Also known as: Export Administration Regulations · EAR compliance
The U.S. export-control rules for "dual-use" and less-sensitive military items — the commercial-side counterpart to ITAR.
The Export Administration Regulations (EAR), found at 15 CFR Parts 730-774, are administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. They control the export, reexport, and transfer of "dual-use" items — goods, software, and technology with both commercial and military or proliferation applications — as well as certain less-sensitive military items (the "600 series") and spacecraft items moved off the ITAR munitions list under Export Control Reform. Controlled items are listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and identified by an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), which, together with the destination, end-user, and end-use, determines whether a license is required. The EAR is the commercial-technology counterpart to ITAR, which instead governs defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List.
Source: Export Administration Regulations — 15 CFR Ch. VII, Subch. C (eCFR)
ITAR (administered by the State Department) controls defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List. The EAR (administered by the Commerce Department's BIS) controls dual-use and less-sensitive military items on the Commerce Control List. A given product falls under one regime or the other.
An Export Control Classification Number identifies where an item sits on the Commerce Control List. It, combined with the destination, end-user, and end-use, determines whether an export license is required under the EAR.
Definitions are educational and may be modified by your specific policy language, endorsements, and state rules. For regulatory guidance, refer to the California Department of Insurance or the NAIC.
Last updated: July 2026.