Wondering what you need to do to get your goods in that hands of clients across the border? Check out the 10 questions you should ask before you export from the U.S.!

1. 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE
EXPORTING GOODS FROM THE U.S.

2. Shipping your goods from the U.S.
without a hassle requires the right
permits, forms, and information.

3. The wrong documentation could
mean delays or denial at the border,
and hefty monetary penalties.

4. Are you prepared?
10 questions to ask before
exporting from the U.S.
?

5. What am I exporting?
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6. If you are not the manufacturer,
be sure you have complete
and accurate information
about the product.

7. Ask the manufacturer for:
• Information about the product’s origin, function
and intended uses, including:
o country of manufacture
o Schedule B number or 10-digit Harmonized Tariff
Schedule (HTS) number
o Export Commodity Classification Number (ECCN)

8. Is my shipment subject
to export controls?
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9. Most exports from the United States
are subject to export controls.

10. Type of goods: Exports controlled by:
Most commercial goods
Export Administration Regulations (EAR), administered and
enforced by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and
Security (BIS)
“Dual-use” goods (goods that may have
both a commercial and military purpose)
EAR
Defense articles and services
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), administered and
enforced by the Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade
Controls (DDTC)
Certain other goods
Other government agencies, including Food and Drug
Administration, Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Energy

11. Find out if your shipment
is subject to regulations
by determining the ECCN
using the Commerce
Control List (CCL).
tip

12. Does my export require a license?
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13. License requirements are dependent
upon an item’s:
• technical characteristics
• destination
• end-user
• end-use

14. Identify any license
requirements or exceptions
using an item’s ECCN in
conjunction with the CCL.
tip

15. Most commercial goods are
classified as EAR99 and do not
require a license (unless being
exported to certain countries).

16. Where am I exporting to?
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17. Embargoed countries and those
designated as supporting terrorist
activities are most restricted.

18. Some prohibited or restricted
destinations include:
• Iran
• North Korea
• Sudan
• Syria

19. Restrictions apply for some
products regardless of the
destination country.

20. Make sure you have the
proper license, license
exception, or approval
from the right government
agency before exporting
to a prohibited or
restricted destination.
tip

21. Who will receive/use my product?
5

22. Certain individuals and organizations
are prohibited from receiving U.S.
exports, others may only receive
goods if they have been licensed.

23. Consult the “denied
parties” lists maintained
by the Departments of
Commerce, State, and
Treasury every time an
export shipment is
contemplated.
tip

24. How will the product be used?
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25. Some end-uses are prohibited,
others may require a license.

26. No matter what your item is, you
may not export to:
• certain entities involved in the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to
deliver them, without specific authorization

27. Get the remaining questions
Download PDF
To learn the remaining
questions you should ask
before exporting goods from
the U.S., download our PDF.

28. Ship your goods from the
U.S. without a hassle…
can help with that.
Contact Livingston