Classify your item

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A key in determining whether you need a Department of Commerce export license is knowing whether your item is described in an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). ECCNs are five character alpha-numeric designations used on the Commerce Control List to identify items for export control purposes.

Please note: An ECCN is distinct from and entirely unrelated to either a Schedule B number or a Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code. Contact the U.S. Census Bureau for information on Schedule B numbers. Contact the U.S. International Trade Commission for information on HTS codes.

Structure of an ECCN

An ECCN categorizes items based on the nature of the item , i.e. type of commodity, software, or technology, and its technical parameters. The first character of the ECCN is a number from 0 through 9 that identifies the broader category to which an item belongs. The second character of the ECCN is a letter from A through E that identifies the product group. The last three digits of the ECCN are specific entries listed on  the Commerce Control List.

There are three ways to determine whether your item is described in an ECCN on the Commerce Control List. 

1. Go to the source

Contact the manufacturer, producer, or developer of the item you are exporting to see if they can provide you with the ECCN for the item. Keep in mind that ECCNs may change over time, so please review the ECCN against the current Commerce Control List to ensure it is accurate.

BIS maintains a Classification Information Table listing companies that have voluntarily provided information for  third parties to receive classifications.

2. Self-classify

In order to self-classify an item, you need a technical understanding of the item and a familiarity with the structure of an ECCN. The steps to classify an item as “subject to the EAR” are outlined in supplement no. 4 to part 774: Commerce Control List Order of Review. BIS offers a decision tool and a downloadable guide to assist with applying the Order of Review to self-classify an item.

3. Request an official classification from BIS

Request BIS to identify the correct ECCN for your item by following the classification request guidelines in Section 748.3 of the EAR. Classification requests are submitted electronically using the Simplified Network Application Process Redesign (SNAP-R). 

If your item is subject to the EAR but is not described in or otherwise classified under any ECCN of any category of the Commerce Control List, then the item is designated as “EAR99.” EAR99 items do not require a license for export, reexport, or transfer (in country) in most situations; however, EAR99 items may require a license if destined for a prohibited or restricted end user, end use or destination of concern. 

BIS offers the following training videos to assist with classifying items subject to the EAR.