Classification of Goods for Export

Export Goods Classification

Correct export goods classification is the foundation of every compliant export transaction. Whether your products fall under the German Export List, the EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821, or U.S. control lists such as the Commerce Control List (CCL) or the U.S. Munitions List (USML) accurate classification determines your licensing obligations, applicable trade restrictions, and potential liability exposure.

As a boutique law firm for foreign trade law and goods classification in Munich and Hamburg, CREYDT.LAW combines legal expertise with technical engineering know-how to deliver reliable export goods classification results. Our team of experienced lawyers and engineers supports you from individual ad-hoc assessments to large-scale mass classification projects.

In the area of goods classification, we advise and support companies in the following areas:

Export goods classification of your products under Part I of the German Export List (defence goods, nationally controlled dual-use goods)

Dual-use classification under Annex I of the EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821

Customs tariff classification: determination of the correct HS code / customs tariff number (commodity code)

Ad-hoc classification and tariff classification for urgent transactions

Applications for commodity list information (AzG) from BAFA

Obtaining Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from customs authorities

U.S. export control classification: ECCN determination under the Commerce Control List (CCL/EAR) and classification under the U.S. Munitions List (USML/ITAR)

Mass classification projects with scalable processes and risk-based prioritisation

With decades of combined experience, our lawyers and engineers ensure accurate and reliable goods classification. This ensures all relevant technical and legal requirements are taken into account.

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Decades of
Experience

Over 100 years of combined experience providing sound and reliable legal advice.

Interdisciplinary
Approach

Legal expertise, technical know-how and experienced project management in customs and foreign trade law.

Multiple
Awards

Recognized excellence with repeatedly awarded consulting quality at national and international level.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Difference Between Goods Classification and Tariff Classification?

Goods classification involves assessing whether your product is subject to export control requirements (e.g. under German, European, and/or U.S. export control law). It concerns licensing obligations. Tariff classification, on the other hand, serves to determine the correct customs tariff number, which forms the basis for, among other things, the applicable duty rate and statistical reporting. Both are required independently of one another. We support you in both areas.

2. What is Goods Classification and Why is it Important for Companies?

Goods classification is the systematic categorisation of products, materials, software, or technologies according to defined legal criteria — for example, under the lists of the Dual-Use Regulation or the U.S. Export Administration Regulations. It determines which licensing obligations and trade restrictions apply.

For companies, correct classification is essential in order to avoid legal risks such as delivery delays, fines, or even criminal proceedings, and to ensure that trade processes are conducted securely and efficiently. Errors can have long-term consequences — from additional assessments by authorities to exclusion from markets.

3. Which Control Lists are Relevant and Must be Examined for Classification Purposes?

1. Part I, Sections A and B of the German Export List (defence goods)

- Section A – List of weapons, ammunition, and defence materiel

- Section B – List of nationally controlled dual-use goods

2. Annex I of the European Dual-Use Regulation (dual-use goods)

And, where applicable, the U.S. control lists:

3. United States Munitions List (USML) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (defence goods)

4. Commerce Control List (CCL) under the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (dual-use goods)

4. When Must I Also Classify Goods Intended for Export Under U.S. Law?

Whenever a so-called "U.S. nexus" exists. This is the case in the following situations:

- Goods located in the United States

- U.S.-origin goods outside the United States

- Non-U.S. goods (foreign-made commodities) that contain more than a certain proportion of controlled U.S. goods, U.S. software, or U.S. technology (10% / 25%)

- Non-U.S. goods that are the direct product of certain U.S. technology or U.S. software (foreign-made direct products)

- Non-U.S. goods that are manufactured in a plant, or with a major component of a plant, where the plant or that component is itself the direct product of certain U.S. technology or U.S. software

5. How Does a Classification Project Work at Your Firm?

We work closely with your team to understand your products from technical specifications and intended uses to the markets you serve. On that basis, we classify your goods against all relevant control lists: the German Export List, the EU Dual-Use Regulation, and where U.S. export controls apply the Commerce Control List (EAR) and the U.S. Munitions List (ITAR).
Every result is documented in a way that is transparent, traceable, and audit-proof. If needed, we secure binding information from the competent authorities on your behalf.
Handling hundreds or thousands of items? Our mass classification process is built to scale with clear milestones, risk-based prioritisation, and dedicated project management.

Goods Classification