Export License Cost Calculator — EAR & ITAR Compliance Cost

Calculate the true cost of export licensing and EAR compliance. License applications, denied party screening, technology controls, and staff overhead — know your annual export compliance budget.

Quick answer: Export license application: $500–$3,000 in staff time per application. Annual export compliance program for mid-size exporter: $50K–$200K including software, staff, and legal. Per-shipment screening: $5–$25/shipment.

📄 Export License & EAR Compliance Cost Calculator

Annual Export Shipments

License Applications Per Year

Hours Per License Application

Internal time + legal review for each BIS application

Staff/Legal Rate ($/hr)

Screening Cost Per Shipment ($)

Denied party screening software cost per transaction

Annual Compliance Software Cost ($)

Export Compliance Staff Time (%)

% of 1 FTE dedicated to export compliance

Compliance Staff Annual Cost ($)

Annual Export Compliance Cost

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License Application Cost

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Cost Per Shipment

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How to Use This Calculator

Audit your export control obligations — classify all products by ECCN (Export Control Classification Number) — most commercial items are EAR99, but dual-use items may require licenses.
Count license applications — each BIS application averages 20–40 hours of internal preparation and legal review.
Include screening cost — denied party screening must be performed on every export transaction — software automates this but has per-transaction cost.

Worked Example

300 exports, 8 license apps at 25 hrs/$85/hr, $12 screening, $18K software, 50% of $75K FTE.

License apps: $17,000
Screening: $3,600
Software: $18,000
Staff: $37,500
Total: $76,100 ($253.67/shipment)

At $253/shipment, export compliance is significant — include it in your international pricing. For exporters with few license requirements but many shipments, per-shipment cost drops dramatically as volume increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

EAR (Export Administration Regulations, BIS): covers dual-use commercial items, technology, and software with potential military application. Most commercial exporters deal with EAR. ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations, DDTC): covers defence articles and services on the US Munitions List — military equipment, weapons, defence technology. ITAR compliance is far more complex and costly.

For most EAR-controlled items, Canada is License Exception GBS (Group B countries) or Canada (CIV/GOV) — typically no license required for commercial items. However, items subject to regional stability controls, certain encryption, or items destined for military end users still require licenses even to Canada. Always screen against the ECCN and consult your compliance software or a trade attorney.