EXPORT CONTROLS

There are a number of United States export laws that directly affect University research, specifically they include the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) controlled by the Department of Commerce, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) managed by the State Department and the sanction regulations governing the transfer of assets governed by the U.S. Department of Treasury through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These Regulations exert governmental control and supervision of research involving technological, biological, and chemical and military- related research when a foreign national is involved in any segment of the research project. The regulations may require in such circumstances that the University apply for a license with the appropriate agency, or find and record an exception to the law. Licenses are not easily obtained and require careful preparation and an inordinate amount of lead-time. Penalties are severe for non-compliance, including monetary and criminal punishment.

For example, this story highlights a very recent example of challenges with export controls.

We have put together a short Powerpoint presentation which offers some basic information on the subject.

We also provide some background information on the subject

The General Accounting Office has also provided this helpful resource.

Please write to export-controls@list.mail.virginia.edu if you have any questions or concerns on this subject.