Includes the U.S. government export controls that companies need to abide by when exporting to this country.
Last Published: 11/8/2019
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is responsible for the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which regulate the export and re-export of dual-use items and certain military items. Dual-use items are typically found in commercial settings but have both commercial and military applications. These may require export licenses even when intended for commercial end-uses. Items that fall under EAR jurisdiction appear on the Commerce Control List (CCL).

Other Federal agencies restrict sensitive transactions, such as those involving trade in arms or nuclear materials, or with sanctioned entities. The Consolidated Screening List (SCL) combines export screening lists under multiple federal authorities into a single search.

BIS provides a variety of resources to help U.S. exporters comply with licensing requirements, including online training materials, commodity classification information, and advisory opinion services. It hosts regular seminars and hands-on training on U.S. export controls. All of the above resources can be found in the Compliance and Training section of the BIS Website.
BIS export counselors are available at the following numbers:
  • (202) 482-4811 - Outreach and Educational Services Division (located in Washington, D.C.)
  • (949) 660-0144 - Western Regional Office (located in Newport Beach, CA)
  • (408) 998-8806 - Northern California branch (located in San Jose, CA)
An item’s licensing requirements depend upon its technical characteristics, destination, end-user, and end-use. Most exports to or through Taiwan do not require an export license. If an item does require an export license, the exporter must file an application with BIS to obtain a “License Exception” to authorize the individual transaction. It is the responsibility of the U.S. exporter to comply with all BIS licensing requirements.

Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade is the agency responsible for export licensing in Taiwan. Its controls on dual-use exports resemble those applied by other regional authorities, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan. Taiwan’s control list uses a numbering system generally similar to that of the CCL, so understanding an item’s applicable U.S. requirements may help facilitate clearance in Taiwan. When exporting items that transship through or are re-exported from Taiwan, local partners may request information about U.S. export controls—particularly regarding U.S. classification and authorization—in order to determine their own obligations. Additional information on Taiwan Export Controls is available here.
 
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


More Information

Taiwan Trade Development and Promotion Export Controls