What is an Export License and do all U.S. Exports require one?
An export license grants permission to conduct a certain type of export transaction. It is issued by the appropriate licensing agency after a careful review of the facts surrounding the given export transaction. Not all exports require a license. In fact, a relatively small percentage of all U.S. export transactions require licenses from the U.S. government. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is responsible for licensing products for export. The specialists at BIS can also help you navigate the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to find out whether you must apply for a license and how to submit the requisite application. An excellent explanation of how to understand the Export Administration Regulations and more information on Export Compliance is available on the BIS Web site at www.bis.doc.gov/licensing/ExportingBasics.htm. BIS’s Office of Exporter Services in Washington, DC, (202-482-4811) can also guide you through this process. The RM
