GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

export control number

While a customs tariff code places goods into an economic category, an export control number assesses the same goods for their relevance under export control law.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.zoll.de/DE/Fachthemen/Ausfuhr/Ausfuhrkontrollen/Ausfuhrkontrolle_node.html

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Definition & Explanation

While a customs tariff code places goods into an economic category, an export control number assesses the same goods for their relevance under export control law. It tells exporters, freight forwarders, and customs authorities whether a product requires an individual export licence, qualifies under a general licence, or is exempt from licensing requirements altogether. The most widely known system is the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR); the EU dual-use framework uses comparable identifiers. Correct classification is a prerequisite for legally compliant export processing – errors can trigger unexpected licensing obligations or, in the worst case, result in sanctions violations.

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