Introduction

This website contains information that will assist WUSTL researchers and other members of the university community to comply with United States (US) export control laws and regulations, including US sanctions and embargoes. Please use the sub-menu links on the left for further information. Also see: an educational presentation on Export Control Laws & Washington University.

Overview of U.S. Export Controls

US export control laws and regulations govern the export of information, software, commodities (including test equipment and materials) or services (including furnishing assistance or training). Because the term “export” covers not only the shipment of information or materials to another country but also the release or disclosure of information or materials to foreign nationals on US soil (“deemed export”), export controls may affect many aspects of your research. Restrictions are imposed on shipments abroad, on travel and on the participation of foreign nationals in projects on our campus.

Export controls are based on (a) the nature of the item or activity, (b) the country involved in the transaction, (c) the person receiving or ultimately using the item or service or (d) the end-use to which the item or service will be put.

US export controls serve the following purposes: (a) to control any potential military application; (b) to protect US trade/economic interests; (c) to control the exposure of controlled technologies, materials and information to foreign nationals and foreign countries; and (d) to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Several US government agencies oversee export control laws and regulations, including:

U.S. State Department, International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR)
Governs defense articles (including technical data) and defense services (predominately military items and information, including satellites and spacecraft).

U.S. Commerce Department, Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
Governs commodities, software and technology (or information) (primarily civilian); also includes some sanctions, embargoes and restrictions on transfers to certain end-uses and persons, including terrorists.

U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
Maintains trade sanctions, embargoes and restrictions on transfers to certain persons, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Governs nuclear equipment, materials, software and technology.

Overview of Agencies