Import and Export Control

If you will be conducting research abroad, you need to consider export control issues that will likely impact your research and travel. Examples of activities impacted by export control regulations include:

  • Direct export of a controlled item;
  • Access and/or use of a controlled item by a foreign national;
  • Travel to a restricted country;
  • International and domestic collaborations;
  • Conversations involving controlled technology; and
  • Taking or shipping a controlled item out of the U.S., such as a laptop.

CSULB research activities may be subject to the governmental economic sanctions against certain countries, entities and individuals. A flow chart (PDF) is provided that will aid in determining your need for Export Control compliance.

For further information view the CSULB guidelines on import/export control (PDF), guidance on traveling out of the country with a laptop (PDF) and information on the sanctions administered by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC). The California State University Export Control Manual (PDF) is also an excellent resource to answer many of your export control questions.

If any of these examples or similar activities apply to you, please contact Research Compliance in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs so that we may assist you in determining the necessary steps to comply with federal regulations.

The U.S. government maintains two primary sets of export control regulations that may impact research conducted at CSULB. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulate exports of commercial items with potential military applications. These are also referred to as dual-use items. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regulate exports of items and services specifically designed for military applications.

CSULB Principal Investigators engaged in projects impacted by export control regulations will be required to complete the CITI Export Control module offered by Office of Research & Economic Development.  This module addresses applicable research activities subject to U.S. legal-regulatory controls. By completing this course, PIs will be made aware of the importance of compliance with federal requirements, as non-compliance can result in fines and potential criminal actions.

  • View information on EAR (including specific items subject to the export control restrictions identified on the Commerce Control List (CCL)) from the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security.  Information/training regarding Export Compliance Program (ECP) can be found by checking US BIS website. 
  • View information on ITAR.

The Export Controls Policy has been approved as CSULB Policy Statement 22-23 and is effective immediately. California State University Long Beach is committed to compliance with all U.S. government export control laws, guidance, and regulations. When faculty, staff, and/or students look to collaborate internationally or with foreign nationals within the U.S. or abroad, individuals must consider and ensure their compliance with the Export Control Regulations of the United States.  Accordingly, in some circumstances, California State University Long Beach may be required to obtain prior approval from the appropriate federal agency before engaging in activities that could constitute an export, such as, for example, allowing foreign nationals to participate in research, collaborating with a foreign company, or sharing research with foreign nationals unless an exemption from licensing requirements has been determined to apply. 

PIs should have expert knowledge of the type of information and technology involved in a research project or other university activity, such as presenting at conferences and discussing research findings with fellow researchers or collaborators. PIs must ensure that they do not disclose controlled information, such as information that has been provided to them under a corporate non-disclosure agreement or transfer controlled articles or services to a foreign national without prior authorization as required. Each PI must: 

  1. Understand his/her obligations under the export control laws; 
  2. Assist ORED in correctly classifying technology and items that are subject to export control laws; 
  3. Assist in developing and maintaining the conditions of a technology control plan for any activity, data, or equipment where the need for such a plan is identified; 
  4. Ensure that research staff and students have been trained on the technology plan and on the export control regulations should any apply. 

 

To view the policy statement PDF, please click here: 22-23 Export Control Policy (PDF).