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) which is available on the Government Printing Office website. The CCL is divided into ten broad categories, and each category is further subdivided into five product groups.
Commerce Control List Categories
Five Product Groups
| A | End Items, Equipment, Accessories, Attachments, Parts, Components, and Systems |
| B | Test, Inspection and Production Equipment |
| C | Materials |
| D | Software |
| E | Technology |
| 0 | Nuclear Materials, Facilities And Equipment (and Miscellaneous Items) |
| 1 | Materials, Chemicals, Microorganisms and Toxins |
| 2 | Materials Processing |
| 3 | Electronics |
| 4 |
Computers |
| 5 | Part 1 -- Telecommunications and Part 2 -- Information Security |
| 6 | Sensors and Lasers |
| 7 | Navigation and Avionics |
| 8 |
Marine |
| 9 |
Aerospace and Propulsion |
If your item falls under U.S. Department of Commerce jurisdiction and is not listed on the CCL, it is designated as EAR99. EAR99 items generally consist of low-technology consumer goods and do not require a license in many situations. However, if you plan to export an EAR99 item to an embargoed country, to an end-user of concern, or in support of a prohibited end-use, you may be required to obtain a license.