GlossaryCustoms and trade
Export license
Government authorization required to export certain controlled goods, technologies or software, or to ship to restricted parties.
An export license is permission from a government agency to export specific items to a specific destination, end user or end use. Most everyday consumer goods leaving the U.S. do not need one and ship as "NLR" (No License Required).
In the U.S., dual-use items are controlled by the Bureau of Industry and Security under the Export Administration Regulations, using Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs). Defense articles are controlled by the State Department under ITAR. Sanctioned countries and parties are covered by the Treasury Department's OFAC.
Exporters are responsible for knowing whether a license is needed, which depends on what the item is, where it is going, who will receive it and how it will be used.
Learn more in our Cross-border shipping articles.
Buy, print and track shipping labels and customs documents across carriers from one place.