Country groups
Country groups, established by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), categorize countries based on factors like diplomatic relationships and security concerns. These classifications help determine licensing requirements and simplify export control regulations, ensuring lawful and secure international trade. Understanding country groups is vital for exporters to navigate the complexities of global commerce while complying with regulations.
Supplement 1 to Part 740 Country Groups
Commerce Country Chart
Multilateral export control regimes are international agreements among groups of countries that coordinate efforts to regulate the export of sensitive items. These agreements, aim to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and illicit trafficking global security. BIS actively participates in these regimes to implement export controls effectively and contribute to international stability. The members of each of the regimes are listed in Part 738 of the EAR.
Popular resources
Country guidance articles
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Russia export controls — list of common high-priority items
Since February 24, 2022, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has implemented a series of stringent export controls that restrict Russia’s access to the technologies and other items that it needs to sustain its brutal attack on Ukraine. These restrictions also apply to Belarus in response to its substantial enabling of Russia’s destabilizing conduct.
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Russian procurement tactics, techniques, and procedures
Includes Red Flags, Commodities of Concern, and Transshipment Countries of Concern.
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Cuba export controls
The United States maintains a comprehensive embargo on trade with Cuba. The export and reexport to Cuba of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) require a BIS license unless authorized by a license exception specified in section 746.2(a)(1) of the EAR or exempted from license requirements in section 746.2(a)(2).
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Iran export controls
A license from BIS is required to export or reexport most items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) to Iran pursuant to Section 746.7 of the EAR. In addition to BIS license requirements, the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) prohibits unauthorized exports and reexports to Iran of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations pursuant to the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) (31 CFR Part 560).
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North Korea export controls
A license is required for the export or reexport to North Korea of all items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) other than food or medicine designated as EAR99, as described in Section 746.4 of the EAR. Only the license exceptions, or portions thereof, listed in Section 746.4(c) of the EAR are available for North Korea.
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Syria export controls
A license is required to export or reexport all items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to Syria of other than food or medicine designated as EAR99, as described in Section 746.9 of the EAR. Read each license exception carefully, as the provisions available for sanctioned countries are generally narrow.
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Iraq export controls
In addition to license requirements found elsewhere in the EAR, Section 746.3 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) imposes special controls and license requirements for exports or reexports to Iraq of a number of items.
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Nicaragua export controls
Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce Nicaragua: Implementation of Export Controls FAQs