liminfoExport Control Classifier
Free web tool: Export Control Classifier
| Category | ECCN | Description | License Reasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – Nuclear Materials | 0A001 | Nuclear reactors and components | NP, AT |
| 0 – Nuclear Materials | 0B001 | Isotope separation equipment | NP, AT |
| 1 – Materials, Chemicals | 1A002 | Composite structures & laminates | NS, AT |
| 1 – Materials, Chemicals | 1C350 | CW precursor chemicals | CB, AT |
| 2 – Materials Processing | 2B001 | Machine tools for metal removal | NS, NP, AT |
| 2 – Materials Processing | 2B201 | Numerically controlled machine tools for NP | NP, AT |
| 3 – Electronics | 3A001 | Electronic components | NS, AT |
| 3 – Electronics | 3A002 | General-purpose electronic equipment | NS, AT |
| 3 – Electronics | 3A991 | Integrated circuits (controlled) | AT |
| 4 – Computers | 4A003 | Digital computers & related equipment | NS, AT |
| 4 – Computers | 4D001 | Software for 4A/4B controlled items | NS, AT |
| 5 – Telecommunications | 5A002 | Information security systems (encryption) | NS, AT, EI |
| 5 – Telecommunications | 5D002 | Encryption software | NS, AT, EI |
| 6 – Sensors & Lasers | 6A001 | Acoustics (hydrophones, sonar) | NS, MT, AT |
| 6 – Sensors & Lasers | 6A005 | Lasers & components | NS, AT |
| 7 – Navigation & Avionics | 7A003 | Inertial navigation systems | NS, MT, AT |
| 8 – Marine | 8A001 | Submersible vehicles | NS, AT |
| 9 – Aerospace & Propulsion | 9A001 | Aero gas turbine engines | NS, MT, AT |
| 9 – Aerospace & Propulsion | 9A004 | Space launch vehicles | NS, MT, AT |
About Export Control Classifier
The Export Control Classifier is a free browser-based reference tool for understanding the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Commerce Control List (CCL). It organizes export-controlled items across all ten CCL categories — from nuclear materials (Category 0) and aerospace propulsion (Category 9) through electronics, computers, telecommunications, sensors, and marine systems — with their corresponding Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and the license reason codes that trigger export licensing requirements.
Compliance officers, trade lawyers, engineers, supply chain managers, and students preparing for export control certifications use this tool to quickly identify whether a product or technology falls under EAR jurisdiction. The three-tab interface presents the Commerce Control List with searchable ECCN entries, a License Type glossary explaining NP (Nuclear Nonproliferation), NS (National Security), MT (Missile Technology), CB (Chemical and Biological Weapons), AT (Anti-Terrorism), EI (Encryption Items), CC (Crime Control), and RS (Regional Stability), and an ECCN format decoder showing how each alphanumeric code encodes category, product group, and item number.
All reference data is loaded and rendered entirely in your browser — no server calls, no user data collection, and no account required. The ECCN search filters entries by category number, ECCN code, or description text in real time. This makes it easy to check whether a specific item like "5A002" (information security encryption systems) requires an export license before shipping to controlled destinations.
Key Features
- Commerce Control List (CCL) with 20+ ECCN entries across all 10 dual-use categories
- Searchable table filtering by CCL category, ECCN code, or item description
- License Reason glossary covering NP, NS, MT, CB, AT, EI, CC, and RS codes
- ECCN format decoder explaining category digit, product group letter, and item number
- Product group reference (A–E): equipment, test equipment, materials, software, technology
- Three-tab navigation: Commerce Control List / License Types / ECCN Format
- Dark mode and responsive layout for use in office, courtroom, or on mobile
- Fully client-side — no data leaves your browser, suitable for sensitive compliance work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ECCN (Export Control Classification Number)?
An ECCN is a five-character alphanumeric code used in the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to classify items on the Commerce Control List. The first digit is the CCL category (0–9), the second character is the product group (A for equipment, B for test equipment, C for materials, D for software, E for technology), and the last three digits identify the specific item. For example, 5A002 means Category 5 (Telecommunications), product group A (equipment), item 002 (information security systems).
What is the difference between EAR and ITAR?
The EAR (Export Administration Regulations), administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), controls dual-use goods and technologies on the Commerce Control List. ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), administered by the State Department, controls defense articles and services on the US Munitions List. Items on the CCL have ECCNs; items on the USML have USML categories. This tool covers EAR/CCL classifications.
What does "NS, AT" mean next to an ECCN?
These are license reason codes indicating why an item requires an export license for certain destinations. NS means the item is controlled for National Security reasons; AT means it is controlled for Anti-Terrorism reasons. An item listed as "NS, AT" requires a license when exporting to countries designated as NS or AT concerns. Other codes include NP (Nuclear Nonproliferation), MT (Missile Technology), CB (Chemical/Biological), and EI (Encryption Items).
Does EAR 5A002 (encryption) apply to common software?
Encryption items classified under 5A002 (hardware) or 5D002 (software) are subject to EAR controls. However, many encryption products qualify for License Exception ENC (encryption), which permits exports to most destinations without a full license, provided you file an annual self-classification report with BIS. Mass-market encryption software often qualifies under License Exception ENC.
What CCL categories cover semiconductor and electronics exports?
Category 3 (Electronics) covers electronic components (3A001), general-purpose electronic equipment (3A002), and controlled integrated circuits (3A991). Category 4 (Computers) covers digital computers and related equipment (4A003) and software for controlled items (4D001). Exports of advanced semiconductors and AI chips to certain countries can require licenses under these categories.
What is the Commerce Control List (CCL)?
The CCL is a list maintained by the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) that enumerates items subject to US export controls under the EAR. It is organized into ten categories (0–9) covering nuclear, materials, processing, electronics, computers, telecommunications, sensors, navigation, marine, and aerospace. Items not on the CCL are classified as EAR99, which generally do not require a license except to embargoed destinations.
How do I determine if my product needs an export license?
First, determine if your item is on the CCL by identifying its ECCN. Then check the Commerce Country Chart to see if your destination country triggers a license requirement for any of the license reasons listed for that ECCN. If no license reason is triggered, or if a license exception applies, you may export without a license. This tool helps with step one: identifying ECCNs and understanding license reasons.
Is this tool a substitute for professional export compliance advice?
No. This reference tool is for educational purposes and quick lookups only. Export control compliance involves detailed regulatory analysis, product-specific classification, destination-country checks, end-user screening, and licensing determinations that require qualified export compliance counsel. Always consult a licensed export compliance professional or attorney for actual compliance decisions.