How To Determine Your Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)?

 The Export Control Classification Number or the ECCN number is a unique identification number issued by the United States Department of Commerce for products categories listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL).

 Therefore, exporters get the idea of whether they need authorization for exporting a particular product by looking at the following criteria while preparing for export:

1. What is the ECCN number of the product category?
2. What is the destination country of the export?
3. Who is going to be the end-user of the exported product?
4. What is the intended usage of the product by the end-user?

There are a majority of product categories in United States commercial exports. However, it is better to determine beforehand whether they need authorization or not. A good way to do that is by determining the correct classification of the product.

Let us now look at the various methods determining ECCN codes.

Methods Of Determining Export Control Classification Number

1. By Going To The Source

The first and simplest method to determine the ECCN of a product is by contacting the developer, manufacturer, or the producer of the products to provide the seekers with the right ECCN codes. 

If the manufacturers have exported the product in the past, they probably already have the ECCN for the product. However, it is an important point to note that ECCNs also change over time. Therefore the exporters need to review the ECCN before finalizing the export agreement.

2. By Self Classification

Another method for ECCN number lookup is self-classification. However, you need to have a technical understanding of your product to perform the self-classification. Also, you need to be familiar with the structure and format prescribed by the commerce control list. 

As per the current format of the CCL, the export-controlled products are divided into ten categories, each represented by the first digit of their ECCN. Further, the ten categories are again divided into five product categories represented by the second digit of the ECCN. 

Thus, once you are able to identify the appropriate category and group of the product, you can go ahead and match the particular characteristics and functions of your item against the specific ECCN.

Also, there's a commerce control list index available where you can navigate the CCL. You can start your ECCN number lookup by simply searching for your item in the CCL index. Many exporters keep the CCL index handy for a quick reference if they want to export a new product category. 

The list contains headings, further broken down into subparagraphs where the product's technical specifications are listed. However, you may also need to review several subparagraphs before finding the correct ECCN entry for your product.

3. By Requesting An Official Classification

The final and lengthiest process for ECCN classification of a product is by requesting an official classification from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The laid down procedure to do that is by submitting a commodity classification request online through the simplified network application process redesign or the SNAP-R.  

ECCN And The Procedure Ahead

Once you have the ECCN for your product, you need to cross-verify whether your product requires authorization to be exported. You can also choose to engage with the trade data solution providers with lists ready with ECCN classifications. 

Also, they provide curated services for new exporters who come up with a new product and help them submit an application to the BIS.

There are plenty of options for exporters to get technical support if they are unfamiliar with a procedure. Therefore, the right way to proceed ahead with export business is by moving forward with proper guidance.