HomeExport Compliance

Government Agencies

U.S. Department of Commerce

Bureau of Industry and Security, BIS - The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730-774), which regulate the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of most commercial and some military items. Items that BIS regulates may be referred to as “dual-use” – items that have both commercial and military or proliferation applications – but some military items and purely commercial items without an obvious military use are also subject to the EAR.

Elements of an Effective Export Compliance Program ➡

Commerce Control List (CCL)

A key in determining whether an export license is needed from the Department of Commerce is knowing whether the item you intend to export has a specific Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). The ECCN is an alpha-numeric code, e.g., 3A001, that describes the item and indicates licensing requirements. All ECCNs are listed in the Commerce Control List (CCL) - Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 of the EAR.

BIS CCL Index

A helpful tool when reviewing items potentially subject to the EAR

The Commerce Country Chart

Allows you to determine the Commerce Control List (CCL) export and reexport license requirements for most items listed on the CCL.

Red Flag Indicators

Use this as a checklist to discover possible violations of the Export Administration Regulations.

U.S. Census Bureau

The official source for U.S. export and import statistics and is responsible for issuing regulations governing the reporting of all export shipments from the United States. In order to better assist exporters in providing more accurate trade statistics and filers in determining their correct export commodity code, International Trade provides a Schedule B Commodity Search Tool.

Schedule B Classification In order to better assist exporters in providing more accurate trade statistics and filers in determining their correct export commodity code (Schedule B number), International Trade provides a Schedule B Commodity Search Tool. This search tool provides a smarter, more intuitive, and more accurate way to classify products.

U.S. Department of State

Directorate of Defense Trade Controls - The Department of State is responsible for the export and temporary import of defense articles and services governed by 22 U.SC. 2778 of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and Executive Order 13637. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR," 22 CFR 120-130) implements the AECA. The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State implements the ITAR including the United States Munitions List (USML).

U.S. Department of Treasury

Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC - OFAC administers a number of different sanctions programs. The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals. OFAC's Sanctions Programs include regulations and restrictions related to trade with Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela, among other countries.

U.S. Department of Justice

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, FCPA - The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq. ("FCPA"), was enacted for the purpose of making it unlawful for certain classes of persons and entities to make payments to foreign government officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Customs and Border Protection, CBP - CBP Trade facilitates legitimate trade, enforces law, and protects the American economy to ensure consumer safety and to create a level playing field for American businesses. CBP is responsible for preventing the entry of products made with forced labor into the U.S. market by investigating and acting upon allegations of forced labor in supply chains. Priority Trade Issues (PTIs) represent high-risk areas that can cause significant revenue loss, harm the U.S. economy, or threaten the health and safety of the American people. They drive risk-informed investment of CBP resources and enforcement and facilitation efforts, including the selection of audit candidates, special enforcement operations, outreach, and regulatory initiatives. CBP Trade administers trade policy by collecting duties and enforcing remedies to create a level playing field for American businesses.

U.S. International Trade Commission

Harmonized Tariff Schedule - The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) sets out the tariff rates and statistical categories for all merchandise imported into the United States. The HTS is based on the international Harmonized System, which is the global system of nomenclature applied to most world trade in goods.

Additional Resources

The Daily Bugle

The Export/Import Daily Update (“The Daily Bugle”) is a free electronic newsletter to inform readers of changes to defense and high-tech trade laws and regulations. It is published by Full Circle Compliance.

International Compliance Professionals Association, ICPA

ICPA is a non-profit, global trade compliance community whose mission is to provide networking opportunities and resources to individuals involved in international trade compliance. The Association has grown from an informal e-mail list into an organization of over 3000 members worldwide. Member fees apply.

The World Trade Organization

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.

The World Customs Organization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. The WCO represents 185 Customs administrations across the globe that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade. As the global center of Customs expertise, the WCO is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters and can rightly call itself the voice of the international Customs community.