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The Simplified Network Application Process - Redesign (SNAP-R)

For the Submission of License Applications, Commodity Classification Requests, and AGR Notifications

"SNAP-R" PIN/CIN Request Package

SNAP-R allows users to submit export license applications, commodity classification requests reexport license applications, and license exception AGR notifications via the Internet. You must have a Company Identification Number (CIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access SNAP-R. The procedures and requirements for obtaining a CIN and PIN are set forth below.

Company Certification Letter Guidance

Every applicant who requires authorization to use SNAP-R will be assigned a CIN. In order to submit electronic requests to SNAP-R, an applicant must submit a Company Certification Letter with a signature from an officer of the company. This is an individual who is authorized by the company to submit the certification letter and has the authority to bind the company to the conditions and obligations set forth on the certification letter. Acronyms and/or abbreviations for a company's name are acceptable only if they are the legal name of the company. The standard language contained in the certification letter template must not be altered except on the first line where “company” can be substituted with “individual” when the applicant is an individual and not a company. Each person that submits a Company Certification Letter to use SNAP-R will be provided a PIN. All individuals requiring access to work items via SNAP-R must sign the PIN holder's certification section on the certification letter in order to obtain a PIN.

If you do not have company letterhead, the certification letter need not be on letterhead; however you must provide an explanation as to why you have no formal company letterhead. The letter must be signed by the individual seeking SNAP-R access.

See Company Certification Letter for SNAP-R electronic submissions. "Copy and paste" the text of the Company Certification Letter onto your electronic company letterhead or a blank document and print. Please provide your company name, company address, PIN holder information, and all required signatures. A post office box number will not be accepted as a valid company address.

Third Party Certification Letter Guidance

A third party is an entity that makes submissions on behalf of applicants (e.g. law firm or consultant). In order for third parties to be authorized to submit electronic requests to SNAP-R for an applicant they represent, they must submit a Third Party Certification Letter to BIS on their company letterhead, with a signature from an officer of the company. This is an individual who is authorized by the company to submit the certification letter and has the authority to bind the company to the conditions and obligations set forth on the certification letter. They will be assigned a CIN. Each person that submits a Third Party Company Certification Letter to use SNAP-R will be provided a Personal Identification Number (PIN). All individuals requiring access to work items via SNAP-R must sign the PIN holder’s certification section on the certification letter in order to obtain a PIN.

See Third Party Certification Letter for SNAP-R electronic submissions. “Copy and paste” the text of the Third Party Certification Letter onto your company letterhead or a blank document and print. Please provide your company name, company address, PIN holder information, and all required signatures. A post office box number will not be accepted as a valid company address.

Issuance of a Company Identification Number (CIN) Only in Support of Third Party Submissions

The third party submitter will need to obtain the CIN from the exporter or reexporter on whose behalf they are submitting applications. If the exporter or reexporter (applicant company) does not have a CIN, then the applicant company or third party submitter must provide a written request on company letterhead to BIS signed by an officer of the company requesting a new CIN assignment.

Note that any company that has submitted an application to BIS will already have a BIS assigned CIN on file and, if requested, the applicant and/or third party company may verify this information by contacting the Office of Exporter Services 202-482-4811, 949-660-0144 or 408-998-8806.

PIN Assignments for Employees of Client

Note: Third party certification letters can list employees of their client(s) as PIN holders. In situations where a client of a third party wishes to have access to the work items submitted on their behalf, the third party must include those individuals on their certification letter to enable their client to have access to the work items submitted.

Company and PIN Holder Responsibilities

PIN holders should protect their PIN assignment at all times:

Never disclose it to anyone;
Never record it either in writing or electronically;
Never authorize another person to use (including supervisors or coworkers);
Failure to meet the above guidelines will result in the termination of his/her authorization for PIN use by BIS or by the applicant company.

NOTE: PIN Holders should notify BIS immediately whenever they leave their company or otherwise cease to be authorized by the company to submit applications via SNAP-R on their behalf.

The company shall be responsible for:

Ensuring that both the company and PIN holder(s) report the loss, theft, or compromise of a PIN immediately by calling (202) 482-2227 and confirming the report in writing within two business days; and notifying BIS immediately whenever a PIN holder leaves employment with the company or otherwise ceases to be authorized by the company to submit applications via SNAP-R on their behalf.

Electronic Submissions

Electronic submissions transmitted via SNAP-R shall constitute an export control document and shall provide the same information as a written submission. Support documentation required by Part 748 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including brochures and specifications, can be attached directly to the Work Item in SNAP-R (PDF format required).

Maintenance of Records

NOTE: SNAP-R cannot be utilized as the official repository for the record keeping requirements as stated in the Export Administration Regulations (Part 762). It is suggested that a company maintain a log of all SNAP-R submissions to include, but not limited to, the following: date and time of submission; item description(s); ECCN(s); and submitter’s name. This log must not be altered. Written corrections must be made in a manner that does not erase or otherwise obscure original entries. If the log is maintained electronically, corrections may only be made as notations.

Changes of Address and Staff

It is the responsibility of the company to notify BIS, in writing, of any change(s) to the certification letter information contained on-file with BIS. See the SNAP-R “Frequently Asked Questions” (link) for additional information required by BIS based on the specific nature of your company name and/or address change. Reference your CIN when contacting BIS of any changes.

Where to Submit the Company Certification or Third Party Certification Letter:

Submit your Company Certification Letter or Third Party Certification Letter via Fax, Email, Courier or Postal Service. Complete all requested information and submit the certification letter to BIS via:

Fax: (recommended and preferred method of submission)
202-219-9182 (Washington, DC)
949-660-9347 (Newport Beach, CA)

Email: (recommended and preferred method of submission)
With an Adobe PDF attachment to snapr@bis.doc.gov.

Courier and Postal Service (expect delays of 2-4 weeks):
Office of Exporter Services
Room 2705
14th & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230

Western Regional Office
BIS Western Regional Office
3300 Irvine Avenue, Suite 345
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 660-0144

BIS will contact all parties identified on the certification letter within two weeks of receipt of the letter. Expect longer processing times for incomplete requests, (e.g., missing pages, illegible, company name does not match company letterhead). If not contacted within twenty days, please contact BIS. PIN number(s) will be provided directly to the applicant only. If sent via email, the CIN/PIN assignments will be sent separately.

Questions about CINs and PINs

If you have questions about applying for a CIN and/or PIN, please review our “Frequently Asked Questions”. You may also contact BIS’s Export Management and Compliance Division at (202) 482-2148 or (202) 482-0062, the BIS SNAP-R help desk at (202) 482-2227 or email at SNAPR@bis.doc.gov. Also, the BIS Western Regional Office can be reached at (949) 660-0144 for assistance.

SNAP-R Online Submissions