While there are multiple agencies that control the export of U.S. goods, most items fall under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which administers the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Under these regulations, you may be required to apply for and obtain an export license from BIS before you export your goods. (To learn more about these restrictions, download our free guide, How to Determine If You Need an Export License.)
If you’ve determined that your product, software or technology requires an export license under the EAR, you need to log in to BIS’s SNAP-R system—the Simplified Network Application Process – Redesign—to submit a license application online. While the system may look intimidating to new exporters, it’s actually a straightforward process once you understand the kind of information you need to supply.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through:
As of October 2025, most U.S. government agencies, including BIS, are operating under limited capacity due to the federal government shutdown.
During this period:
If you’re submitting a time-sensitive application, visit bis.gov for current guidance or instructions for requesting expedited review.
There are two primary reasons to use SNAP-R:
Before you can file, you’ll need to obtain a Company Identification Number (CIN) from BIS and designate a Company Administrator to manage SNAP-R access for your organization.
Before starting your application, make sure you have all the information you’ll need. Missing data can trigger delays.
Once you log into SNAP-R and click Create New Work Item, you’ll see several tabs. Here’s what each covers:
| Section | What to Enter | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | Transaction title, ECCN, license type | Use descriptive titles (“ECCN 3A001 – Thermal Sensor to Singapore”). |
| End User/Consignee /Purchaser | Names, addresses, countries | Confirm every party has been screened against restricted party lists. |
| Items | Description, quantity, value, ECCN, Schedule B code | Avoid vague product names (don’t use “device”; use “temperature-sensing module” instead). |
| End Use | Narrative explanation of how the item will be used | Be specific; generic answers trigger RFIs. |
| Attachments | Upload PDFs such as the Letter of Explanation, technical drawings, or end-use statements | Combine multiple docs into one clear PDF if possible. |
💡 Pro Tip: Shipping Solutions Export Controls Software helps determine if a license is required before you start a SNAP-R application—saving time and avoiding unnecessary filings.
Typical status codes include:
You can download the final license PDF once approved.
Once BIS approves your license:
If denied, review the reason provided and consider resubmitting with additional detail or contacting BIS’s Office of Exporter Services for guidance.
One of the most important ways to determine if your product requires an export license is to identify which, if any, Export Commodity Control Number applies to your product. There three ways to determine the ECCN number: (1) classify the goods yourself, (2) rely on the product’s vendor, or (3) request an official classification from BIS. You can submit this commodity classification request—often called a CCATS—through the SNAP-R system.
When to file a CCATS:
The CCATS process asks for:
Once approved, you’ll receive a CCATS number identifying your product’s ECCN.
Under 15 CFR § 750.4, BIS must process or refer most license applications within 90 calendar days of registration.
In practice, average processing times are about two to three months for export-license applications and several weeks to a few months for CCATS requests, depending on complexity.
💡 Pro Tip: Submitting a complete, well-documented application with a clear end-use statement helps avoid Requests for Information (RFIs) that can add weeks to your timeline.
Filing the license is only part of the process—you must retain documentation to prove compliance.
Under 15 CFR Part 762, exporters must keep all records relating to export transactions for at least five years from the date of export or license expiration (whichever is later). However, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC) now requires certain records be kept for 10 years, so a longer retention policy is best.
Records to keep:
💡 Pro Tip: Using software like Shipping Solutions Professional makes it easier to maintain records of your export documentation and compliance efforts.
Applying for an export license using SNAP-R may seem daunting at first, but it’s a structured process. When approached systematically—and supported by the right tools—it becomes an essential part of staying compliant with the EAR and protecting your business from costly mistakes.
Like what you read? Join thousands of exporters and importers who subscribe to Passages: The International Trade Blog. You'll get the latest news and tips for exporters and importers delivered right to your inbox.