BIS Issues Report on Export Controls
The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a report on export controls, entitled "Introduction to the Commerce Department's Export Controls."
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BIS states that this report is designed to give people who are new to exporting, and, in particular, new to export controls, a general understanding of its regulations and how to use them. BIS notes that nothing provided in the report can substitute for consulting the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
(BIS is responsible for implementing and enforcing the EAR, which regulate the export and reexport of most commercial items.1 BIS notes that the EAR contains provisions relating to matters not discussed in its report. Two examples of important concepts not discussed in the report are controls on the activities of U.S. persons in support of proliferation programs (15 CFR 744.6) and the antiboycott provisions contained in 15 CFR Part 760.)
Overview of the Export Controls Report
The report contains information on the following (partial list):
What is an export?
Information on what constitutes an export
How to determine if you need a Commerce Department export license
To determine whether your export requires a license consider the following:
o What are you exporting?
o Where are you exporting?
o Who will receive your item?
o What will your item be used for?
Ways to export
Items can be exported the following ways:
- No license required (NLR)
- License exception
- License
Where to get assistance
Information on where to get assistance
Summary of steps to take to process an export
Lists the six steps an exporter should take in order to process an export
Exporter responsibility
Outlines the responsibilities of exporters and where information on exporter responsibility can be found
Applying for an export license
Information on how to apply for an export license
Export license application processing
Outlines BIS' export license application process
How to avoid delays
Information on how to avoid delays and a list of common errors that often account for delays in processing
1 BIS notes that the EAR does not control all goods, services, and technologies. Other U.S. government agencies regulate more specialized exports.
BIS report (dated February 2006) available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/Licensing/BIS_Exports.pdf