Guide to Applying for an Export License

First things first

The majority of U.S. exports do not need a license, thankfully. But understanding exactly what is regulated is a matter of classifying your product and where it will end up.

I recommend: A very good introduction to the logic of export licenses is at the Department of Commerce export controls site, including a breakdown on licensing.

Ready to go?

You can apply for a license right online. The government's Simplified Network Application Process, known as SNAP, gets you under way.

I recommend: You'll need to apply for a personal identification number and, among other things, meet the government's record-keeping requirements to use SNAP. Okay, it's not quite like buying a book at Amazon.com. Close enough for government work.

Understand the law and how it applies to your export plan

The government's printing office keeps export regulations online in a comprehensive but not overwhelming database.

I recommend: Some key chapters of the Export Administration Regulations include the Commerce Control List and Country Chart, which specifically explains what goods fall under the law and which countries are out of bounds, and Part 732, which lays out your responsibilities under the law. The Bureau of Industry and Security also maintains a list of which federal agencies regulate what exports, with contact telephones.

Take a class

If you clicked through on the regulations link above, you might easily understand why the U.S. government also offers cheap ($100 to $295) seminars on exporting specific types of goods. They range from the introductory to developing an entire compliance program for your company and take place around the country.

I recommend: Review the course descriptions, costs and locations, as well as a current workshop schedule at the Bureau of Industry and Security.