Items Covered
- 1. Having four interpolating axes that can be coordinated simultaneously for "contouring control;" or
- 2. Having two or more axes that can be coordinated simultaneously for "contouring control" and a minimum programmable increment better (less) than 0.001 mm;
- 3. "Numerical control" units for machine tools having two, three or four interpolating axes that can be coordinated simultaneously for "contouring control," and capable of receiving directly (on-line) and processing computer-aided-design (CAD) data for internal preparation of machine instructions; or
- b."Motion control boards" "specially designed" for machine tools and having any of the following characteristics:
- 1. Interpolation in more than four axes;
- 2. Capable of "real-time processing" of data to modify tool path, feed rate and spindle data, during the machining operation, by any of the following:
- 2.a. Automatic calculation and modification of part program data for machining in two or more axes by means of measuring cycles and access to source data; or
- 2.b. "Adaptive control" with more than one physical variable measured and processed by means of a computing model (strategy) to change one or more machining instructions to optimize the process.
- 3. Capable of receiving and processing CAD data for internal preparation of machine instructions; or
- c."Numerically controlled" machine tools that, according to the manufacturer's technical specifications, can be equipped with electronic devices for simultaneous "contouring control" in two or more axes and that have both of the following characteristics:
- 1. Two or more axes that can be coordinated simultaneously for contouring control; and
- 2. Positioning accuracies according to ISO 230/2 (2006), with all compensations available:
- 2.a. Better than 15 µm along any linear axis (overall positioning) for grinding machines;
- 2.b. Better than 15 µm along any linear axis (overall positioning) for milling machines; or
- 2.c. Better than 15 µm along any linear axis (overall positioning) for turning machines; or
- d.Machine tools, as follows, for removing or cutting metals, ceramics or composites, that, according to the manufacturer's technical specifications, can be equipped with electronic devices for simultaneous "contouring control" in two or more axes:
- 1. Machine tools for turning, grinding, milling or any combination thereof, having two or more axes that can be coordinated simultaneously for "contouring control" and having any of the following characteristics:
- 1.a. One or more contouring "tilting spindles;"
- 1.b. "Camming" (axial displacement) in one revolution of the spindle less (better) than 0.0006 mm total indicator reading (TIR);
- 1.c. "Run out" (out-of-true running) in one revolution of the spindle less (better) than 0.0006 mm total indicator reading (TIR);
- 1.d. The "positioning accuracies", with all compensations available, are less (better) than: 0.001° on any rotary axis;
- 2. Electrical discharge machines (EDM) of the wire feed type that have five or more axes that can be coordinated simultaneously for "contouring control."
- 1. Machine tools for turning, grinding, milling or any combination thereof, having two or more axes that can be coordinated simultaneously for "contouring control" and having any of the following characteristics:
Control Reasons Explained
This ECCN is controlled for the following reasons. Each reason maps to a column on the Commerce Country Chart, which determines whether a license is required for a given destination.
- ATAnti-Terrorism
- Basic anti-terrorism controls that apply to most items on the CCL. A license is required for exports to countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism.
Common Questions About 2B991
What does ECCN 2B991 cover?
ECCN 2B991 is an entry on the Commerce Control List (Materials Processing). The List of Items Controlled below describes the products, software, or technology captured by this classification. Compare your item against those parameters when self-classifying.
How do license requirements work for this ECCN?
License need depends on the control reasons shown for this code (for example NS, RS, MT, AT), the destination country, and how your transaction maps against the Commerce Country Chart, de minimis, and other EAR provisions. This page is a research aid only. Confirm against the current rule text and your specific facts before exporting.
Where is the official text for this ECCN?
The legal text appears in Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR Part 774). Use the official BIS link on this page to open the current supplement entry for this ECCN.
What if my product matches more than one ECCN?
When several ECCNs appear to fit, the controlling entry is usually the one that is most specific to your item's form, function, or technical limits. Cross-references in the List of Items Controlled and related ECCNs listed on this page are common starting points for narrowing the choice.
How often should I re-check this classification?
The Commerce Control List changes when BIS publishes new or amended rules. Revisit the official entry when regulations update, when the product's technical parameters change, or when the destination, end-user, or end-use of a transaction changes.
What do the control reason codes mean?
Each control reason (NS, RS, MT, AT, etc.) maps to a column on the Commerce Country Chart in Supplement No. 1 to part 738 of the EAR. When a control reason applies to your ECCN and the destination country has an X in that column, a license is generally required unless an exception applies. See the Control Reasons Explained section on this page for details on each code.