5A980 Category 5A

Devices primarily useful for the surreptitious interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications, other than those controlled under 5A001.f.1; and “parts,” “components” and “accessories” therefor.

Category 5: Telecommunications and “Information Security”

Reasons for control

• SL
• AT: Anti-terrorism

Controls

SL and AT apply to entire entry. A license is required for all destinations, as specified in § 742.13 of the EAR. Accordingly, a column specific to this control does not appear on the Commerce Country Chart (Supplement No. 1 to Part 738 of the EAR).

List-based license exceptions

Items

1. Unit: $ value.
2. Items: The list of items controlled is contained in the ECCN heading.

Related controls

(1) See ECCN 5A001.f.1 for systems or equipment, “specially designed” or modified to intercept and process the air interface of 'mobile telecommunications', and “specially designed” components therefor. (2) See ECCN 5D980 for “software” for the “development”, “production” or “use” of equipment controlled by 5A980. (3) See ECCN 5E980 for the “technology” for the “development”, “production”, and “use” of equipment controlled by 5A980.

Notes

Note: This licensing requirement does not supersede, nor does it implement, construe or limit the scope of any criminal statute, including, but not limited to the Omnibus Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended.

Source: eCFR, version 2026-08-01, retrieved 2026-08-20T04:04:59+00:00.