Export Controls

An export can encompass all items, including devices, software, and data, that are either taken out of the country or shared with non-US persons who are in or outside the U.S. UNCW's Export Control Policy applies to all UNCW personnel and activities. The university has a strong commitment to maintaining compliance with regulations related to export controls.

Export control regulations may restrict certain activities, including:

• Shipping or taking certain equipment, materials, or other physical items outside the United States
• Sending, accessing, or transferring certain technology or software outside the United States.
• Sharing certain technology and software with foreign nationals in the United States, including UNCW staff, UNCW students, and visitors
• Providing certain services to restricted countries, organizations, or individuals

Activities that may involve export controls:

• Physical items, technology, and software
• Research and Sponsored Programs
• International shipping
• International travel
• Hiring and employment of foreign nationals
• International visitors and collaborations
• Sharing or transferring controlled technology, software, or technical information

If you are traveling internationally as part of your role at UNCW, export control regulations may apply. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that electronic devices, data, presentations, and other materials taken or accessed abroad do not contain export control data or technology unless appropriate authorization has been obtained.
Members of the UNCW community should also be aware of potential compliance and security risks associated with international travel, particularly when traveling to countries subject to US sanctions and embargoes.
For assistance before international travel, contact the Export Controls office.

Check the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory website for your destination!

Export control regulations may apply if you are:

• Taking certain items outside the United States, such as laptops and tablets (they can contain encryption software), GPS units, high-tech cameras, or other equipment.
• Attending or speaking at "closed" conferences outside of the United States.
• Sharing technology or software with a foreign person, by any means of communication. 

Traveling Internationally with Encrypted Devices
UNCW-owned laptops are routinely encrypted to help protect university data. When traveling internationally, however, encrypted laptops and other electronic devices may be subject to U.S. export control regulations and the laws of your destination country.
U.S. regulations may restrict the export of certain encryption software, technology, or devices to particular countries, organizations, or individuals. In addition, some countries restrict the import or use of encrypted devices and may require licenses or other authorization.

Before You Travel
Travelers should confirm whether any restrictions apply before taking a UNCW device abroad. UNCW strongly recommends using a loaner device when traveling to destinations where heightened security or export control risks exist.

If Your Device Is Confiscated
If a UNCW device is confiscated by foreign authorities:

1. Contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
2. Immediately notify UNCW IT Security of the confiscation

U.S. Customs Device Inspections
U.S. Customs officials are authorized to search or retain electronic devices to look for violations of export control regulations, as well as other laws and regulations. 
Consider taking a device equipped with only ordinary (mass-market), recognizable software and non-sensitive data, or data based on fundamental research only.

Travel to Countries Subject to U.S. Sanctions or Export Controls
International travel to certain countries or regions may be subject to U.S. sanctions or export control restrictions. These restrictions vary by destination and activity and may change over time.

Before traveling to a destination subject to U.S. sanctions or heightened export controls, contact the UNCW Export Controls office to determine whether any restrictions or licensing requirements apply to your travel, equipment, technology, or research activities. Some licenses or other authorizations can take significant time to obtain. Contact the Export Controls Team as early as possible when planning your travel.

 DO ANY SANCTIONS OR EMBARGOES APPLY TO YOUR DESTINATION?

• Export.gov
  Department of Commerce's website which helps navigate issues with exports.
• U.S. Department of State Travel Cautions
  Up-to-date information on travel cautions and warning in countries around the world.
• Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Website
• Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Website
• Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) Website
• UNCW Research Integrity Office FAQs

Tell the Export Control team in the Research Integrity Office how we're doing on this quick, 4-question survey!

Additionally, please be aware that the Office of Internal Audit at UNCW maintains an anonymous reporting tool to facilitate reporting of allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement of funds.

Concerns about ethical practices may also be reported anonymously to the state auditor’s Fraud and Abuse Hotline by calling 1.800.730.8477 or filing a complaint online.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FRAUD