What is Export Control?

U.S. Export Control laws and regulations are a complex body of federal regulations designed to protect U.S. interests by restricting foreign access to information, technology, commodities, or software. Simply put, "Export Controls" regulate the transfer of controlled items outside of the United States. These laws govern how controlled items can be transferred overseas to anyone, including U.S. citizens, or to foreign nationals within the United States. Export Control laws impact a variety of University activities including: research, travel, shipping, procurement, communications, and hiring.

The University may, in certain circumstances, be required to secure a government approval or license in order to engage in export-controlled activities. However, there are several license exclusions available that will allow faculty and staff to work with export controlled technology without securing a license.  To help determine if your work is covered under such an exception, please contact the Export Control Officer for a determination.  Failure to comply with Export Controls and Regulations can expose the University and individuals to significant criminal fines and penalties. 

What activities may be subject to export controls?

• Research in export controlled science and technology fields - examples include:
  • Dual use technologies (technologies that may have both a commercial and a military application)
  • Software encryption methods and devices
  • Restricted chemicals and chemical agent precursors
  • Select Agents and Toxins 
  • Nuclear Technology
• Travel overseas
  • If you are planning on traveling to another country as part of your work for ISU, please fill out the International Travel Notification.  The Export Control Officer will receive this notification and ensure that there are no export control concerns with your travel.
  • Most university related travel will not require a license.  Even when traveling with controlled technology, it is likely that there is a license exception that can be used for this travel.
    
  • Certain types of equipment such as advanced navigational or GPS equipment, high-tech scientific or research equipment, and proprietary or restricted data in any format may require an export license depending on the destination of travel.  All items taken to or through a U.S. sanctioned country, will likely require an export license.
• Travel overseas with cell phones, laptop computers, or other personal equipment
  
  • Personal items such as laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices containing encryption hardware are subject to export controls and can require an export license to certain destinations. 
• International Conferences
  • The presentation of unpublished results at an international conference may be subject to export controls.  This is especially true when some of the attendees are from embargoed or sanctioned countries.
• Shipping controlled items overseas
  
  • Export controlled items necessary for university efforts outside of the U.S. are subject to export control regulations regardless of the method of delivery to its destination.  An export license may be required depending on the item, destination, and recipient.  Export controls are not restricted to the shipment of controlled items outside of the US.  Any release of controlled technology or information to a foreign national within the US or abroad is "deemed" an export to that individual's home country.