Export control refers to the federal rules and regulations that govern how certain items, technologies, and information can be shipped, transmitted, or transferred outside the United States or disclosed to foreign nationals within the United States.
Federal Regulations
The export control regulations most commonly associated with research activity at U.S. academic institutions include the following:
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U.S. Department of State (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls)
U.S. Department of State (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls)
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) govern "defense articles and defense services" which are defined as items, information, software (defense articles) and technical assistance (defense services) specially designed or adapted for military use or which "provide a critical military of intelligence advantage." Defense articles include certain satellites and spacecraft.
Defense articles and defense services are identified on the ITAR's U.S. Munitions List. ITAR-listed items generally require a license for campus access and use by all foreign persons unless these items are the tangible products of University fundamental research. -
U.S. Department of Commerce (Bureau of Industry and Security)
U.S. Department of Commerce (Bureau of Industry and Security)
The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) govern "dual use" items and information predominantly civilian in character but having military applications. Dual use items that are identified on the Export Administration Regulation's Commerce Control List (CCL) have an Export Control Commodity Number (ECCN) and are of elevated strategic concern. Dual use items that are subject to regulation but are not identified on the CCL are termed "EAR99."
Dual use items may require an export license depending on the item, the recipient, the recipient's citizenship or country of destination, and the item's application. -
U.S. Department of the Treasury (Office of Foreign Assets Control)
U.S. Department of the Treasury (Office of Foreign Assets Control)
The Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations (OFAC) administers and enforces trade embargoes and economic sanctions. For reference, see their Lists of Sanctioned Countries and Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) under the "Resources" tab on the OFAC website.
It is very important to understand that these laws apply to YOU as an individual as much as they apply to the University. Violations of these export control regulations can lead to significant civil and criminal penalties.
UAB Policies
To comply, UAB established its policies and procedures as tools and materials to assist you in understanding how export control regulations affect your work and the steps you must take to address them:Export control issues can be complicated and confusing. Additionally, it can take several months to prepare and submit an export license application and receive feedback from the federal government.
You are strongly encouraged to contact The Office of Research Safety & Security, as soon as you believe an export control issue may exist or a license may be required to disclose information to a foreign national or export an item or information to a foreign country.
If you have any questions, please contact ResearchSecurity@uab.edu.
