US Export Controls
Government policies implemented by the U.S. to prevent specific technologies, like advanced AI chips (Nvidia H100s), from being sold to certain countries, particularly China, to maintain a technological advantage.
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7/19/2025, 10:27:29 PM
entitydetail.last_updated
7/26/2025, 5:17:34 AM
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7/19/2025, 10:52:38 PM
Summary
US export controls are federal laws and regulations designed to restrict the export of goods, software, and technology that could be used in ways detrimental to U.S. national security interests and foreign policy objectives. These controls aim to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and destabilizing accumulations of conventional weapons. They operate through licensing requirements for controlled items, which are listed and classified, and by classifying destinations. Key administering agencies include the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The U.S. also participates in various multilateral export control regimes. The Joe Biden administration has pursued a restrictive approach to these controls, which stands in contrast to the Trump administration's new AI Diplomacy framework, aimed at countering China's influence through tech partnerships with Middle Eastern nations, exemplified by OpenAI's partnership with Abu Dhabi's G42.
Referenced in 3 Documents
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Scope
Regulates the transfer or disclosure of goods, technology, software, services, and funds originating in the United States to persons or entities in foreign countries or to non-U.S. persons, even if located in the U.S.
Purpose
To restrict the export of goods, software, and technology that could be used in ways detrimental to U.S. national security interests and foreign policy objectives, including preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and destabilizing accumulations of conventional weapons.
Mechanism
Requires licensing for controlled items, maintains lists of controlled items (e.g., Commerce Control List (CCL), United States Munitions List (USML), Nuclear Regulatory Commission Controls (NRCC)), classifies destinations, and includes 'catch-all controls' for dual-use items.
Administering Agencies
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) for ITAR, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for trade sanctions.
International Participation
U.S. participates in various multilateral export control regimes.
Policy Approach (Biden Administration)
Restrictive
Policy Approach (Trump Administration)
Pursued a new AI Diplomacy framework to counter China's influence through tech partnerships, contrasting with restrictive export controls.
Timeline
- US export controls are federal laws and regulations that govern the transfer or disclosure of goods, technology, software, services, and funds originating in the United States. (Source: web_search_results)
Ongoing
- The Joe Biden administration maintains a restrictive approach to US export controls. (Source: related_documents)
Ongoing
- The Trump administration pursued a new AI Diplomacy framework, contrasting with restrictive US export controls, to counter China's influence by forging tech partnerships with Middle Eastern nations. (Source: related_documents)
Ongoing
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaExport control
Export control is legislation that regulates the export of goods, software and technology. Some items could potentially be useful for purposes that are contrary to the interest of the exporting country. These items are considered to be controlled. The export of controlled item is regulated to restrict the harmful use of those items. Many governments implement export controls. Typically, legislation lists and classifies the controlled items, classifies the destinations, and requires exporters to apply for a licence to a local government department.
Web Search Results
- Export Controls: Regulations and Overview
"Export Controls" are federal laws and regulations that govern the transfer or disclosure of goods, technology, software, services, and funds originating in the United States to persons or entities in foreign countries OR to non-U.S. persons, even if located in the U.S. The Export Controls Office, along with General Counsel's Office, provide support for University activities subject to the three primary export control regulations listed below. [...] Find guidance on funding and agency updates during the federal government transition (updated 6/20/2025) Cornell Research Site Cornell University Home Cornell Research Site Cornell University Home ## Breadcrumb # Export Controls: Regulations and Overview Export Control Laws are a set of federal regulations that restrict the release of certain items, information and software to foreign nationals in the United States and abroad. [...] This is not a comprehensive list of all US export control regulations; additional laws and regulations exist, but typically university activities will not involve data, goods or services under their jurisdiction. The Export Controls Office provides consultative expertise with EAR, ITAR and trade sanction regulations, and will assist researchers in contacting the appropriate cognizant agency for other regulations. ## License Requirements
- U.S. Export Controls - International Trade Administration
International Trade Administration Logo Foreman control loading Containers box from Cargo Colored Containers # U.S. Export Controls The U.S. participates in various multilateral export control regimes to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent destabilizing accumulations of conventional weapons and related material. ### Bureau of Industry and Security #### Contacting BIS on Export Administration Regulations (EAR) [...] Systems Incorporated. [...] USA.gov | FOIA | Privacy Program | Disclaimer | Information Quality Guidelines | Accessibility
- Overview of U.S. Export Control System - U.S. Department of State
Overview of U.S. Export Control System -------------------------------------- The U.S. Government controls exports of sensitive equipment, software and technology as a means to promote our national security interests and foreign policy objectives. Through our export control system, the U.S. government can effectively: [...] In addition to control lists, the U.S. export control system also relies on catch-all controls to ensure that problematic dual-use exports -- which are not otherwise subject to export controls -- are capable of being tracked, discussed with the recipient government, or even denied as an export transaction. Catch-all regulations incident to the dual-use list prohibit the export without a license of any equipment, software, or technology that would contribute to projects of proliferation concern. [...] U.S. control lists correspond directly with the lists maintained by the various multinational export control regimes, but are augmented by unilateral controls when necessary to ensure national security and foreign policy imperatives. The three major lists of export-controlled items are the Commerce Control List (CCL), the United States Munitions List (USML), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Controls (NRCC). The CCL includes the following:
- U.S. Export Regulations - International Trade Administration
Learn first-hand from experienced U.S. Government officials about export control policies, regulations and procedures with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS)training on Export Administration Regulations. BIS offers in-depth courses, seminars, conferences and resources on special topics of interest to the exporting community. Get Export Administration Regulations Training Image 7: Cartoonish banner with a computer. U.S. Export Controls [...] The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) govern the export and re-export of some commodities, software and technology. Is Your Product/Service Subject to a U.S. Export Control? Image 8: Cartoonish banner with computer screen and gears. Reporting Export Sales Federal law requires exporters to use the Automated Export System (AES) to report shipments valued at $2,500+ or if it requires an export license. Learn How to Report Export Sales [...] Before you export, you need to determine whether your product, technology, or service might need an export license.The following video provides an overview of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) as administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, as well as the role of the U.S. State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control in export licensing.
- Export Control Basics - Bureau of Industry and Security
3.Who receives the export also affects the requirement for a license. Certain individuals and entities are prohibited from receiving U.S. exports, and others may only receive goods if they have been licensed, even if those items do not normally require a license on the basis of the ECCN and country of destination. Proscribed parties can be found in the U.S. Government’s Consolidated Screening List at export.gov under . [...] 1.What is being exported: BIS classifies items under Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs), which are all listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL) (15 CFR 774, Supplement 1). If the item falls under U.S. Department of Commerce jurisdiction but is not listed on the CCL, it is designated as EAR99. Even low-technology consumer goods may require a license if the proposed export of an EAR99 item is to an embargoed country, to an end user of concern, or in support of a prohibited end use. [...] The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulate the export, reexport and transfer (in-country) of: §some less sensitive military items; §commercial items that have both commercial and military or proliferation applications; and §purely commercial items without an obvious military use. Ø _Note: Sending anything subject to the EAR, including items sent as gifts or donations, and small items, may require a license from BIS prior to shipment._