Stephanie Duong

An ECCN is required whenever an item is controlled by the EAR/CCL and must be included in any export documentation, including in the online Automated Export System (AES). All products, technology, and software being exported need to have an ECCN assigned in order to determine if a license is required.

No, there is no certification process for export compliance. Export compliance is the responsibility of the individual company and must be developed and implemented by themselves.

It is recommended that an export control professional internal to the company be utilized or that a third party outside the company be brought in to evaluate and monitor your program.

Depending on the nature of the violation and other factors such as the country and industry involved, OFAC civil penalties can be as high as $1 million per violation for corporations and up to $250,000 per violation and 20 years imprisonment for individuals.

In addition to these steep penalties, there is also the possibility of negative publicity and loss of international business. For these reasons, companies are paying more attention to OFAC compliance more than ever before.

Export compliance does not only apply to big companies, and any U.S. business that sends products, services, or technology/technical data to foreign countries is subject to export control regulations.

Regardless of what you export to other countries, you need a compliance program that ensures you are compliant in all areas of your business to prevent export violations.

OFAC’s sanctions and embargoes programs are comprehensive and complex. The sanctions are designed to keep you away from certain countries, companies, individuals and/or practices.

Due to their far reach, any corporation that does business internationally should evaluate its practices and develop plans to ensure compliance with these rules.

FOB conditions apply only for river and sea transport.

This term means that the seller fulfills his obligations under the foreign trade contract when he hands over to the buyer the products placed on board a river or sea vessel and released by customs as part of the export procedure (export duties and taxes are also paid, if necessary). In this case, import customs clearance remains the responsibility of the buyer. It is important to note that the goods must not only move beyond the rail of the vessel, but also be placed entirely on the deck or in the hold.

This depends on the country and consignment you are shipping. Some can only take 2 - 3 days. However more complex countries can take a lot longer depending on their requirements and procedures.

I advise you the estimated timescales at quote stage and through every step of a live shipment, so you can keep your colleagues and clients abreast the entire time.