XL EagleEAR (Export Administration Regulations)
EAR stands for Export Administration Regulations. The EAR are Commerce Department rules, run by the Bureau of Industry and Security, that control exports of commercial and 'dual-use' items, meaning goods, software, and technology that have civilian uses but could also have military uses.
Items are classified on the Commerce Control List by an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). Many everyday items fall under 'EAR99,' which usually needs no license except to restricted countries or parties. Sharing controlled technology with a foreign person in the United States can count as a 'deemed export.'
Why it matters to a small contractor
If you only perform services on U.S. soil and do not ship products or technical data abroad, EAR rarely affects you. If you resell electronics, ship parts overseas, or share technical files with foreign staff, learn your items' classifications and screen your customers.
Example
A small parts distributor gets a request to ship a sensor to an overseas customer. They check the item's ECCN and screen the buyer against government restricted lists before agreeing to ship.
EAR: common questions
What is EAR99?
EAR99 is the catch-all category for items subject to the EAR but not on a specific control list entry. Most EAR99 items can be exported without a license, except to embargoed destinations or restricted parties.
Is EAR stricter than ITAR?
Generally ITAR is stricter. EAR covers a broader range of commercial items, with controls that vary by item and destination.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →