export control
Definition
Export controls are government laws and regulations that restrict or manage what products, technologies, software, and information American businesses can send to foreign countries or share with foreign nationals. The U.S. government uses these rules to protect national security, advance foreign policy goals, and prevent sensitive technology from falling into the wrong hands. Getting caught violating these rules is serious business, with penalties ranging from heavy fines to criminal charges.
Example
If your small manufacturing company makes specialized drone components, you may need a government license before selling those parts to a customer in certain countries, even if the sale seems perfectly ordinary to you.
Watch Out
Export controls apply not just to physical goods crossing a border but also to emailing technical documents or sharing software with someone in another country, so even a digital transaction can trigger these rules.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.