I get a lot of emails from exporters who are confused about whether or not their products require an export license. Their initial search through the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) indicate that they do, but then they hear or read about export license exceptions that may be available.
I've put together an overview that explains what license exceptions are and how they work. This discussion assumes you know the basics of export licenses.
What Are Export License Exceptions?
An export license exception is an authorization that allows you to export or re-export, under stated conditions, items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that would otherwise require a license. This covers items that fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce and not items that are controlled by the State Department or some other agency.
List of Export License Exceptions
Here is a list of export license exceptions from the Bureau of Industry and Security’s EAR website. To learn more about each exception in detail, reference Part 740.1 of the EAR. Note that this list of license exceptions can change, so you should regularly consult the regulations to stay current.
- Shipments of Limited Value (LVS)
- Shipments to Country Group B Countries (GBS)
- Civil End-Users (CIV)
- Technology and Software Under Restriction (TSR)
- Computers (APP)
- Temporary Imports, Exports, Re-exports, and Transfers In-Country (TMP)
- Servicing and Replacement of Parts and Equipment (RPL)
- Governments, International Organizations, International Inspections Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the International Space Station (GOV)
- Gift Parcels and Humanitarian Donations (GFT)
- Technology and Software Unrestricted (TSU)
- Baggage (BAG)
- Aircraft, Vessels, and Spacecraft (AVS)
- Additional Permissive Re-exports (APR)
- Encryption Commodities, Software, and Technology (ENC)
- Agricultural Commodities (AGR)
- Consumer Communications Devices (CCD)
- Strategic Trade Authorization (STA)
- Support for the Cuban People (SCP)
Steps for Determining Export License Exceptions
Step #1
Find the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) for your items in the Commerce Control List (CCL). The CCL is divided into 10 broad categories of products, so you need to determine in which category your products fall. The ECCN classification is a five-character numeric code (for example, 3A981 for a polygraph machine), so you will need to dig down through all levels to classify your products.
Keep in mind that not all products are found on the CCL. In fact, most products aren't, and they are classified as No License Required (NLR). Unfortunately, the only way to determine that your goods don't appear on the CCL is to check the list and eliminate possible matches.
Step #2
Once you’ve found the correct ECCN classification, the regulations tell you the reason that item is controlled. (It may be for purposes of chemical and biological weapons, nuclear nonproliferation, national security, missile technology, regional stability, firearms convention, crime control, and terrorism.) For the example 3A981, the reasons for control are crime control (CC).
The CCL also list the license exceptions that may be available for a particular ECCN classification and the conditions under which those exceptions apply.
Step #3
If General Prohibitions 4-10 do not apply, go to the Commerce Country Chart in the CCL to determine if there is an “X” in the box or if some other licensing requirement is mandatory. If not, the item is No License Required (NLR). If so, move to step 4. Before going to a specific license exception, make sure there are no general restrictions.
Step #4
Review license exceptions in Part 740 to see if a license exception is available. Each exception is unique, so make sure you meet of all of the criteria. In addition, Part 740.2 outlines several restrictions for using a license exemption. Make sure none of these restrictions applies to your export.
If you find a license exception for which you qualify and none of the exceptions apply to your shipment, you may use the license exception. If not, you need to submit an application for a license.