General

Uncooled thermal imaging cameras operating at 30Hz (NTSC) or 25Hz (PAL) with a resolution of 320x256 and lower-resolution are export-controlled by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Validated export licenses must be obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce prior to export or re-export of such devices outside of the United States. FLIR employs a team of trade compliance professionals that understand the export rules and regulations, and can assist our customers with their export questions and issues.

In circumstances whereby FLIR delivers a camera to a customer in the U.S. who intends to export or re-export the FLIR camera outside of the United States, whether or not the camera is integrated into another product, it is the customer’s responsibility to apply for the required export license from the appropriate department of the U.S. government. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited.

Note that there are several countries to which the export of thermal imaging cameras is prohibited under any circumstances, regardless of the camera resolution or video rate. These countries are Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. Export policies governing the export of thermal imaging cameras are established by the U.S. government, and in order for FLIR to comply with the policy requirements, we in turn ensure that our customers agree to these conditions.

Full-Rate Thermal Video Cameras

The Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is 6A003b.4 for 320x256 and lower-resolution, full-rate video cameras. Two forms are required in order for FLIR to apply to the Department of Commerce for the purpose of obtaining a validated export license for full-rate video thermal imaging cameras with 320x256 or lower resolution: 

	BIS-711
	Transaction Info

In 2009, a change was made to the export policy for thermal imagers up to 320x256 format. Essentially what this change does is to enable companies outside of the U.S., that are integrating 320-format (or lower resolution) cameras operating at 30Hz (25Hz PAL) into other systems or products, to apply for a one-time license that allows the company to export or re-export their product or system – including the thermal imager – to any of 36 identified countries, provided that the end-use of the product or system is commercial and not military.

The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) may issue licenses that remove the export license requirements for cameras that are fully-packaged for use as consumer- ready civil products for exports or re-exports to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

This rule imposes a new reporting requirement with respect to exports for which this rule’s revision or removal of regional stability as a reason for control results in the removal of all CCL based license requirements. Exporters of cameras described in ECCN 6A003.b.4.b will have to report semiannually to BIS by e-mail the name, address and telephone number of the exporter; the date of each export; the name, address and telephone number of the consignee or end user; the model number(s); the serial number of each exported camera that has a serial number; and the quantity of each model number of camera exported without a license to the countries shown in the paragraph above. BIS will use the information in these reports to verify that the cameras subject to this regulation are continuing to be sold to appropriate end-users and that the changes in controls are not jeopardizing U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.

Slow-Rate Thermal Video Cameras

ECCN 6A003.b.4.b (see Full-Rate Thermal Video, above) does not control imaging cameras having a maximum frame rate equal to or less than 9 Hz. This means that thermal imaging cameras with frame rates of less than 9Hz may be exported outside of the United States without an export license, except to the embargoed countries Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. However, under no circumstances can thermal imaging cameras be used in the design, development, production, or use of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, regardless of frame rate.

FLIR offers all of its Photon and Tau uncooled thermal imaging cameras in slow-rate video (< 9Hz) versions. For NTSC, the slow video rate is 7.5Hz, and for PAL, the slow video rate is 8.3Hz. These rates apply to slow video versions of the Photon 640, 320, 160, 120, and 80, as well as the Tau 640, 320, and 160. The only requirement imposed by the U.S. government is to collect certain information for cameras shipped outside the U.S. To comply with this requirement, FLIR processes a Transaction Information form for sales of slow video cameras.

Transaction Info

The ECCN for 9Hz (slow-video) thermal cameras is 6A993.