In short
If you ship listed AI chips or model weights to approved destinations, you can skip a license, but you must send the buyer the item's classification, get a signed certification for chips, notify each shipment, and store weights under set guidelines.
The Bureau of Industry and Security's rule lets exporters send listed AI chips, software and technology to entities in approved destinations without a license, if the entity and its parent are not headquartered elsewhere. It requires sending the item's classification to the buyer, a one-time buyer certification for chips, and written notice per shipment. Model weights get extra authorization when the buyer sits outside Macau and restricted country groups and stores them under listed guidelines. Certifications go to BIS by email before the first shipment once performance reaches a stated threshold.
- Tell the buyer which export classification each item carries before shipping it.
- For chips only, get a one-time signed certification from the buyer before using this exception.
- With each shipment, notify the buyer in writing that it goes under this exception.
- Model weights sent under the extra authorization must be kept in a facility meeting listed guidelines.
For labs and builders
Builders sending AI training chips or AI model weights to approved destinations must handle paperwork: get an ECCN to the buyer and a signed certification before shipping chips, notify the buyer that the shipment uses this exception, and store covered model weights in a facility meeting listed guidelines.
Official summary
§ 740.27 License Exception Artificial Intelligence Authorization (AIA). (a) Scope. This license exception authorizes the export, reexport, and transfer (in-country) of the items identified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2)(i) of this section to entities located within destinations listed in paragraph (a) of supplement no. 5 to this part, unless the entity is headquartered outside of, or has an ultimate parent company headquartered outside of, a destination specified in paragraph (a) of supplement no. 5 to this part, with an additional authorization for certain model weights in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, subject to additional conditions.
The record
- Citation
- 15 CFR 740.27
- Part
- License Exceptions
- Current through
- 15 Oct 2026
- Published by
- Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce
- 15 Jan 2025In force
- 16 Jan 2025Amended
- 16 Jul 2026Amended