A commodity classification request is when a company exporting goods internationally from the United States asks the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to determine their products’ Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) under the Commerce Control List. BIS is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which regulate the export and re-export of many commercial items that also have a military or proliferation application.
To determine if a license is required to export an item, the item must first be classified to determine if it is on the Commerce Control List (CCL). Self-classification is an acceptable means of classifying the item. However, it is also possible to request an official commodity classification from BIS. BIS will provide an accurate classification of the commodity so that the company or individual exporting the commodity can ensure compliance with the export laws set forth by BIS. A commodity classification request requires the submission of an application and technical specifications of the commodity, software or technology to BIS. To make a request or for more information about commodity requests, see this Bureau of Industry and Security website.
[Last updated in October of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]