ECCN classifications

The Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is used to determine whether an export license is required from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ECCN is typically a five-digit alpha-numeric code that identifies the level of export control for articles, technology, and software that are exported from member states.

The ECCN classification code applies to a specific item and is designated by referring to a table of codes. For example, the format for an ECCN code of 3A101 is: Category (3), Group (A), Reason for Control (1), Unilateral or Multilateral (0), and Sequence (1). This code typically indicates an Electronics category in the product group of Systems, Equipment and Components. Review your inventory to determine the appropriate ECCN code for items you intend to export.

You can specify ECCN codes in SA Table Code Value Setup. Those values are then available from other functions. You can assign the ECCN to an item in Product Setup and Product Catalog Setup. A blank ECCN field usually indicates the product is not exported. After a code is associated with a item or product, that value is displayed in Sales Order Entry.

  • For nonstock items, you can assign the ECCN code in Sales Order Entry from the Nonstock window. If the nonstock is a catalog item, and you have assigned a code in Product Catalog Setup, the code is defaulted from the catalog item.
  • For kit items, the ECCN code is assigned at the product, or line, level and is not assigned at the component level.
  • For a catalog product that is converted to a stock product, the assigned ECCN is copied to the new stock product. Any backorders retain the original code.
  • For certain situations, the ECCN from the original order is copied to the new order. If the code was blank, the new order is assigned the code based on what is set up in Product Setup or Product Catalog Setup. You can review these orders to correct the code for the line item. These situations include:
  • Order copy
  • Blanket releases
  • Standing orders
  • Converted quote orders
  • Orders that are created from Job Management, Bid Prep, or Service Warranty
  • Orders that are created from the SX.api interface
    Note: All assigned ECCN codes are validated based on SA Table Code Value Setup. The message ECCN Classification Code Not Set Up in System Table - SASTT (5083) is displayed if an assigned code cannot be validated.
    Note: The ECCN code is included in the SA Administration Cross Company Product Copy Report.

Data stream

The ECCN code is included by the system for shipping and in the data stream for printing in these functions:

  • Sales Entry Processing Pick Tickets Report
  • Sales Entry Processing Invoice Processing Report
  • Sales Demand Invoices Report
  • Sales Entry Processing Print Manifest Report
  • Transfer Entry Print Warehouse Transfer Report
  • Product Adjust Non-stock/Direct Order Entry
  • Product Master List Report
  • Sales Order Master List Report

Country code

To use ECCN appropriately, you must assign a country code to your company record and to each customer and ship to. The ECCN is only required for items being exported to another country. Orders originating in the same country (FromCountry) as the shipping destination country (ToCountry) are not affected. For export control purposes in Sales Order Entry, the FromCountry is the Company’s country code. The ToCountry is the Customer or Ship To country code. In the case of a return, that ToCountry and FromCountry is reversed.

Note:  FromCountry and ToCountry are internally-assigned values that cannot be changed.

Holding exported orders for approval

If you use ECCN classification codes with your products, ensure that the ECCN code is setup and assigned correctly. You can set an option in SA Administrator Options-Documents-Sales Orders-Approval Process to place export orders on hold. For Exports is similar to Default Order Approval Type except that it specifically relates to exported orders and products that should have an ECCN classification assigned.

You can place orders on hold that are being exported or contain one or more items with a blank ECCN code. When this condition is met, the message Export Order: Allow Blank ECCN Classification Value (5084) is displayed. These orders cannot be picked until approved. This allows you to review the order and make any needed corrections to the ECCN classification. This validation also applies for Direct Order warehouse transfers. An exception is noted and the pick ticket is not printed.

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