Export Administration Regulations

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is a U.S. government entity responsible for implementing and enforcing the Code of Federal Regulations Title 15 chapter VII, subchapter C, also known as the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The BIS regulates the export and reexport of most commercial items.

Depending on the category the "item" falls under, the company may need to obtain a license prior to export. EAR restrictions can vary from country to country. The most restricted destinations are the embargoed countries and those countries designated as supporting terrorist activities, including Cuba, North Korea, Sudan, Syria and Iran. Some products are subject to worldwide restrictions prohibiting exports.

An item is considered an export whether or not it is leaving the United States temporarily, if it is leaving the United State but is not for sale (a gift), or if it is going to a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary in a foreign country. A foreign-origin item exported from the United States, transmitted or transhipped through the United States, or being returned from the United States to its foreign country of origin is considered an export.