2B001

2025-01-15

ECCN 2B001 controls numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools for generating, turning, milling, or grinding metals and ceramics to ultra-precision tolerances. An export license is required to Country Group D:1 destinations (including China and Russia) under 15 CFR § 774, Supp. 1.

Category 2 — Materials Processing — B. Test, Inspection and Production Equipment

Reasons for Control

NS1NS2NP1AT1

Regulatory Citation

15 CFR § 774, Supp. 1, ECCN 2B001

Licensing Policy

License required for exports to Country Group D:1 (National Security) and D:2 (Nuclear) destinations for NS reasons; D:3 for NP reasons; all destinations for AT Column 1 (Country Group E:1). Case-by-case review policy for D:1; presumption of denial for E:1 and E:2.

Controlled Technical Parameters

Technical Parameters

Parameter Name	Controlled Threshold	Unit	Regulatory Note
Simultaneous Contouring Axes	2 or more	axes	5-axis simultaneous machining centers are the primary items of proliferation concern. Machines with 2-axis contouring are controlled only if positioning accuracy thresholds are also met.
Positioning Accuracy (Linear Axes)	6 μm or less	μm	Per ISO 230/2 or national equivalent. Machines with positioning accuracy of 6 micrometers or better along any linear axis are controlled.
Linear Axis Travel	Varies by sub-item	mm	Different sub-items (2B001.a through 2B001.d) specify minimum travel distances. Typical threshold: ≥ 1,000 mm for one axis.

Interactive License Determination Sandbox

AWAITING DESTINATION

Select a destination country above to perform a real-time export license determination against ECCN 2B001.

License Exception Matrix

License Exceptions Matrix

Exception Code	Full Name	Key Conditions	CFR Reference
LVS	Shipments of Limited Value	Available for shipments valued at or below $3,000 for NS-controlled items to non-embargoed destinations per § 740.3.	15 CFR § 740.3
STA	Strategic Trade Authorization	Available for exports to STA-eligible destinations (36 countries in § 740.20(c)(1)) for NS-controlled items subject to EAR. Not available for D:5, E:1, or E:2 destinations.	15 CFR § 740.20
TMP	Temporary Imports, Exports, and Reexports	Available for temporary exports (e.g., trade shows, demonstrations) for up to 12 months subject to conditions in § 740.9.	15 CFR § 740.9
RPL	Servicing and Replacement of Parts and Equipment	Available for replacement components on machines previously lawfully exported.	15 CFR § 740.10

Enforcement Case Studies

United States v. Amin Mahdavi et al.

9/11/2023Amin Mahdavi / Mehdi Sadeghi$500,000 Fine; 63 Months Imprisonment

Two individuals conspired to illegally export 5-axis CNC milling machines (ECCN 2B001) from the United States to Iran via front companies in Turkey and the UAE, in violation of comprehensive Iran sanctions and the EAR.

View Official Record

BIS Charging Letter — DMG Mori Seiki USA

4/17/2022DMG Mori Seiki USA Inc.$4.8M Civil Penalty; Enhanced Compliance Agreement

DMG Mori's U.S. subsidiary agreed to a $4.8M settlement for failure to implement adequate end-use/end-user screening on exports of 5-axis CNC machine tools to multiple destinations in Country Group D:1, including entities with known ties to weapons programs.

View Official Record

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ECCN 2B001 and why are CNC machines export-controlled?

ECCN 2B001 controls precision numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools capable of multi-axis simultaneous contouring machining of metals, ceramics, and composites. These machines are export-controlled because they are essential for manufacturing components for nuclear centrifuges, missile guidance systems, jet engine turbine blades, and other weapons systems. A 5-axis CNC mill can produce complex curved geometries required for uranium enrichment centrifuge rotors and ballistic missile nosecones that cannot be manufactured with conventional equipment. The control is specified in 15 CFR § 774, Supp. 1.

Can I export a 3-axis CNC mill to China without a license?

It depends on the machine's positioning accuracy. ECCN 2B001 control thresholds are based on the number of simultaneous contouring axes and the positioning accuracy achieved. A 3-axis machine with positioning accuracy better than 6 micrometers may still be captured. If the machine does not meet any of the 2B001 technical thresholds, it may be classified as EAR99 and exported under NLR (No License Required) to most destinations — but you must still verify there are no end-use or end-user restrictions under Part 744.

Does ECCN 2B001 cover additive manufacturing (3D printing) machines?

ECCN 2B001 specifically covers subtractive manufacturing (material removal) machine tools. Additive manufacturing equipment — such as metal powder bed fusion (PBF) and directed energy deposition (DED) systems — is controlled under separate ECCNs, primarily 2B001.b.2 for equipment specially designed for additive manufacturing of metals, and under 1B999 and related entries for lower-specification equipment. Always perform an independent classification for additive manufacturing systems.

Are replacement spindles and CNC controllers also controlled under 2B001?

Individual components and accessories for 2B001 machine tools may be controlled under separate ECCNs. CNC controllers and numerically controlled units are classified under ECCN 2B992 or 2B001 depending on their capabilities. Precision spindles are typically classified under 2B001 if they meet accuracy thresholds. License Exception RPL (§ 740.10) may be available for one-for-one replacement of parts in machines previously lawfully exported, subject to certain conditions.

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Regulatory Disclaimer

REGULATORY DISCLAIMER: This tool provides informational guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) or qualified export-control counsel for binding classification determinations. 15 CFR § 774; 50 U.S.C. § 4801 et seq.