Who is primarily responsible for obtaining a U.S. export license when required?

The primary responsibility for obtaining a U.S. export license when required lies with the U.S. Person Exporter (USPPI). The USPPI is defined as the person or entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the exportation of the item. This party must ensure compliance with export regulations, including determining whether an export license is necessary for the goods being moved.

While other parties such as freight forwarders or customs brokers play important roles in the logistics and documentation of exporting goods, they typically do not have the legal responsibility for license acquisition. Their roles are more supportive and operational in nature rather than regulatory. Therefore, it is the USPPI who must assess and secure any required licenses to comply fully with U.S. export control laws.