Executive Order 13556 “Controlled Unclassified Information,” (the Order), issued on November 4, 2010, established the CUI program, which standardizes and simplifies the way the Executive branch handles unclassified information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls, pursuant to and consistent with applicable law, regulations, and government-wide policies. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) serves as the Executive Agent to implement this order and oversee agency actions to ensure compliance.

Penalties for export control violations are substantial, including significant fines, debarment from participation in federal contracting, loss of export privileges, and in some cases imprisonment.

In addition to these severe penalties, the potential reputational damage to an institution from violation of these laws could be difficult to repair, possibly resulting in lost opportunities for attracting world-class researchers and/or decreased access to research funding.

Prior to travel, to avoid collaborating with a prohibited party, foreign parties should be screened using the Restricted Party Screening tool. Export Control or your Department Administrator can assist with conducting screenings. 

Depending on your destination(s), authorization from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) may be required. Travel to an embargoed/sanctioned country (e.g.,  Cuba, Iran) may require prior authorization in the form of a license. If travel to an embargoed country is for personal reasons, no University equipment may be taken, and no University business should be conducted without prior authorization. Most activities involving Iran (even remotely) will require a license.