How to find the ECCN for your product
Updated · Rotomal
To find an ECCN, first ask the manufacturer, producer or developer, since many publish ECCNs. If they don't, self-classify: follow the order of review in Supplement No. 4 to Part 774 of the EAR and compare the item's technical parameters with each candidate entry on the Commerce Control List. If no entry describes the item, it is EAR99. For certainty, request an official classification from BIS through SNAP-R under section 748.3.
Read an ECCN
| Part | Meaning | Example in 5A992 |
|---|---|---|
| First digit (0–9) | Category, such as 3 Electronics, 4 Computers, 5 Telecommunications and information security | 5 |
| Second character (A–E) | Product group: A systems and equipment, B test and production equipment, C materials, D software, E technology | A |
| Last three digits | The specific entry on the list | 992 |
Steps to self-classify
- Confirm the item is subject to the EAR.
- Check whether the manufacturer publishes an ECCN for the item or its key components.
- Follow the order of review in Supplement No. 4 to Part 774; check the 600 series and 9x515 entries first if the item could be military or space related.
- Pick the likely category and product group, then read each candidate ECCN in full, including its Items paragraphs and technical notes.
- If no entry describes the item, record it as EAR99.
- Write down the reasoning and date, and re-check when the list changes.
What goes into the AES filing
| Situation | What to report in the EEI |
|---|---|
| EAR99, no license | NLR, FTR code C33 |
| Listed item, no license, controlled only for anti-terrorism | NLR code; ECCN not required except for China, Russia or Venezuela |
| Listed item, no license, other reasons for control | NLR code and the ECCN |
| License exception | ECCN and the License Exception symbol with its code |
| Licensed export | License code, license number, ECCN and the licensed description |
If you want help
Export Codes proposes EAR99 or an ECCN for each of your products with written reasoning, matches manufacturer ECCNs first and maps each product to its AES filing codes. A $19 check on 5 products, credited against the Catalog pass, then $149 once for up to 40. It is not legal advice; borderline items belong with BIS or an export lawyer.
Sources
- BIS: Classify your item Source: bis.gov
- BIS: CCL order of review decision tool Source: media.bis.gov
- 15 CFR 758.1, Electronic Export Information filing (Cornell LII) Source: law.cornell.edu