nature of the product, i.e. type of commodity,
technology or software and its respective technical parameters.

Once the ECCN has been identified, you can determine the reasons
for control of the item, which transactions may require an export
license based on the country of destination, and which license
exceptions, if any, may apply.

What is an EAR99 designation?

Items that are subject to the jurisdiction of the EAR but are not
on the CCL, are designated EAR99. EAR99 serves as a “basket”
category for all such items.

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Determining Your ECCN:
There are three approaches to determine an ECCN:

1. Go to the Source: Contact the manufacturer, producer or

developer to see if they have a current ECCN for the item. Keep in
mind that ECCNs may change over time, so you still need to review
the ECCN to be sure you are in agreement.

2. Self-Classify: In order to self-classify your item, you need a

technical understanding of the item. Additionally, you need to be
familiar with the structure and format of the CCL.

To classify your item against the CCL, begin with a review of the
general characteristics of your item. The CCL is divided into ten
categories. The first digit of the ECCN represents the category (see
exhibit A). Each of the ten categories is divided into five product
groups, represented by the second digit of the ECCN (see exhibit B).
Once the appropriate category and product group are identified,

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match the particular characteristics and functions of your item to one
of the specific ECCNs that follow. If the ECCN contains a list under
the “Items” heading, you should review the list to determine within
which subparagraph(s) your item is identified.
(Exhibit A) (Exhibit B)
Commerce Control List Categories Product Groups
0 = Nuclear materials, facilities and equipment (and A. Systems, Equipment and
miscellaneous items) Components
1 = Materials, Chemicals, Microorganisms and Toxins B. Test, Inspection and
2 = Materials Processing Production Equipment
3 = Electronics C. Material s
4 = Computers D. Software
5 = Telecommunications and Information Security E. Technology
6 = Sensors and Lasers
7 = Navigation and Avionics
8 = Marine
9 = Propulsion Systems, Space Vehicles, and Related
Equipment

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If your item does not have a specific ECCN in any category of the
CCL, then your item is designated as EAR99.

3. Official Request to BIS: You may request an official classification

from BIS using the electronic licensing system, SNAP-R. You must
obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and Company
Identification Number (CIN) to access the online system. For
further information regarding SNAP-R and PINs, visit our website at
http://www.bis.doc.gov/snap/pinsnapr.htm.
Once you have determined your ECCN: Next Steps
Once you have classified the item, the next step is to determine
whether you need an export license. You do this by cross-referencing
the “Reasons for Control” of the item and the country of ultimate
destination. Here’s how:

Below the main heading for your ECCN entry, you will find
“Reasons for Control” (e.g., NS for National Security, AT for Anti-
Terrorism, CC for Crime Control, etc.) and a “Country Chart”

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reference associated with your item (e.g., NP Column 1). Some
controls apply only to certain sub-paragraphs, so note carefully which
apply to your item. Also, an item may have more than one control
associated with it. Next, turn to the “Commerce Country Chart”
(Supp.1 to Part 738). This is also available on our website.

If there is an “X” in the column based on the reason(s) for control of

your item and the country of destination, a license is required, unless
a License Exception is available. If there is no “X” in the control
column(s) specified under your ECCN and country of destination,
you will not need an export license unless you are exporting to an
end-user or end-use of concern or any other General Prohibition
applies. For additional information on License Exceptions, General
Prohibitions, or End-Users of concern, refer to “Introduction to the
Commerce Department’s Export Controls.”

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Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Department of Commerce have jurisdiction over all
exports?
The Department of Commerce does not regulate all goods, services,
and technologies. Other U.S. Government agencies have export
control responsibilities for regulating more specialized exports. For
example, if you are shipping military goods, your item may be subject
to the licensing jurisdiction of the Directorate of Defense Trade
Controls at the Department of State. The BIS website identifies
resource links for various U.S. Government agencies with export
control responsibilities. See http://www.bis.doc.gov/About/reslinks.htm.

If my item is EAR99, does that mean I do not need a license?

It depends on all the facts of the transaction. Generally, EAR99 items
may be shipped under the designation “NLR” which stands for “No
License Required.” However, if your export of an EAR99 item is to
an embargoed or sanctioned country, to an end-user of concern or in

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support of a prohibited end-use, you may be required to obtain an
export license.

Are ECCNs and Schedule B numbers different?

Yes, an ECCN is different from a Schedule B number. A Schedule
B number is used by the Census Bureau to collect trade statistics.
There is no correlation between these numbering systems. Knowing
a Schedule B number will not help to determine the ECCN. The
Bureau of Census’s Foreign Trade Division can assist you with
Schedule B numbers at 1-800-549-0595. A Schedule B search
engine is available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/.
An ECCN is also different from the Harmonized Tariff System
Nomenclature, which is used to determine import duties.
I have been told that I can get an official ECCN determination
over the telephone from the Department of Commerce. Is this true?

No. The ECCN is based on the technical characteristics of the

item and requires a detailed analysis of the item in order for it to

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be classified. The Department of Commerce cannot provide you
with an ECCN over the telephone. However, we can assist you
in understanding how to do a self-classification of the item using
on-line resources and your technical understanding of the item. We
can also explain the process of submitting an official request for a
classification. The Office of Exporter Services has counselors available
in Washington DC at (202) 482-4811 and in our Western Regional
Office in California at (949) 660-0144 or (408) 998-8806.
I have found an official classification done by the Department of
Commerce back in 1996. Can I still use this?
The Commerce Control List and ECCNs can change - sometimes
items are added to the CCL and other times item specifications are
changed or removed. In addition, your item may have different
technical characteristics than what was classified previously. It is
important to stay up-to-date with changes to the Commerce Control
List which may affect your item’s classification.

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 Need Further Assistance?
www.bis.doc.gov
Office of Exporter Services (OExS)
Outreach and Educational Services Divsion
Room 1099D
14th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20230
Office: (202) 482-4811
Fax: (202) 482-2927

OExS Western Regional Office

3300 Irvine Avenue 160 W. Santa Clara Street

Suite 345 Suite 725
Newport Beach, CA 92660 San Jose, CA 95113
Office: (949) 660-0144 Office: (408) 998-8806
Fax: (949) 660-9347 Fax: (408) 998-8677

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Instructions for Submitting a Commodity Classification Request to BIS
using the Simplified Network Application Process – Redesign (SNAP – R)

To submit a License Application or Commodity Classification Request on-line,

you first have to obtain a Company Identification Number (CIN) and Personal
Identification Number (PIN) number.
1) For PIN application go to: http:/www.bis.doc.gov/SNAP/pinsnapr.htm
2) Cut and paste the “Company PIN Certification letter” on your letterhead,
fill out and fax to 202-219-9182.
3) You will receive a call in about two weeks with your CIN and PIN.
4) Once you receive your PIN, you can submit the License Application (or
Commodity Classification Request) online at https://snapr.bis.doc.gov/
Be sure to go to the First Time User login.
5) You will then create a License Application or Commodity Classification Work
Item to submit.
6) Be sure to read the instructions in the SNAP-R User Manual before you begin
as it will answer all of your questions regarding how to fill out the form, at
www.bis.doc.gov/snapr/snapr_exporter_user_manual.pdf.

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 NOTES

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