Export Control

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is committed to advancing knowledge through open research in which all methodologies, data, and research results are freely shared with the public. Balanced against this commitment is a responsibility to protect the national security and economic interests of the United States, which can be achieved in part by establishing mechanisms for complying with export controls.

In this context, “exports” refer both to shipments of tangible commodities and software to recipients outside the United States, as well as to disclosures of certain kinds of information to foreign nationals wherever located, including faculty, staff, and students in the United States. The term “export controls” refers to the federal laws and regulations that deal with the distribution of strategically important technology and information to, and certain financial transactions with, foreign nationals in the United States and persons and entities in foreign countries.

Federal export control laws impact many activities on campus, including research, purchasing equipment and materials, international travel, hiring, and collaborations with colleagues in other countries. Export control laws may require obtaining special approval from the government prior to engaging in these activities and may in some cases prohibit certain activities altogether.

Below is a list of key materials and technologies associated with Export Control:

  • Encryption;
  • High-performance computing;
  • Semiconductors and ceramics;
  • Space technologies, including launch vehicles and satellites;
  • Nuclear engineering and radiological materials (including special nuclear material);
  • Specially controlled biologicals and toxins (select agents, dual-use research of concern);
  • Explosives and propellants;
  • Weapons of mass destruction;
  • Anything specifically designed for military use, and
  • Anything with a substantial military application.

Export control applies to all countries, based on the technology or material above. However, there are five OFAC-embargoed countries of particular interest for travel in general:

  • Cuba
  • Iran
  • North Korea
  • (North) Sudan
  • Syria

International Safety and Security has no oversight for Export Control. For more information, please visit the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research's Export Control website.

Managing Foreign Influence

International Safety and Security also recommends reviewing the university’s information on managing foreign influence.