U.S. export licensing — first-pass check

License Checker

Tell the tool what you’re exporting, where it’s going, and how it will be used. It returns a plain-language answer (license required, no license required, license exception may apply, or comprehensively sanctioned destination), with the relevant U.S. regulations cited so you can verify each step. Educational triage only — confirm with export-controls counsel before shipping.

Educational tool, not a determination

This tool produces educational triage outputs based on the inputs you provide. It is not a substitute for screening systems, license determinations, professional judgment, or current regulatory guidance. No inputs are stored on Sanctionfy servers.

What are you exporting?

Enter your item’s ECCN if you know it (e.g., 5A002), or search by what the item is (“encryption”, “firearms”).

Not sure what your item is?

For most consumer goods, food products, and ordinary commercial items, EAR99 is the right answer. For help classifying a specific item, see BIS classification guidance.

Where is it going?

The country (or region) the item is being shipped to. Countries under comprehensive U.S. sanctions are pinned to the top of the list and shown in their own group.

How will it be used?

The intended end-use can change whether a license is required — even when the destination and ECCN look fine. The tool surfaces reminders for each scenario.

Civilian

Ordinary commercial or consumer use.

Military

The buyer is a military organization, or the item will be used for military purposes. Triggers extra rules under Part 744 of the EAR.

Proliferation-sensitive

Could be used in nuclear weapons, missiles, or chemical/biological weapons. Triggers extra rules under §§ 744.2–744.4 of the EAR.

Nuclear

The item will be used in a nuclear context. Triggers extra rules under § 744.2 of the EAR.

Not sure

You don’t know yet. The tool will flag end-use considerations to look into.

Underlying CFR data parsed from eCFR snapshot 2026-05-01.

License Checker

Related reading

§ 501.603 mandatory reports vs. voluntary self-disclosure: timing

Exam-Ready Evidence File Checklist