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Commerce Control List (CCL)

What is the Commerce Control List (CCL)?

The Commerce Control List (CCL) is a list of categories and product groups used to help you determine whether an export license is needed from the U.S. Department of Commerce for U.S. exports.

These categories and product groups ultimately create an alphanumeric code (i.e 4E001) known as an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). The Commerce Control List consists of ten categories and five product groups as shown below:

Table titled Commerce Control List Categories listing 10 numbered categories: nuclear materials, materials/chemicals/microorganisms/toxins, materials processing, electronics, computers, telecommunications and information security, sensors and lasers, navigation and avionics, marine, and propulsion systems/space vehicles.Table titled "Five Product Groups" listing: A. Systems, Equipment and Components; B. Test, Inspection, and Production Equipment; C. Material; D. Software; E. Technology.

How do you use the CCL?

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, maintains the CCL. You find your item's entry to get its ECCN, then check the Commerce Country Chart to see whether your destination calls for a license. Many items need no license for many destinations, and some ship under a license exception.

Why does classification matter?

Exporters classify their own goods, and a wrong ECCN can lead to an unlicensed export and penalties. Items without a specific entry usually fall under EAR99, which still carries restrictions based on the destination, end user, and end use. If you're unsure, you can ask BIS for a formal classification.

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