Export Controls
"It is the policy of the university to comply with U.S. export control laws. Export control laws restrict certain types of information, technologies, and commodities that can be transmitted overseas to individuals, including U.S. citizens, or made available to foreign nationals on U.S. soil. It is the responsibility of faculty staff and students to be aware of and comply with these laws and the university's written instructions and procedures."
Certain regulations administered by United States federal agencies set restrictions on the types of information and technology that can be shared with (i.e., "exported" to) foreign nationals and shipment of controlled physical items such as scientific equipment. These exports are regulated for reasons of national security, foreign policy, and competitive trade interests, among others.
While GW is a teaching and research environment dedicated to the openness and the free exchange of fundamental research, prior written authorization (i.e. a license) from one or more U.S. government agencies may be required to carry out certain sponsored research or other educational activities involving specified technologies.
Most university activities fall under exemptions, such as the "fundamental research" exemption, the "public domain" exemption and the "teaching" exemption. Other activities, such as taking a laptop out of the country, certain interactions with foreign nationals or shipping controlled items may require licenses or special exclusions. Additionally, export control regulations may apply if a researcher accepts clauses on a contract that restrict publication or participation of foreign nationals.
GW Policy
The Office of Research Integrity & Compliance (ORIC) partners with faculty, staff and students to help them meet their responsibility of complying with U.S. export control laws.
View the GW Export Control Policy
As outlined in the policy, it is important that the principal investigator (PI) on research activities, or project leaders for non-research activities, assess how export controls may apply to their proposed projects early in the proposal development or planning process. This enables sufficient time for obtaining an export license if required.
An individual’s failure to comply with export control laws, whether faculty, staff and/or student, may result in severe criminal and civil penalties (fines and prison sentences) for the individual and university. Lack of compliance may also result in administrative sanctions such as the loss of research funding and export privileges.
Awareness is crucial to maintaining export control regulation compliance. Use this website as a resource, consult with the University’s Export Control Policy Statement, and ORIC with any questions or concerns that you have regarding items or information that you are exporting.
ORIC is available to answer questions or provide consultations by emailing [email protected].