Important information travelers need to know about international travel.
Anything you take out of the U.S. is an export; including data on laptops and cell phones, and is subject to US export control regulations
- Export controls are US government laws and regulations that require federal agency approval before the export of controlled items, commodities, technology, software, or information to restricted foreign countries, persons, and entities (including universities)
- Export control laws apply to research activities regardless of the source of funding, as well as departments, such as travel, purchasing, IT, and many others.
- IMPORTANT: Failure to comply with the laws can have serious consequences, both for the institution and the individual researcher. Potential penalties include fines and imprisonment. It is critical for USI researchers and travelers to understand their obligations under these regulations and to work with Risk Management to ensure compliance.
Travel to most countries does not usually constitute an export control problem. However, any export of technology, even temporarily, is subject to US export control regulations and, in some cases, the host country's import regulations. This law can apply to laptops and other widely available technologies. Additionally, certain entities have been placed on "restricted-party" lists that could prohibit us from doing business with them. USI Risk Management monitors this area on behalf of the University.
- Ensure that your destination is not subject to a boycott or embargo (e.g., Cuba, Iran, North Korea). If it is, a license must be obtained, and additional restrictions could apply to the program.
- If USI property (laptops, PDAs, etc.) is being exported during the study abroad program, follow the normal procedure for clearing it through the Risk Management department.
- If USI is entering into an agreement or contract with a foreign entity in conjunction with your study abroad program, restricted party screening will be run before entering the agreement or contract to ensure that the entity does not appear on any "restricted-party" list.
- If the USI program involves conducting or collaborating on research abroad, or the students and/or faculty are planning to take potentially export-controlled research with them, contact the Risk Management department at least four months before you depart from the US.
Visit USI's Center for International Programs Study Abroad webpage for more information on Study Abroad.
The following Federal Government Agencies are responsible for implementing the export control regulations:
