US Export Law

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There are several federal laws that govern exports from the US. Below is a brief overview of United States export laws. When in doubt, contact your Legal Department or Freight Forwarder for advice.

1.All US companies are prohibited from selling or shipping products to embargoed countries and denied parties as determined by the US Government. This includes countries like Libya and Iraq. Denied parties may include even US companies or citizens. The US Bureau of Export Administration website maintains a list of denied parties.

2.It is illegal to sell goods to non-embargoed countries or entities for re-export to an embargoed country or denied party. You cannot circumvent the law regarding embargos and denied parties.

3.If you are ever asked to participate in a boycott of Israel, you must advise the person asking the question that it is illegal under US federal law to boycott Israel. Note the person's name, company, and country and immediately report the incident to your Legal Department, as each US company is responsible for reporting these requests to the US government.

4.US export law requires shippers to submit documentation (the form is called an SED) on their sales for any invoice amount over $2500. The figures are used by US Customs to calculate balance of trade statistics. A freight forwarder can assist companies in filling out an SED correctly.

There are additional legal considerations when it comes to shipping overseas. This is by no means an complete list of US export law, but it does cover the high points that a beginning exporter needs to know. Further training through a formal seminar is highly recommended in order to ensure international business transactions conform to US export law.