Military-use materials
Category 0 · Related starting point: 0C617
Materials developed for a particular military application can require a different research pathway from general-purpose industrial materials.
What should I look into?
Document the composition, intended equipment, design history and whether a jurisdiction cross-reference applies.
Classroom question
How would you distinguish a general-purpose material from one designed for particular equipment?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 0C617 Miscellaneous Materials “Specially Designed” for Military Use (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Precursor chemicals
Category 1 · Related starting point: 1C350
A chemical may have ordinary industrial uses as well as uses that make its identity and formulation important to export-control research.
What should I look into?
Start with the chemical identity, CAS number, mixture concentration and the complete entry notes.
Classroom question
What information would you request from a supplier before looking up a chemical mixture?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 1C350 Chemicals that may be used as precursors for toxic chemical agents (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Machine tools
Category 2 · Related starting point: 2B001
Machine tools cut or shape materials. A familiar commercial name can describe equipment with very different capabilities.
What should I look into?
Gather the machining process, number of axes, control system and manufacturer performance specifications.
Classroom question
Would two machines marketed as CNC mills necessarily have the same technical capabilities?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 2B001 Machine tools and any combination thereof, for removing (or cutting) metals, ceramics or “composites”, which, according to the manufacturer's technical specifications, can be equipped with electronic devices for “numerical control”; as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Electronic components
Category 3 · Related starting point: 3A001
Integrated circuits and other electronic components perform computing, sensing, signal-processing and power functions.
What should I look into?
Identify the component type and exact model, then compare the relevant performance and environmental specifications.
Classroom question
Why is a model number and technical datasheet more useful than the word semiconductor?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 3A001 Electronic items as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Digital computers
Category 4 · Related starting point: 4A003
A computer system combines processing, memory and related equipment. The assembled configuration can matter alongside individual parts.
What should I look into?
Record the processor configuration, system performance and related equipment described in the entry.
Classroom question
What could change when the same processor is installed in different system configurations?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 4A003 “Digital computers”, “electronic assemblies”, and related equipment therefor, as follows (see List of Items Controlled) and “specially designed” “components” therefor.
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Telecommunications equipment
Category 5 · Related starting point: 5A001
Telecommunications equipment transmits, receives or manages information across wired, wireless and other networks.
What should I look into?
Describe the communications function, operating characteristics and equipment configuration.
Classroom question
Which technical facts would help distinguish a consumer communications product from specialized equipment?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 5A001 Telecommunications systems, equipment, “components” and “accessories,” as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Information security & encryption
Category 5 · Related starting point: 5A002
Information-security products protect information. Their functions and cryptographic features need to be understood in the context of the whole product.
What should I look into?
Collect the product functions and cryptographic features, and review the relevant notes and exclusions.
Classroom question
What functions does the product perform besides protecting the confidentiality of information?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 5A002 “Information security” systems, equipment and “components,” as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Cameras & imaging systems
Category 6 · Related starting point: 6A003
Imaging systems turn detected signals into images. Detector type and imaging performance can distinguish products that look similar.
What should I look into?
Identify the detector, spectral range, image performance and complete system configuration.
Classroom question
Which datasheet fields distinguish a visible-light camera from an infrared imaging system?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 6A003 Cameras, systems or equipment, and “components” therefor, as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Inertial navigation
Category 7 · Related starting point: 7A003
Inertial measurement equipment uses motion sensors to estimate movement or orientation. Systems vary in accuracy and configuration.
What should I look into?
Record the sensor arrangement, performance specifications, intended system and relevant entry definitions.
Classroom question
What does an inertial system measure when an external positioning signal is unavailable?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 7A003 'Inertial measurement equipment or systems', having any of the following.
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Underwater vehicles
Category 8 · Related starting point: 8A001
Submersible vehicles support activities such as inspection, survey and research. Their operating capabilities and equipment differ widely.
What should I look into?
Collect the vehicle configuration, operating depth and associated equipment specifications.
Classroom question
What technical differences would you investigate between a small inspection vehicle and a deep-water research system?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 8A001 Submersible vehicles and surface vessels, as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Unmanned aircraft
Category 9 · Related starting point: 9A012
Unmanned aircraft operate without an onboard pilot. A broad label such as drone covers many designs and capabilities.
What should I look into?
Gather the exact design and performance specifications, and check jurisdiction and related-control references.
Classroom question
Why is a marketing label such as commercial drone insufficient for classification research?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 9A012 “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” (“UAVs”), unmanned “airships”, related equipment and “components”, as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.
Space systems
Category 9 · Related starting point: 9A004
Space systems include vehicles and equipment for operating beyond the atmosphere. Research often begins by separating the functions of the individual systems.
What should I look into?
Identify the spacecraft, payload or other system function and read the jurisdiction and related-control references.
Classroom question
How might a spacecraft bus differ from the payload it carries?
Reference & review date
Related entry in the site’s September 25, 2026 GovInfo CCL snapshot: 9A004 Space launch vehicles and “spacecraft,” “spacecraft buses,” “spacecraft payloads,” “spacecraft” on-board systems or equipment, terrestrial equipment, and air-launch platforms, and “sub-orbital craft,” as follows (see List of Items Controlled).
This introduction was reviewed October 19, 2026. The linked ECCN is a research starting point, not a classification of every item in this topic. Check the current eCFR CCL and BIS classification guidance for the complete criteria and related controls.