Export Control

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.

The federal government is identifying emerging technologies essential to US national security and placing new or additional export controls on these technologies. Starting in 2019, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published export controls on several emerging technologies.

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.

The purpose of the OFAC regulations is to enforce embargoes and economic sanctions. In general, the OFAC regulations prohibit exports to certain sanctioned/embargoed countries such as Iran, Cuba, Sudan, North Korea, and Syria.

Sanctioned Countries are designated by the U.S. Government as having limited or comprehensive trade sanctions and embargoes imposed for reasons of anti-terrorism, non-proliferation, narcotics trafficking, or other reasons. Sanctions are prohibitions on transactions (e.g., financial exchanges, providing or receiving services of value) with designated countries, entities, or individuals.

It depends on the country and the item. The U.S. government has export restrictions on certain items. Consult with Export Control to determine if your equipment, materials, data, or software is subject to these restrictions. Export Control will obtain licenses, exceptions or assist with other requirements to facilitate your travels, if required. Traveling with a “clean” laptop is recommended.