BIS Seminar Frequently Asked Questions
Which seminar should I attend if I am new to exporting?
For those new to exporting we suggest attending our two-day program, “Complying with U.S. Export Controls.” It moves at a slower pace than the one-day “Essentials of Export Controls” seminar and allows time for more hands-on exercises to solidify the knowledge presented in the minds of the attendees.
Which seminar should I attend if I am NOT new to exporting?
If you are an experienced exporter our “Essentials of U.S. Export Controls” is an excellent option as a refresher course. You may also be interested in attending one of our special topic courses. These courses are either one-day or one half-day in duration. Some of the special topics include license exceptions, technology controls, and deemed exports. A description of all courses offered by BIS is available on our website and can be accessed by clicking here.
What is the dress code for a BIS seminar?
Dress code is business casual.
When do seminars open for registration?
Generally, seminars are opened for registration six weeks before the date they are scheduled to be held. This also depends upon how quickly our cosponsors are able to finalize all details of the seminar, such as location and cost. If you would like to be notified when a seminar opens for registration, we suggest you sign up for our seminar email notification service, which can be accessed from the following web link: https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/component/rsform/form/49-subscription-list-form?Itemid=391.
How can I register for a seminar?
Once a seminar is open for registration you should click on the link for “additional information”. There will be a link for registration on that page. Details about the seminar, such as its time, location, accommodations and the seminar fee and what that fee covers, will also be found on the “additional information” page.
I cannot attend a seminar for which I have registered, can I get a refund?
It depends upon when you need to cancel. A cancellation period is listed on the “additional information” page. If you need to cancel your attendance after the cancellation period listed then you will not be able to obtain a refund but you will be allowed to send a substitute from your company to attend in your place.
Will your seminar cover ITAR regulations?
No, our seminars will not cover ITAR regulations as they fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State. Therefore, BIS seminars will primarily cover the Export Administration Regulations. However, some BIS seminars do include segments on Bureau of Census and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.
How can I get a seminar in my area?
You should contact your local U.S. Export Assistance Center and ask them to host a BIS seminar for your area. Let them know which BIS seminar you are interested in attending. They can then use that information to gauge interest in your area for that type of seminar.
What is the primary difference between the two-day “Complying with U.S. Export Controls” and the “Essentials of U.S. Export Controls”?
The primary difference between these two seminars is time as the “Complying” is a two-day seminar and the “Essentials” is a one-day seminar. Both seminars cover the same subjects but the two-day seminar allows more time for each topic. The “Complying” seminar introduces a case study about a fictional company new to exporting that attendees follow throughout the seminar. Many two-day seminars include additional speakers from Bureau of Census and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The one-day “Essentials” seminar is very fast-paced as it has to cover a lot of material in a shorter period of time.
Do I need to bring the EAR with me or are training materials provided?
You do not need to bring anything with you. All materials will be provided to you at the seminar.
How can I be notified of new seminar postings?
You may register for our seminar email notification service at the following website https://mailinglist.bis.doc.gov/lists/?p=subscribe&id=2&id=2.
What topics are covered in a BIS seminar?
BIS seminars are designed to help exporters navigate the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Topics include what is subject to the EAR, general prohibitions, export control classification numbers (ECCNs), license exceptions, license applications, Simplified Network Application Process Redesign (SNAP-R - the online application submission program), export enforcement, export clearance and recordkeeping. Some seminars include presentations by the Bureau of Census and the Office of Foreign Assets Control(OFAC).
Who are the presenters?
Our instructors are experienced export policy specialists and enforcement personnel from BIS in Washington, D.C., the Western Regional Office in California and from BIS's field offices, as well as representatives from other U.S. government agencies as appropriate.
Are CLE credits offered?
Our programs are certified by the State Bar of California for CLE credit. Many State Bars will accept credits from programs certified by other State Bars. Thus, if you are an attorney in another state, you may be able to accrue CLE credits by submitting the attendance form to your own State.