Regulations & International Shipping
It is the University of Nebraska's policy that all personnel, including employees, visiting scholars and students, comply with all United States export control laws and regulations, including the Department of Commerce Export Administration Regulations, the Department of State International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the regulations administered by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Depending on the country of destination, controlled technologies and commodities regulated under ITAR and DOC may require a license prior to shipment.
The Department of Commerce's Export Administration Regulations have a wider impact on research and development. EAR regulates the export of so-called "dual-use" technologies listed in the lengthy and detailed Commerce Control List. Dual-use technologies and commodities have civil, commercial and peaceful purposes but are listed on the control list because of their strategic value or potential for military use or terrorism.
Many Commerce Control List items are not hazardous, valuable or uncommon. The list contains many technologies and commodities commonly found in laboratories or used for field research, including:
- Biologicals (viruses, bacteria, toxins, genetic elements)
- GPS Units
- Laboratory Equipment (centrifuges, fermenters)
- Chemicals (including newly synthesized chemicals)
- Diagnostic Kits/Reagents
- Computers or Tablets/iPads
- Lasers
- Software
- Cameras (digital, infrared)
- Encryption Software and Source Code
- Marine and Oceanic Equipment
- Aerospace Equipment
The Department of State's International Traffic in Arms regulates defense articles and services. Regulated items are listed on the U.S. Munitions List, which is based on whether an article or service is deemed inherently military in character.
The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control enforces prohibited travel and asset transfers with countries subject to U.S. boycotts, trade sanctions and embargoes. The State Department regulates the export of inherently military technologies in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Embargoed Countries:
Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Sudan are countries with strict import and export license requirements. Many other countries also have existing risk alerts due to sanctions, embargoes, prohibitions and other conditions.
Restricted Party Screening:
The US government maintains lists of individuals and entities that US organizations are prohibited from collaborating with or shipping to and require an export license for any shipment to a restricted party. Please email the Export Control Office for assistance with screenings or export license applications.
Export License Review and Declarations:
US export regulations may require an export license or license exception based on the item (including technical data), shipping destination, value or end user. Automated Export System filing for shipments valued over $2,500 or those that require an export license are compulsory under the Foreign Trade Regulations. Please email the Export Control Office for advise on available license exceptions.