Export Licensing Requirements

Educating yourself about the export licensing requirements that are most relevant to your company is the first step. You can do this by visiting the Web sites or calling the phone numbers, for international trade transactions should consider attending one of the many seminars available and in developing an export compliance management system for your company. As always, the success of these regulations in furthering U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives ultimately depends on U.S. companies’ active participation and support.

Millions of dollars in civil penalties are imposed each year by the federal government for violating export control laws, and the amounts have been increasing. The BIS Web site contains examples of civil penalties that have been imposed in the past. In cases where criminal intent to violate export control laws is found, criminal penalties can be imposed, resulting in significant corporate or personal fines and/or imprisonment.

For additional guidance on export licensing or about exporting in general, please call the Trade Information Center (TIC) at (800) USA-TRAD(e) or your local export assistance center.