Russia and Belarus
Resources on export controls implemented in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine
In response to the Russian Federation’s (Russia’s) invasion of Ukraine, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has taken swift and severe action to impose stringent export controls on Russia. These restrictions have also been applied to Belarus in response to its substantial enabling of Russia’s invasion.
The actions taken by BIS build on existing restrictions in place on Russia since its occupation of Crimea in 2014 and for other purposes. Certain of these restrictions remain in effect; others have been expanded in scope as a result of Russia’s invasion and ongoing destabilizing conduct in Ukraine. In particular, BIS has imposed controls on a range of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that did not previously require export licenses when destined for Russia. BIS has also imposed similarly stringent controls on items subject to the EAR that are destined for Belarus. Notably, both countries have been made subject to broad in-country transfer controls.
U.S. Persons providing services in Russia and Belarus or contemplating business generally involving either destination should also review the prohibitions on transactions involving Russia and Belarus under the regulations of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
The information provided on this page is updated as events warrant. This is not a substitute for consulting the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or other statutes, regulations, and other documents that apply.
On This Page
Current press releases
Note: Where appropriate/relevant, press releases include links to Federal Register Notices and other helpful material.
July 10, 2024: BIS Issues Guidance on Addressing Export Diversion Risks
February 23, 2024: Commerce Stands Strong with Ukraine, Takes Further Action Against Ongoing Russian Aggression
February 23, 2024: Russia Export Controls Communique
February 20, 2024: Readout of Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod’s Participation in the 2024 Munich Security Conference
January 23, 2024: Commerce Strengthens Controls Against Russia and Belarus in Response to Russia's Continued War Against Ukraine
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
These FAQs are organized under the following subject headings. BIS will continue to update these documents:
- Address Screening (2024)
- Applicable License Requirements (2022)
- Commodity, End-user, and Transshipment Country Red Flags (2022)
- Country Group and Country Chart Changes (2022)
- EAR99 Software Controls (2024)
- End User Controls on OFAC SDNS (2024)
- Excluded Countries (2022)
- Foreign Direct Product (FDP) and De Minimis Rules (2022)
- Guidance for Non-U.S. Corporate Service Providers (2024)
- License Application Review Policy (2022)
- License Exceptions (2024)
- License Exception Medical Devices (2024)
- Luxury Goods (2022)
- "No Russia" Contract Clauses (2024)
- Savings Clause (2022)
- Shipments of Empty Nuclear Containers to Russia (2024)
- Third Country Application of Controls (2022)
Compliance and due diligence guidance and information
The following resources are highlighted as a starting point for U.S. exporters and other interested parties seeking additional information on the rules, related compliance efforts, and other matters. These resources are not exhaustive.
- Best Practice: Certification to Prevent Diversion to Russia of Highest Priority Items
- Russia Best Practices for Medical-related License Applications guidance
- Guidance to Industry on BIS Actions Identifying Transaction Parties of Diversion Risk
- Preventing Russian Export Control and Sanctions Evasion: Updated Guidance for Industry
- BIS Guidance to Exporters on Priority HS Codes
- Russia Export Controls – List of Common High-Priority Items
- Commerce, Justice, State, and Treasury Departments issue advisory providing guidance to industry on Iran's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-related activities
- BIS List of Commercial and Private Aircraft in potential violation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR): Full List As of July 20, 2023 and Full List as of October 25, 2023
- Archive List of Commercial and Private Aircraft in potential violation of the EAR
- Six-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) tariff codes controlled for export to Russia, Belarus, Iran, and temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine and set forth in supplement nos. 2, 4, 5, and 7 to part 746 of the EAR. The downloadable .xlsx-format list is provided to assist with compliance and is not legally binding. BIS recommends that exporters refer to Section 746.6, 746.7, and 746.8 of the EAR and supplement nos. 2, 4, 5, and 7 to part 746 of the EAR to understand their export control obligations.