Export Compliance | Descartes
Export Compliance Software Solutions
Simplify Export Compliance and Support Business Growth
Take the complexity out of export compliance with tools designed to streamline processes, minimize export control risks, and enhance global trade performance. Gain confidence with accurate export classifications, export license management, and controlled goods tracking.
Combine Multiple Steps in the Export Compliance Process into One Seamless Workflow
Descartes provides an easy-to-use platform to streamline export documentation, meet export license requirements, and manage compliance for controlled goods—including deemed exports and hand-carried items—with greater accuracy and fewer resources.
Export License Management
Save time and effort with a centralized, multi-jurisdiction export license management system.
Export Documentation Manager
Prepare export forms faster and prevent shipment delays caused by incomplete or incorrect information.
Controlled Technology Manager
Safeguard your organization and support national security efforts with increased visibility into controlled technology.
Export Classification Workflow
Classify products as dual or military use and identify import & export tariffs with an all-in-one solution for the U.S. and EU.
Optimize your export compliance program with Descartes' AI-powered capabilities
- Built-in export compliance verification to screen for denied parties, export controls, and export license requirements
- Detailed reporting with automated recordkeeping of decision-making for due diligence purposes
- Configurable templates with prepopulated forms and other documents, and ability to create your own
- Automated customizable alerts help to ensure shipments go out with valid export documentation
- Broad integration options with ERPs, major business platforms, and proprietary systems to synchronize data
- Informative dashboards showcase the status of trade compliance activities across the organization
Turning Export Compliance Challenges to Strategic Advantages for Global Trade Businesses
"Descartes has managed to save us nearly 28,000 man-hours per year, and reduce our export compliance risk exposure. The initial feedback from the employees was, ‘this is awesome. This is a huge improvement, we love it’..."
ERIC WALLACE
Corporate Export Compliance Manager, Reliance Steel and Aluminum Co.
Ready to see Descartes Export Compliance solutions in action?
Export Compliance Frequently Asked Questions
What is export compliance? Why is it important?
Export compliance involves adhering to laws, regulations, and international trade agreements governing the export of goods, services, and technology to ensure that transactions do not violate national security, economic, or trade policies. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines, loss of export privileges, reputational damage, and even criminal charges. It also helps businesses avoid shipping delays and ensures smooth international trade operations.
What tasks should be prioritized in an export compliance checklist?
- Regularly screening customers, suppliers, and business partners against government watch lists (restricted or denied party screening). Also verify transactions against sanctions and embargoed country lists.
- Identifying the correct export classifications for goods under Schedule B, HS codes, or the Commerce Control List (CCL). Determining export licensing requirements for dual-use or military-grade items.
- Determining if an export license is required for a transaction. Applying for and tracking export licenses. Managing license exceptions and exemptions as per regulations.
- Ensuring export documentation compliance: Prepare accurate export declarations and shipping documents. Retain records of export transactions in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Restricting access to sensitive controlled technologies and data to authorized personnel. Implement safeguards for hand-carried or deemed exports.
- Monitoring and auditing export compliance activities. Use automated tools to identify and address gaps.
- Developing response plans for denied shipments or potential export compliance violations.
- Staying informed about changing and emerging export regulations by monitoring updates from authorities such as BIS, OFAC, and other agencies, and adjusting processes and checklists to incorporate new requirements.
- Providing employees with regular training on export compliance responsibilities and changes in regulations.
What regulations should I be aware of for export compliance?
Key regulations include the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, European Union Consolidated List, EU Dual-Use Regulation, UK Strategic Export Control List, and similar laws in other jurisdictions. Descartes advanced software enables businesses to manage export compliance across multiple regions and jurisdictions, ensuring adherence to country-specific laws and regulations.
What is the difference between EAR and ITAR?
EAR regulates commercial and dual-use items, while ITAR governs defense articles and services. Each has specific requirements and scope for compliance.
What is deemed export?
A deemed export occurs when controlled technology, software, or information is released to a foreign national, even if they reside within the U.S., and may be subject to export control regulations. Sectors such as higher education and research face greater risk exposure to deemed export violations. Institutions collaborating with foreign universities or research partners must ensure compliance with deemed export regulations when sharing controlled technology or information. Similarly, businesses employing foreign nationals must address these risks.
How does export compliance software help businesses?
Solutions like Descartes Export Compliance Software reduce manual effort, minimize human errors, ensure accurate recordkeeping, speed up processes like denied party screening, export license applications, and export documentation, and help prevent costly penalties.
What features should I look for in export compliance software?
- Denied party screening
- Export license management
- Automated re-screening
- Audit trails and reporting
- Integration with ERP, CRM, HR, and other business systems
- Support for multi-jurisdiction regulations (e.g., U.S., EU)
Is Descartes export compliance software suitable for small businesses?
Yes, Descartes' solutions are modular and scalable, designed to enable businesses of all sizes pick and choose the functionality that suits their immediate needs with the option to easily scale when and if necessary. Descartes export compliance solutions are accessible and affordable, used by many small and medium-sized enterprises.
What is the ROI of using export compliance software?
Businesses save time, reduce errors, avoid penalties, and improve operational efficiency, resulting in measurable cost savings and faster trade processes. For information on the costs associated with export compliance software, view this pricing guide.
Additional Resources
White Paper
Discover How Industry Leaders Are Using Sanctions Screening Solutions to Reduce Risk
Register to Readabout White Paper
White Paper: Guide to Managing Export Licenses
Learn practical strategies to ensure export readiness and compliance across global markets.
ACCESS the GUIDE about White Paper: Guide to Managing Export Licenses
Buyer's Guide: Denied Party Screening Software
Reduce the complexity of selecting the right denied party screening solution for your business.
GET YOUR COPY about Buyer's Guide: Denied Party Screening Software
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