Dealing with export controls

[gmichael225]

Anybody else had issues with export controls from the US?
(I'm based in Australia.)

Digikey will no longer sell to me because I've said I'm manufacturing prototype products but I can't provide them evidence of manufacturing sales (that haven't happened yet) or details of an end user (from sales that haven't happened yet).

I've also found certain products to be completely export-restricted: for example the NXP i.MX 6 SoloLite (via Mouser), and Digikey-brand chip resistors. I can't think why / under what classification these would be restricted (especially when the i.MX6 Dual and Quad processors are fine to be exported).

What's even more annoying is there seems to be no way of checking whether an item will be able to exported when placing the order - I have to wait for an email days later stating that the order has been held.

Normally I deal with a local distributor e.g. RS or Element14, but their range is somewhat limited.

Anyone have any advice / strategies?

[Bud]

No Digikey in AU?

[Teledog]

Well, since you seem to be "a hobbyist", I'd just open another account, whether it be another name &/or address,.. & don't ever say you're in manufacturing.
They were antagonizing me for business taxation info..I just use a BS business name, for the sole reason that couriers deliver faster to businesses than residential.
Maybe try Digikey.ca? (and you are a "hobbyist", remember?) ;-)

[nicalitz]

There are other options, but none as convenient as Digikey or Mouser. You could try TTI?

Not to encourage dishonesty, but when it comes to declaring the application and end-user, tell them what they want to hear. If you imply that you plan on selling a product, but you're not declaring the end user, it is much more difficult for them to approve.

US export laws and regulations are unnecessary convoluted. I'm sure the distributors don't particularly like them either. You'll just have to learn to work with the system.