Includes the U.S. government export controls that companies need to abide by when exporting to this country.
Last Published: 8/6/2019
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which regulate the export and re-export of some commercial items, including “production” and “development” technology.
 
The items that BIS regulates are often referred to as “dual use” since they have both commercial and military applications.  Further information on export controls is available at: BIS Exporting Controls.
 
BIS Enforcement
BIS has developed a list of "red flags," or warning signs, intended to discover possible violations of the EAR. The list can be found in the "Know Your Customer"  guidance document.
 
If there is reason to believe a violation is taking place or has occurred, report it to the Department of Commerce by calling the 24-hour hotline at +1(800) 424-2980, or via the confidential lead page at: BIS Reporting Violations 
 
The EAR does 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 services. A list of other agencies involved in export control can be found on the BIS website.
 
It is important to note that in August 2009 a broad-based interagency review of the U.S. export control system was initiated, with the goal of strengthening national security and the competitiveness of key U.S. manufacturing and technology sectors by focusing on current threats, as well as adapting to the changing economic and technological landscape.  As a result, the Administration launched the Export Control Reform Initiative (ECR Initiative) which is designed to enhance U.S. national security and strengthen the United States’ ability to counter threats such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
 
The reform is being implemented in three phases. Phases I and II reconcile various definitions, regulations, and policies for export controls, all the while building toward Phase III, which will create a single control list, single licensing agency, unified information technology system, and enforcement coordination center.
 
For additional information on ECR
BIS provides a variety of training sessions to U.S. exporters throughout the year.  These sessions range from one to two-day seminars and focus on the basics of exporting as well as more advanced topics. A list of upcoming seminars
 
For further details about the Bureau of Industry and Security and its programs, please visit the BIS website.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.