Enduse

End use refers to the final purpose for which a product, service, or resource is consumed or deployed. It denotes the ultimate user or application rather than intermediate stages of production, distribution, or resale. The term contrasts with inputs, components, or whitelisted intermediates that are further processed before reaching the consumer.

In energy economics, end-use energy consumption measures the energy used by end users—households, commercial buildings, and industry—to provide services such as heating, cooling, lighting, and mobility. The end-use framing focuses on the final energy services demanded by consumers, separate from energy production, transmission, or conversion losses.

In international trade and regulatory contexts, end use and end user describe the lawful purpose for which goods are intended. End-use certificates may be required to prevent diversion to prohibited applications; violations can lead to penalties. Businesses perform end-use risk assessments to ensure compliance and to manage supply chain risk.