GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
General License
A General License is a standing export authorization issued by the competent export control authority, allowing companies to ship defined commodity groups to specified destinations or for stated end-uses without applying for a case-by-case permit.
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Source: https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/general-licences
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Definition & Explanation
A General License is a standing export authorization issued by the competent export control authority, allowing companies to ship defined commodity groups to specified destinations or for stated end-uses without applying for a case-by-case permit. It applies directly to any exporter who meets the prescribed conditions—no formal application or approval procedure is required. The exporter's obligation is to verify and document that each shipment falls within the license parameters. This sets the General License apart from an individual export license, which requires a transaction-specific review and a formal government decision. General Licenses are typically reserved for low-sensitivity goods traded with countries that carry no heightened sanctions risk, and they are a key tool for reducing compliance overhead on routine export transactions.
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