Export controls & dual-use goods
Many ordinary commercial products are 'controlled' because they could have military or strategic uses.
- Dual-use items — commercial goods with possible military application, governed in the US by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and classified by an ECCN (Export Control Classification Number). The EU and UK operate equivalent dual-use regimes.
- Defence articles — strictly controlled under regimes such as ITAR; these need specific authorisation.
- Export licences — some destinations, goods or end-uses require a licence before shipping.
Sanctions & denied-party screening
Before shipping, the parties to the transaction must be screened against restricted and denied-party lists — including the customer, consignee, end-user, banks and intermediaries:
- National and international lists (e.g. entity lists, sanctions lists).
- Country-level embargoes and sectoral sanctions.
- End-use and end-user checks (the 'know your customer' of trade).
Critical: you can outsource the export function to a forwarder, but you cannot outsource the liability. The exporter of record remains responsible for compliance — which is why screening and classification must actually be done, not assumed.
Documentation accuracy
Compliant trade depends on accurate paperwork — correct descriptions, values, HS codes, origin statements and licences. Inaccurate or inconsistent documents are a leading cause of holds, penalties and delayed clearance. See Import Tax & Duties.
How Boabab helps
We build compliance into the workflow: screening parties, helping classify controlled goods, flagging licence requirements, and ensuring documentation is consistent and accurate before cargo moves. Where specialist legal sign-off is needed, we connect you with the right experts.
Note. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules vary by country and change over time — we help you apply the right ones to your specific shipment, and connect you with specialists where needed.