An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is a five-digit identifier used by the U.S. Department of Commerce to categorize items that are subject to export control restrictions. The ECCN applicable to material, as well as its destination country, end user and end use are all factors in whether an export is legal.
Any material with highly-restricted ECCNs, or military material regulated by ITAR, must have an approved technology control plan [DOCX] before coming onto campus.
How to find an item’s ECCN
- For purchased items, ask the US vendor or manufacturer. If they export their products, they should know what the item’s ECCN is.
- If the ECCN is not available from the vendor, search the Commerce Control List (CCL) for your item.
- If you do not find the ECCN through search, contact MIT Export Control for help determining your item’s ECCN.
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If there is no ECCN for your item, it is either:
- In a jurisdiction of another agency (material that is inherently military, related to nuclear technology or protected infrastructure information, as well as some satellites). Contact MIT Export Control if this applies to your material.
- EAR99 (used for low-technology consumer goods such as a common house fan, office furniture, glass beakers, automobile tires).
The Department of Commerce classifies the majority of commercial items as EAR99. EAR99 can be exported to all countries unless the export is going to a comprehensively-sanctioned country, a prohibited end-user/user of concern, or an Entity List or Unverified List organization, or is for a prohibited end-use.
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ECCNs for some biological materials are available in the Human and Animal Materials Pathogens Quick Guide [PDF] and Biological Plant Pathogens Quick Guide [PDF].
To find the ECCN for chemical shipments, consult Category 1 of the Commerce Control List.
ECCN structure
An ECCN has five digits (for example, 9A001 is the ECCN for a gas turbine engine). The first digit is always a number (0-9) and represents the Category Number. The second digit is always a letter (A-E) and represents the Product Group Letter.
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Category Number
Category
0
Nuclear Materials, Facilities, and Equipment, Firearms, Ammunition [and Miscellaneous Items]
1
Special Materials and Related Equipment, Chemicals, "Microorganisms," and "Toxins"
2
Materials Processing
3
Electronics
4
Computers
5 Part 1
Telecommunications
5 Part 2
Information Security
6
Sensors and Lasers
7
Navigation and Avionics
8
Marine
9
Aerospace and Propulsion
-
Product Group Letter
Product Group
A
End Items, Equipment, Accessories, Attachments, Parts, Components, and Systems
B
Test, Inspection and Production Equipment
C
Materials
D
Software
E
Technology