Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

Complete EAR Compliance

The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are one of the two main export control laws used by the U.S. government to regulate exports from the United States. This law is in place to protect U.S. interests like economic and national security, so any business that ships anything out of the U.S. must comply with EAR regulations.

Export Solutions offers professional EAR compliance training, classification, audits, and consulting services for business operations. Since the EAR is often an area where companies fall into problems with exports, we wanted to put together some information to help you understand the EAR and navigate this critical part of your business.

What Are The Export Administration Regulations (EAR)?

The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are controlled by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State to regulate “dual-use” items. These types of goods and related technical data are any items that are made for commercial use but could also have military applications.

The EAR regulates the export of dual-use goods or technologies, with some exports requiring licenses based on the item’s characteristics, foreign country destination, and the intended use.

A complete list of EAR-controlled items are outlined in the Commerce Control List (CCL). This list breaks down various categories for different types of EAR-controlled items based on their function, intended use, and application. The ten broad categories covered in the CCL are:

  • Nuclear Materials, Facilities, and Equipment, and Miscellaneous
  • Materials, Chemicals, Microorganisms, and Toxins
  • Materials Processing
  • Electronics
  • Computers
  • Telecommunications and Information Security
  • Lasers and Sensors
  • Navigation and Avionics
  • Marine
  • Propulsion Systems, Space Vehicles, and Related Equipment

Along with the broad categorization found in the CCL, additional restrictions can be applied to EAR-controlled goods and technologies based on their destination, party receiving the shipment, and the intended use of the goods or technology.

Make Sure Your Company Is Compliant Today!

Our team is ready to provide you with world-class trade compliance services. We can help you understand where there are gaps in your trade compliance program, provide insight with detailed audits, and even train your employees to ensure your business runs smoothly. Claim your no-charge trade compliance consultation today!

EAR FAQ

What is the EAR?
The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are controlled by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State to regulate “dual-use” items. These types of goods and related technical data are any items that are made for commercial use but could also have military applications.

What items are regulated by EAR?

A complete list of EAR-controlled items are outlined in the Commerce Control List (CCL):, and Miscellaneous

  • Materials, Chemicals, Microorganisms, and Toxins
  • Materials Processing
  • Electronics
  • Computers
  • Telecommunications and Information Security
  • Lasers and Sensors
  • Navigation and Avionics
  • Marine
  • Propulsion Systems, Space Vehicles, and Related Equipment

What is the difference between EAR and ITAR?
There are several differences between the ITAR and EAR for trade compliance. In the simplest terms, the ITAR regulates the export of defense articles and defense services. One way to think about the EAR is “everything else that is not controlled by the ITAR.”