Export Compliance
Federal export control laws govern how we transfer or transmit certain technology, materials, data and information to anyone overseas and to foreign nationals on U.S. soil. With almost constantly changing international political, military and economic environments, the rules are complicated.
These issues can affect all university offices and compliance generally rests with the individual. The university's export control office is designed to help you recognize and navigate these complex situations.
Export regulations protect us by:
- Preventing technology, materials or financial assistance from reaching persons who would use these things to do harm.
- Attempting to use peaceful/non-military means (i.e., trade embargoes and sanctions) to exert political influence on other nations.
Penalties for noncompliance can affect both the individual and the institution. While the university expects its employees to comply with federal laws, it understands the difficulty in recognizing the applicable circumstances and has created an export control office to help you.
Faculty, Staff and Student Responsibilities
- Be informed about export control regulations related to your activities.
- Ensure that any work done as part of your university duties are compliant with U.S. export control regulations and university policies and procedures. Review your activities periodically as regards export regulations.
- Advise the appropriate university office(s) of any activity that might be subject to export control regulations so it/they can provide guidance.
- Comply with any export restrictions as indicated by university officials.
- Report any violations to the export control office.
- Maintain required records that document compliance.
- Provide necessary information for university offices assisting with export compliance.
- Protect restricted information, technology or materials from unauthorized access.
If you frequently travel abroad for professional conferences, hire foreign nationals, use controlled information or materials in your research, collaborate globally or work on defense projects, then you might want to stay in close contact with our office. Additionally, keep an open dialogue with your funding agency technical counterpart, and bring any questions and concerns to the export control office.
Complying with regulations and adhering to export control requirements can cost time and money, so plan and budget accordingly when applying for and managing your grants.
University Responsibilities
- Remain informed about export control regulations and their implications for various areas of the campus community.
- Identify compliance responsibilities.
- Determine and coordinate any necessary action in response to regulations.
- Guide researchers and administrators in identifying risk areas.
- Develop compliance procedures and tools to address risk areas.
- Provide screening and analysis to determine if export regulations pertain to research or administrative situations.
- Sponsored Projects Services negotiates contract language pertaining to the Fundamental Research Exclusion.
- Formally apply for an export control license on behalf of university personnel.
- Assist in protecting restricted information, technology or materials from unauthorized access.
- Maintain documentation and record-keeping in accordance with U.S. regulations.
When Export Control Regulations Might Apply
Additional Questions?
Contact UB's export compliance office
Compliance Training
Many federal and institutional compliance regulations require training, both in person and/or online, often before you are allowed to begin your research.