How Does it Work?
This tool will walk you through a few questions that ask about sharing, shipping, transmitting or transferring items, information, or software in the context of your situation. Your replies will lead to a determination of whether an export control license may be applicable, and will provide guidance on next steps.
Applicability
Export controls apply whenever:
- Tangible items (equipment, components, materials etc.) including laptops and smartphones are being sent or hand carried outside US borders;
- Regulated ("controlled") technical information or software code is being shared with foreign persons or entities in the US or transferred physically, visually or orally to foreign persons abroad;
- When items, information or software are intended for a person or organization identified on a US Restricted Party List; or
- Intended for the design, development, production, stockpiling or use of a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or missiles.
Terminology
The Decision Tree content uses terminology derived from US Department of State, Commerce, and Treasury export regulations. Many of these terms are found in the "Definitions" section of this website, accessible in the "In This Section" column to the right.
Items: Refers to any tangible things, equipment or hardware.
Information: Can include technical data such as models, formulae, engineering designs and specifications, or technical assistance such as training or instruction.
Software: Refers to a collection of one or more computer programs or micro programs in either source code (programming statements) or object code (machine-readable instructions).