U.S. export laws regulate the shipment, transfer, or disclosure of physical exports, technical data, and software to foreign countries or to foreign persons, including our students and faculty, and entities within the U.S. These laws aim to protect U.S. national security, economic interests, and foreign policy. Moreover, these laws restrict exports to certain entities and individuals, including some academic institutions in certain countries, as well as the sharing of technologies with individuals affiliated with those entities while in the United States.

Faculty and staff who engage in the following activities should be aware of export controls and how they apply in each case.

• Shipments to foreign locations
• Procurement of goods or services from foreign vendors
• Payments to foreign nationals and foreign companies
• Faculty and staff travel to foreign countries
• Contracting with a foreign source
• Hosting foreign visitors and delegations
• Foreign national access to controlled chemicals, microorganisms and toxins
• Research involving specific military applications
• Research collaboration with a third party appearing on a U.S. restricted party list

Contact ExportControl@umassmed.edu to request review of individual situations.

1.  Screening of UMass Chan Collaborators

UMass Chan screens international collaborators (institutions and individuals) against U.S. Government watch lists using an electronic search tool. If a potential collaborator is on either the Unverified List or Restricted Entity List, the collaboration may be subject to certain limitations. Contact ExportControl@umassmed.edu with questions.

2.  Sending Items to Collaborators (Exports)

All items (including equipment, materials, supplies, software shipped through a carrier or hand-carried onto a plane or boat and destined for a foreign country are considered exports under U.S. export control laws. Some exports like biological and chemical samples, lasers, and munitions will occasionally require an export license prior to shipping or hand-carrying. Even if an export license is not required, these types of items must be declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prior to export. If you intend to hand-carry or ship an item with you to a foreign location, contact ISS to determine federal export licensing requirements.

3.  Receiving Items from Collaborators (Imports)

Items shipped from a foreign location into the U.S. are considered imports. When importing items into the U.S., you should work with the sender to ensure that all shipping documents are filled out properly to avoid confiscation and associated fees from CBP. Because of the complexities, UMass Chan typically uses a customs agent. Contact ISS for more information about the process and associated costs.

Keep in mind that the following categories of items have restrictions when being imported into the U.S.:

• Biological specimens
• Certain animals and products made from them
• Items from embargoed countries

As applicable, International Support Services, in conjunction with Export Control in the President’s Office, can assist faculty in securing a government permit or license for an import.