SNAP Redesign (SNAP-R) includes: enhanced security, ability to attach supporting documents electronically, user access rights and account management, and the ability for BIS Licensing Officers to view work items and supporting documents electronically.

Access SNAP-R

Access SNAP-R training videos here!

BIS' SNAP-R is available at no cost to the exporting community. With SNAP-R you have:

• The ability to attach supporting documents to online export license application submissions by uploading files through the web interface;
• Enhanced system security and improved authentication;
• Email notification capability to support exporter and staff correspondence, acknowledgements, and validations;
• The capability to copy and re-use work item and supporting documents; and
• The capability to share work items within the same company (based on user rights management).

SNAP-R gives you the ability to:

• Submit export and re-export applications, and commodity classification requests via the Internet in a secure environment;
• Receive same-day acknowledgment of your submission; and
• Obtain online validations (e.g. electronic facsimile of export license) from BIS.

Requirements:

• Internet access and Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0 or later with Active Scripting, session cookies, and PDF file download enabled (default configuration);
• A PDF Reader, such as Adobe® Reader®, if you want to read previously uploaded supporting documents online; and
• Company Identification Number (CIN) and an active user account.

If you have not submitted to BIS electronically in the past, you will need to obtain a Company Identification Number (CIN). Detailed procedures for obtaining a CIN and user account are set forth in Section 748.7 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

If you have any questions on SNAP-R, you may email us.

Technical Issues with SNAP-R Registration System

BIS is experiencing technical difficulties with the registration process on the Simplified Network Application Process – Redesign (SNAP-R).  We are working to resolve the issue and apologize for the inconvenience.   We hope to advise you very soon that the system is back up and functioning properly.  Thank you.

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Before Starting - Obtain Authorization

Obtain a Company Identification Number (CIN) and activate a user account.

A note for older accounts previously established on the SNAP-R system – Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) are no longer required to set up user accounts, and "PIN holders” are now simply referred to as “users”.

Step 1 - Submit Information

After logging in to SNAP-R, create a Work Item by filling out the online forms and (if applicable) attaching supporting documentation in PDF format. After the forms have been submitted, BIS will start the review process and the documents will no longer be editable by the submitter. BIS will assign the application an Application Control Number (ACN) that begins with the letter “Z”.

Step 2 - Receive Acknowledgment

BIS routes an acknowledgment message through SNAP-R to each user authorized to access the Work Item. This message will include the Application Control Number (ACN).

Step 3 - Check Status and Messages

Users may check the status of their applications through SNAP-R. Alternatively, once users have received their Application Control Number (ACN) or Classification Control Number (CCN) from BIS/SNAP-R, they may track the status of their request via the System for Tracking Export License Applications (STELA). STELA is the system that provides export license status information. This system will also provide status for other requests such as commodity classifications. Follow the on-line instructions to obtain the status of the export license application or commodity classification using the case number assigned by BIS. BIS may send requests for additional information to the users. If a user has supplied an email address in his/her user SNAP-R profile, then he/she will receive an email notification from SNAP-R whenever BIS has been posted a message. Users may check these messages and the status of their applications through SNAP-R. These messages may include requests for information to the applicant from the licensing officer. For timely processing of applications, the requests should be accommodated as soon as possible. Responses may contain simple text as well as attached documentation.

Step 4 - Final Action

Acceptance or rejection of a previously submitted application, classification, or reporting form may be viewed from SNAP-R. Final validations may include electronic facsimiles of an Export/Re-Export License, Commodity Classification, or Agriculture Exception Notice. Exporters may ship based on the terms and conditions of the electronic.A hardcopy backup notification will be mailed for some final validations.

Additional Sources for Help

Field-level help is available for most fields in SNAP-R. Anywhere you see a small box with a question mark in it next to a field label, you can place your mouse over the box (hover there without clicking), and a box will appear with an explanation of the field and its use. If you need additional information about the field, then click on the field box with a question mark and an additional window will appear with further help on the use of the field. You may also review the SNAP-R Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

For additional SNAP-R information or issues, please contact the SNAP-R Help Desk by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 6:30am-7:00pm ET.

Reset Password

Contact your company’s SNAP-R Account Administrator if you have forgotten your password and need to have it reset. If your account administrator is not available, you may send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Time Out

The system will automatically log your account off after sixty (60) minutes of inactivity. If this occurs, the SNAP-R Login screen will appear. Log back into SNAP-R and continue your work. If you close the browser window without using the Logout function (you do not log out of SNAP-R), your SNAP-R session may not be closed (terminated) until sixty (60) minutes later. For security reasons, it is recommended to use the Logout function.

Configuring Internet Explorer

If you have problems with Internet Explorer while using SNAP-R, you may want to try adjusting your Internet Explorer settings.

Logout

All users should log out of the system once desired work is completed. If the browser window is closed instead of using the logout function, your SNAP-R session may not be closed until sixty (60) minutes later. For security reasons, it is important to use the Logout function.

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

SNAP-R Access:

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 an active user account to access SNAP‑R. The procedures and requirements for obtaining a CIN and user account are set forth below. Click here to log into SNAP-R.

On-line Registration and Account Self-Management:

BIS has implemented an on-line registration system for obtaining a Company Identification Number (CIN) and an active user account. Additionally, users are provided the ability to keep the information in their accounts current via the self-management portion of the system.

On-line Registration:

Every applicant who requires authorization to use SNAP-R will be assigned a CIN. In order to submit electronic requests in SNAP-R, an applicant must register with BIS via the on-line registration process by entering the requested information and agreeing to the stated terms and conditions. The individual submitting the information will be designated as the account administrator, who has the same abilities within SNAP-R as other users in the system, but additionally has the responsibility and authority to maintain the account via the self-management portion of the system.

Self-Management:

Account Administrators have the following abilities within the self-management portion of the system:

• Submit applications, classification requests, and notifications to BIS on behalf of the company just as any user would;
• Add new individual users who will be able to submit applications, classification requests, and notifications to BIS on behalf of the company;
• Deactivate the user account of any existing individual user who has been authorized to submit on behalf of the company;
• Reactivate the account of any individual user whose account was previously deactivated;
• Designate any individual user who has the power to submit on behalf of the company as an account administrator who will have all of the powers described in this statement;
• Remove account administrator authority from any user designated as an account administrator for the company;
• Update the company's identifying information, such as name and address as listed in its SNAP-R account;
• Update the identifying information, such as name and telephone number of any individual user who is authorized to submit on behalf of the company; and
• Reset passwords of individual users who are authorized to submit on behalf of the company.

Company Information Entry Guidance:

• Acronyms and/or abbreviations for a company's name are acceptable only if they are the legal name of the company.
• A post office box number will not be accepted as a valid company address.

Third Party Guidance:

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) allows third parties to submit license applications and classification requests on behalf of exporters and re-exporters via SNAP-R. In order for third parties to be authorized to make electronic submissions to SNAP-R they must have a Power of Attorney from the CIN-holder.

The Third Party Submitter (also referred to as Other Party) will need to receive the CIN from the exporter or re-exporter on whose behalf it is submitting applications. If the exporter or re-exporter does not already have a CIN, they will need to obtain one. Any company that has submitted an application to BIS will have a CIN already assigned by BIS. To verify the CIN, the exporter or re-exporter may contact the Office of Exporter Services by calling (202) 482-4811 or by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ET.

The Third Party Submitter will also need to have their own CIN. The Third Party Submitter will log into SNAP-R using their own CIN, and then put their client’s CIN in Block 14 in order to submit on behalf of their client.

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 can obtain a CIN via the on-line registration process. Or, if the Third Party Submitter has a Power of Attorney, the Third Party Submitter may obtain the CIN for the applicant company via the on-line registration process. The Third Party Submitter should only log into their own SNAP-R account, and will then put their client’s CIN in Block 14 in order to submit on behalf of their client.

Note: 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 submitter may verify this information by contacting BIS’s Office of Exporter Services at (202) 482-4811. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ET.

Company and User Responsibilities:

Users should protect their password at all times:

• Never disclose it to anyone;
• Record it, either in writing or electronically, in a secure location;
• Never authorize another person to use it (including supervisors or coworkers);
• Failure to meet the above guidelines will result in the termination of his/her authorization for SNAP-R by BIS or by the applicant company.

Note: Account Administrators should deactivate users immediately whenever they leave the company or otherwise cease to be authorized by the company to submit applications via SNAP-R on the company’s behalf.

For password resets contact the BIS SNAP-R Help Desk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Office hours are Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. ET.

The company shall be responsible for:

• Ensuring that both the company and user(s) report the loss, theft, or compromise of a password immediately to their Account Administrator. If the Account Administrator is not available, contact BIS by calling (202) 482-2227 and confirming the report in writing within two business days.
• Having the Account Administrator deactivate users immediately whenever they leave employment with the company or otherwise cease to be authorized by the company to submit applications via SNAP-R on the company’s behalf. If the Account Administrator is not available, contact BIS by calling (202) 482-2227 and confirming the report in writing within two business days.

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:

SNAP-R cannot be utilized as the official repository for the record keeping requirements pursuant to the Export Administration Regulations (Part 762). BIS suggests that companies maintain a log of all SNAP-R submissions including 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. Instead, 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’s account administrator to update any change(s) to their SNAP-R account information. See the SNAP-R Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the information required by BIS based on the specific nature of the name and/or address change.

 

Obtaining a CIN:

The first steps to obtaining your CIN are entering your information and agreeing to the Terms & Conditions for using the SNAP-R system as stated on the registration form. The system will then verify the email address you entered; once verified, further instructions to set up your user account will be delivered by e-mail.

Questions about CINs and User Accounts:

If you have questions about applying for a CIN and/or user accounts, please review our SNAP-R Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. You may also contact:

• BIS’ Office of Exporter Services at (202) 482-4811 (office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.),
• the BIS SNAP-R Help Desk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (office hours are Monday-Friday, 6:30am-7:00pm ET) or
• the BIS Western Regional Office at (949) 660-0144 (office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00p.m. PT).