The University of Alabama at Birmingham conducts multi-disciplinary cutting-edge research in a globalized environment for the public good. As part of its mission, the University continues to expand its research and other collaborative efforts with foreign countries and their citizens. The University also conducts research and commercial collaborations with industry and the federal government. All such activities may be subject to federal regulations covering certain exports with destinations and persons outside of the United States. In some cases, these regulations also apply to non-U.S. citizens at the University and within the United States. For reasons of national security and trade protection, the United States has enacted export control laws to govern the transfer of certain information, items, and technologies to foreign countries and foreign persons. These laws further apply to items that have a military application, as well as to commercial items that may have a potential military application or pose a foreign policy or national security concern. Export Control laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the sanctions and requirements of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).UAB seeks to comply with applicable export control regulations in all University activities to further the creation and dissemination of knowledge for the public good while simultaneously protecting national security, align with current foreign policies, and protecting the U.S. economy and commerce. See the UAB Export Control Policy and the procedural document, UAB Export Control Program Plan.
To protect national security and foreign policy interests, the United States has enacted certain laws regulating exports. 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 with foreign nationals (non-US citizens) within the United States, including here at UAB. Some scholarly, research, and operational activities conducted at UAB and collaborations or work abroad are impacted by these laws and regulations. This website is intended to provide you with the information you need to help ensure that all university activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies governing export controls.
Export control issues can be complicated and confusing. It is very important to understand that these laws apply to YOU as an individual as much as they apply to the University. As such, violations can lead to very serious penalties for both YOU and the University. It is necessary to know about your legal obligations to help avoid an inadvertent violation since some of the penalties are criminal in nature and lack of knowledge or intent is not a defense.
| If you have any questions about the material presented here, please contact exportcontrol@uab.edu. |
The Director of Export Control & International Compliance operating within the Office of Research Regulatory Oversight supports and organizes UAB's Export Control Program. The tools and materials provided here are to assist you in understanding how export control regulations affect your work and the steps you must take to address them.
It can take several months to prepare and submit an application for an export license and to receive feedback from the federal government. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Director of Export Control & International Compliance, within the Office of Research Regulatory Oversight, as soon as you believe an export control issue may exist or a license may be needed to export an item or information or work with a foreign national.
