International Shipping/Carrying Material Overseas
International Shipping/Carrying Material Overseas
The NMC is fully committed to comply with applicable U.S. laws and regulations pertaining to exports of items, services and technology.
The information below is intended to provide an overview of situations in which export control laws may apply to international shipments and resources to assist with international shipping matters. In the event of a violation of U.S. export control law, both the NMC and the individuals involved in the violation may be liable. The Office of Research Administration Export Control webpage has additional information on export control laws and regulations.
KNOW BEFORE YOU SHIP
- Export: Any item that is sent from the United States to a foreign destination is an export.
- Item: “Items” include commodities, software, technology, and information. Certain items are considered “controlled” and require an export license. In the approval request, it is important to describe the item, biological material, chemical, equipment or component you want to ship, including any information provided by the vendor, such as an export control classification number (ECCN).
- Controlled Items: The export of controlled items, information or software may require approval from the U.S. government in the form of an export license. An export license permits controlled tangible items or software to be sent outside the U.S. or controlled information or software to be shared with foreign persons in the U.S. or abroad.
- Shipped vs Carried: Export-control laws do not distinguish between an item that is shipped and an item that is hand-carried. Thus, if it is unlawful to ship an item to a certain country without a license, it is also unlawful to carry it with you.
- Source of Funding: Export Control requirements apply regardless of the source of funding, both external and internal.
- NMC Approval: Before carrying, shipping, or otherwise sending materials outside of the United States, you should request NMC approval of your shipment by submitting the International Travel Review Form or Shipping Request Form to the Office of Research Administration. For more information, contact the NMC Office of Research Administration.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- Destination: Your destination determines what export controls or regulations apply. Be aware of trade sanctions that exist for certain countries (e.g. Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Syria and the Crimean Region of the Ukraine) with regard to restrictions on research collaborations or shipping items, materials or equipment. NMC Research Administration will review your approval request to determine whether your destination (or shipping route) is subject to any sanctions program.
- Recipient: Foreign individuals and entities may be subject, individually, to sanctions. Double-check that the recipient address is a valid business address, rather than a residential address. NMC Research Administration will review your approval request to ensure that the recipient of the item is not included on a sanctions list.
- End Use: It is important to describe the proposed end use of the item you are shipping, as that may affect whether or not the item is subject to export controls.
- Records: Retain copies of shipping documentation for 5 years.