Electronic – US Government Export Approval for TI chip

integrated-circuittexas instruments

I hope this isn't off-topic since I think it's a general issue that applies to many ICs.

I'm looking into buying a TI battery charger chip, but the datasheet alone seems to be restricted by the "U.S. Government export approval". Does that mean even buying a few samples would need such an approval?

The form for datasheet on the TI site asks for a name, an email address and an affiliation. How does the US Government conduct a meaningful assessment given the unreliable data? There's no verification involved but it takes 1-2 business days for processing.

To buy larger quantities, would one need special documents?

Thanks

Best Answer

While I'm not affiliated with TI, so I can't do more than speculate into their reasoning, a vendor is required to perform the due diligence necessary to make sure that parts they ship won't end up in a sanctioned nation. The Overview of U.S. Export Control System has a few guidelines for exporters along with a few common-sense checks that the exporter should perform, all of which sound similar to the data TI collects.

Applying common sense is essential in weeding out potentially problematic transfers. Alarms should sound if:

A customer or agent -

Is reluctant to provide end-use/user information

Is willing to pay cash for high-value shipments

Has little background or history in the relevant business

Appears unfamiliar with the product or its use

Declines normal warranty/service/installation

Orders products/quantities incompatible with the relevant business

Provides vague delivery dates or locations

By providing that information early, often, and consistently, one gives TI plausible deniability should a customer order a bulk shipment of parts and forward it to North Korea, or something along those lines.

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