The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which regulate the export and reexport of most commercial items. The EAR do not control all goods, services, and technologies. Other U.S. government agencies regulate more specialized exports. For example, the U.S. Department of State has authority over defense articles and defense services. Other agencies are also involved in export controls
An Export is sent from the United States to a foreign destination is an export. “Items” include commodities, software or technology, such as clothing, building materials, circuit boards, automotive parts, blue prints, design plans, retail software packages and technical information. A relatively small percentage of total U.S. exports and reexports require a license from BIS. License requirements are dependent upon an item’s technical characteristics, the destination, the end-user, and the end-use. A key in determining whether an export license is needed from the Department of Commerce is knowing whether the item you are intending to export has a specific Export Control Classification Number (ECCN).
The proper classification of your item is essential to determining any licensing requirements under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Restrictions vary from country to country. The most restricted destinations are the embargoed countries and those countries designated as supporting terrorist activities, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria.
Although a relatively small percentage of all U.S. exports and reexports require a BIS license, virtually all exports and many reexports to embargoed destinations and countries designated as supporting terrorist We have the abilito to ensure that your export is under U.S. Department of Commerce jurisdiction. Classify your item by reviewing the Commerce Control List. If your item is classified by an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), identify the Reasons for Control on the Commerce Control List. Cross-reference the ECCN Controls against the Commerce Country Chart to see if a license is required. If yes, determine if a License Exception is available before applying for a license. Ensure that no proscribed end-users or end-uses are involved with your export transaction. If proscribed end-users or end-uses are involved, determine if you can proceed with the transaction or must apply for a license. Export your item using the correct ECCN and the appropriate symbol (e.g., NLR, license exception, or license number and expiration date) on your export documentation (e.g., Shipper’s Export Declaration).
International Reach
At HULSEY P.C. – Patents & Trademarks, we believe that protecting innovation should not stop at U.S. borders. That is why we are proud to be a member of the Association of European Attorneys (AEA) / AEA International Lawyers Network.
Through this membership, Hulsey P.C. clients gain:
- Direct international reach for patents and trademarks across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
- Single-point-of-contact convenience, with our firm coordinating filings and enforcement worldwide.
- Trusted global partnerships, ensuring that local counsel in each jurisdiction is vetted and reliable.
Together with our U.K. presence through Hulsey IP Nexus Ltd, our AEA membership underscores our commitment to offering clients both local service and global protection. Whether you are a startup securing your first patent or an established company expanding internationally, Hulsey P.C. – PATENTS & TRADEMARKS ensures that your intellectual property is protected wherever business takes you.