In this article
Talk to our experts- ECCN
- An ECCN, or Export Control Classification Number, is a five-character alphanumeric designation used on the US Commerce Control List to identify commodities, software and technology for export control purposes. Exporters use it to work out whether a Department of Commerce export license is needed. Items subject to the Export Administration Regulations but not listed are designated EAR99.
Also called: Export Control Classification Number
How it works
An ECCN is the classification that the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) uses to describe items on the Commerce Control List (CCL). BIS says that after confirming an item is subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the next step for determining whether a license is required for export, reexport or transfer (in-country) is to know the item's ECCN.
With the ECCN in hand, the International Trade Administration (trade.gov) says to review the reason for control in the EAR, then check the Commerce Country Chart to see whether the product is controlled to that market for that reason. The country chart is in Part 738 of the EAR.
If an item is subject to the EAR but not described in any ECCN, it is designated EAR99. BIS says EAR99 items do not require a license in most situations, but may require one if destined for a prohibited or restricted end user, end use or destination of concern.
The ECCN also travels with the shipment data: in the Electronic Export Information filed through the Automated Export System, the ECCN is one of the conditional data elements, and items not classified under an ECCN are designated EAR99.
This is general information, not legal or export compliance advice.
How an ECCN is structured
The EAR at 15 CFR 738.2 sets out how each part of an ECCN reads, using 3A001 as its example:
- First digit: category. The CCL has 10 categories, numbered 0 to 9, such as 3 Electronics, 4 Computers and 5 Telecommunications and Information Security.
- Letter: product group. Every category has the same five groups: A Equipment, Assemblies and Components; B Test, Inspection and Production Equipment; C Materials; D Software; E Technology.
- Last three digits: reason for control. Read against the regulation's table, for example, 000 to 099 is National Security, 100 to 199 Missile Technology, 200 to 299 Nuclear Nonproliferation, 300 to 399 Chemical and Biological, and 990 to 999 Anti-terrorism, Regional Stability and United Nations Sanctions. The last digit numbers entries in sequence.
How to find an ECCN
BIS names three ways to find whether an item is described in an ECCN:
1. Go to the source. Ask the manufacturer, producer or developer for the ECCN, and check it against the current CCL, because ECCNs may change over time. 2. Self-classify. Apply the CCL Order of Review in supplement no. 4 to part 774, which takes a technical understanding of the item. 3. Request an official classification. Submit a classification request to BIS under Section 748.3 of the EAR, electronically through SNAP-R.
ECCN vs. HS code and Schedule B number
BIS says an ECCN is distinct from and entirely unrelated to either a Schedule B number or a Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code. The ECCN answers an export licensing question; questions on Schedule B numbers go to the US Census Bureau, and questions on HTS codes go to the US International Trade Commission.
Example
Reading 3A001, the regulation's own example: 3 places it in Electronics, A in Equipment, Assemblies and Components, and 001 falls in the National Security range (000 to 099). Where an entry is controlled for more than one reason, the number follows the order of precedence: an item controlled for both National Security and Missile Technology reasons gets a 0 as its third character, and one controlled only for Missile Technology gets a 1.
On Shopify
Shopify's product details page saves information required when shipping products internationally, including the country or region of origin and the Harmonized System (HS) tariff code, which gives customs the information to apply the correct tariffs. An ECCN is a different classification: BIS says it is unrelated to Harmonized Tariff System codes. Shopify's metafields let you save specialized information that isn't usually captured on your product pages, such as part numbers.
How Uncap helps
Uncap Connect is a Shopify-to-ERP integration app that keeps your store and your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in real-time, two-way sync. Your ERP stays the system of record.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is EAR99 vs ECCN?
An ECCN describes an item listed on the Commerce Control List. EAR99 is the designation for an item that is subject to the Export Administration Regulations but not described in any ECCN. BIS says EAR99 items do not require a license in most situations, but may if destined for a prohibited or restricted end user, end use or destination of concern.
Is ECCN the same as HS code?
No. The Bureau of Industry and Security says an ECCN is distinct from and entirely unrelated to either a Schedule B number or a Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code. The ECCN is used to decide export license requirements, and BIS sends questions on HTS codes to the US International Trade Commission.
How do I find my ECCN code?
BIS lists three ways to find an ECCN: ask the manufacturer, producer or developer and check the answer against the current Commerce Control List; self-classify using the CCL Order of Review; or request an official classification from BIS through SNAP-R.
Does every item have an ECCN?
No. Items subject to the Export Administration Regulations that are not described in any ECCN on the Commerce Control List are designated EAR99 instead of carrying an ECCN.
