Legal Definitions - Simplified Network Application Process Redesign (SNAP-R)

The Simplified Network Application Process Redesign (SNAP-R) is an official online platform developed and maintained by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). It serves as a secure digital portal for businesses and individuals to submit critical requests related to international trade, specifically for obtaining export licenses and requesting classifications for goods and technologies.

Here are some examples of how SNAP-R is used:

• Exporting Advanced Technology: Imagine a U.S. robotics company that has developed a cutting-edge robotic arm with potential military applications, even though its primary use is industrial manufacturing. Before they can ship this robotic arm to a buyer in a foreign country, they must ensure compliance with U.S. export control regulations. The company would use SNAP-R to securely submit an application for an export license to the Bureau of Industry and Security, providing all necessary details about the technology, the end-user, and the destination. This process ensures that the export is reviewed and approved according to national security and foreign policy interests.

• Classifying New Products for Export: A pharmaceutical company has developed a new chemical compound that could have various applications, some of which might be controlled under U.S. export laws. To determine if this compound requires an export license or falls under specific restrictions, the company needs to know its official Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). They would submit a commodity classification request through SNAP-R, providing detailed technical specifications of the compound. BIS would then review the information and issue an official classification, helping the company understand its export obligations and plan its international sales strategy.

• University Research Equipment Shipment: A university research lab in the U.S. collaborates with an international partner on a project involving specialized scientific equipment. This equipment, while used for academic research, is considered sensitive due to its advanced capabilities. To send this equipment to their collaborating institution abroad, the university's export compliance office would utilize SNAP-R to apply for the necessary export license. The system's secure environment ensures that proprietary research details and sensitive equipment specifications are protected during the application and review process, and allows the university to track the status of their application online.