Export Control Modules

The Export Control modules is a series of six modules that covers different export control topics. Although it's not required, we recommend reviewing the Export Controls: Overview module as an introduction.

Export Controls: Overview
Export Controls: U.S. Sanctions Programs
Export Controls: Travel Abroad
Export Controls: International Traffic and Arms Regulations
Export Controls: International Shipping
Export Controls: Biological Agents

These videos are for general information only. To receive completion credit, you must take the training via the UC Learning Center. If you do not have access to the UC Learning Center, you can access an alternative version for credit through the UCR Risk & Safety.

Export Controls: Overview

Launch the Overview module

Approximate length: 12 minutes

This module provides a general overview of export control regulations, important considerations for your role, and how your Export Control Office can assist you in avoiding delays to your research or inadvertent violations.

Common situations involving export control risks include:
  • International shipments or exports
  • International travel
  • International collaborations, such as working with international organizations or individuals, including students
  • Work in or involving sanctioned countries
  • Work with certain biological agents or toxins,
  • Interactions involving a foreign military, security or intelligence service, and
  • Work with certain types of research, equipment, materials, or information

Export Controls: U.S. Sanctions Programs

Launch the U.S. Sanctions Programs module

Approximate length: 6 mins

The Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, is part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. OFAC administers economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against specific countries, individuals and entities.

This module will help you understand when you need to contact your Export Control Office for assistance to avoid delays or violations when engaging with, importing or exporting from, or traveling to sanctioned countries.

Export Controls: Travel Abroad

Launch the Travel Abroad module

Approximate length: 6 mins

This module provides guidance for international travel on when to contact your Export Control Office for help before taking equipment, devices, software, or data outside the U.S. — and how to protect your research data.

Export Controls: International Traffic and Arms Regulations

Launch the International Traffic and Arms Regulations module

Approximate length: 11 mins

In this module, you will gain a general awareness of the International Traffic in Arms Regulation or ITAR and when to contact Export Control for assistance. The ITAR is administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of State and sets rules for the control of defense articles and services.

Work involving ITAR-controlled equipment, technical data, or technology is subject to complex licensing and access control requirements. These requirements apply to exports, imports, and access by foreign nationals, and are more stringent than those for other types of work. This module will help you identify when to ask your Export Control Office for help to avoid inadvertent violations or delays to your work.

Export Controls: International Shipping

Launch the International Shipping module

Approximate length: 7 mins

Export controls may apply when you ship materials internationally. International shipping is highly regulated by the U.S. government, foreign governments and transportation carriers. Shipping includes U.S. mail, express carriers such as FedEx or UPS, freight forwarders such as shipping companies and hand-carried shipments.

This module will help you understand the legal process for international shipping to reduce the likelihood of customs delays, seizure of goods or inadvertent violation of federal export laws. Failure to obtain an export license when required could result in fines and possible prison time for criminal convictions.

Export Controls: Biological Agents

Launch the Biological Agents module

Approximate length: 6 mins

Biological agents may be controlled under the Export Administrations Regulations, or EAR, or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR. According to the Department of Commerce the most common type of EAR violation at academic institutions is unlicensed shipments of biological agents outside of the U.S. That is why it’s so important for you to know about export controls if your work involves biological agents.

This module will help you know when to contact your Export Control Office for help so you can avoid delays or violations related to export controls on biological agents.

Resources for Modules