What Is An ECCN? Export Control Classification Number Explained

An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is a five-character alphanumeric code used to identify export-controlled items under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR). If your company exports technology, software, or dual-use goods from the United States, knowing your product’s ECCN is critical for ensuring compliance, avoiding fines, and securing the right export license—if one is required.

Whether you’re shipping semiconductors, encryption software, or industrial tools, ECCNs are used to determine:

Whether a license is needed
Where your goods can be exported
What restrictions apply based on the destination and end user

Why ECCNs Matter in Global Trade

ECCNs are essential to classify controlled exports under the Commerce Control List (CCL)—especially for goods that could have military, surveillance, or dual-use applications. Unlike Harmonized Tariff Codes (HTS) which focus on duties, Export Controlled Classification Numbers focus on security and compliance.

Shipping without a correct ECCN—especially to restricted countries or denied parties—can result in:

Heavy civil and criminal penalties
Revocation of export privileges
Seizure of goods at U.S. Customs
Delays in customs clearance or license review

Who Needs an ECCN?

You need to classify your goods with an ECCN if you are:

Exporting U.S.-origin goods, technology, or software
Transshipping through the U.S. to foreign destinations
Shipping dual-use items to sensitive regions or restricted end users
Working with defense-related, aerospace, encryption, or high-tech products

If your goods are not listed on the Commerce Control List, they may fall under EAR99, meaning they’re still subject to EAR but generally don’t require a license—unless exported to embargoed countries or restricted parties.

ECCN vs. HTS vs. Schedule B

Code Type	Governs	Focus	Required For
ECCN	EAR (Dept. of Commerce)	Export control, security	Licensing & restricted export screening
HTS Code	U.S. Customs	Tariff classification	Import duties and taxes
Schedule B	U.S. Census	Export reporting	AES filings and trade data

How to Look Up an ECCN

There are a few ways to determine the correct ECCN for your product:

Self-classify using the Commerce Control List (CCL) at www.bis.doc.gov
Request a ruling from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) via their online SNAP-R system
Check with your manufacturer or supplier if they’ve classified the product previously
Work with a trade compliance expert or freight forwarder (like Shapiro!) to assist with ECCN identification and EAR compliance

ECCNs are organized into ten categories and five product groups, such as electronics (3), aerospace (9), or information security (5).