General FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to worry about exporting documents?
Business documents, peer reviews, and similar-types of documents may be shipped without a license. Documents which expose technical data* on controlled items may require a license, depending on the type of technology, the destinations, and the availability of any exemptions.
How does this apply if there is a foreign graduate student working on a military project?
As long as the project does not have any limitations on the free publication* of the results and there are no foreign national* or national security restrictions imposed on the project, foreign nationals* may support the fundamental research* of military projects. Principal Investigators and others involved in the project should still take precautions to ensure that no data provided by the military is shared with foreign nationals*. But under the fundamental research* exception, foreign nationals* may generate research results for the project.
How do I find out if the good or technology that I'm working with is a controlled good or technology?
Requests may be sent to the government to ascertain the exact levels of export controls on a particular good or technology. In most cases, an Export Commodity Contol Number or USML* number can be determined with the assistance of UC's Export Control Team.
I received an e-mail from someone with a Yahoo domain address, asking for supplemental data on my recent publication*. Can I send it to them?
Naturally, if you know the individual as a member of your scientific community, it is normal to provide any supporting documentation. However, caution should be exercised if the requestor is unknown, or the nature of the documentation requested goes beyond what was already published.
Do I need to know when I'll need to export goods or commodities that will need a license?
No. Once a license is granted, they are normally valid for 4 years. Shipments may be broken out into several shipments if necessary. For this reason, it is best to request a license for the maximum amount of equipment that may be required and to request early!
How do I know if the grant or contract I'm working on is protected by the Fundamental Research* exemption?
Since UC policy is aligned with the fundamental research* exemption, nearly all research contracts are negotiated to ensure that the fundamental research* exemption will apply. With the exeception of protecting a sponsor's information, data, or goods, you generally may proceed with generating research results in an open environment. Please note that side deals between researchers and sponsors will nullify the fundamental research* exemption.
How do I know if the data that a sponsor provides is export controlled?
The easiest way is to ask the sponsor. Assistance may be obtained from theUC Export Controls Team. Ultimately, do not share a a sponsor's information if there are any questions regarding export controlled or proprietary information.
For Help at anytime, contact the Export Control Team at (513) 558-ISEC or via e-mail at InfoSec@uc.edu
Throughout the Export Controls section of the website, whenever you see a *, hover over it for a brief definition of the term. Click on the asterix to be taken to the full definition on the glossary page. The Glossary page also includes lnks to applicable regulations and additional information and links.