Sanctions tend to consist of specific coercive trade measures.
Embargoes are typically broader in that they prohibit trade entirely.
Export Controls
Are designed to deny or delay the acquisition of strategically important goods by adversaries.
The legal basis for export controls varies in nations.
Most international business can be carried out under NLR conditions.
Export licenses are issued by the Dept. of Commerce for commodities whose export is considered sensitive.
How an Export License is Issued
Specialists in the Department of Commerce match the exported commodity with the Critical Commodities list, the country of destination, and the recipient company.
If no concerns exist in any one of the three areas, a license is issued.
This process is only carried out if the product or the recipient country is considered sensitive.