GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

export control authority

Quick Answer

Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.bafa.de/DE/Aussenwirtschaft/Ausfuhrkontrolle/ausfuhrkontrolle_node.html

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

119

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Unlike a customs agency, which primarily collects duties and monitors cargo flows, an export control authority operates preventively: it determines whether controlled goods – dual-use items, military equipment, and sensitive technologies among them – may be exported at all. Its core tasks include issuing export licences, conducting risk assessments, and monitoring compliance with sanctions lists and embargoes. In the United States, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) fulfils this role for dual-use goods; in Germany, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) is the competent authority. For companies, the practical implication is clear: any shipment of licence-required goods must be authorised before departure, as missing approvals can lead to criminal liability and permanent licence denial.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

export control case clearance

Export control case clearance marks the final step in the export control process: the formal confirmation by the competent authori…

Learn more

Export Control Documents Release

Export control documents release is the formal confirmation – issued by a competent authority or an internal compliance function –…

Learn more

export control clearance competence

Export control clearance competence is the formally delegated authority of an entity – a company unit or a government agency – to …

Learn more

export control decision

An export control decision is the formal determination by a competent authority – such as a customs agency, trade ministry, or exp…

Learn more

Export control risk

A freight forwarder prepares a shipment: Is the commodity correctly classified under export control regulations? Is the consignee …

Learn more

export control number

While a customs tariff code places goods into an economic category, an export control number assesses the same goods for their rel…

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

export control authority

Next steps

Related Terms

export control case clearance

Export Control Documents Release

export control clearance competence

export control decision

Export control risk

export control number

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers