Export Controls

Assistance with the export of goods or technical data is provided by the Director of Export Controls.  Whether you are traveling with official goods overseas, using a freight forwarder or express carrier, transferring technical data in any form (including verbal), or simply carrying your laptop with you, U.S. export laws can be complicated.  Violating these laws may result in possible fines, seizures, or imprisonment.  Please seek assistance with any of the following exports:

1. Research Equipment and Samples
2. Supplies and Donations
3. Transfers of Technical Data
4. Conference Presentations
5. Technical Assistance (other than classroom)
6. Personal Computers and Laptops
7. Exports to OFAC sanctioned countries

Please contact Mark Stomski, Director of Export Controls, for further information.
919-668.2711
mark.stomski@duke.edu

Technical Data

Information which may come in any form such as blueprints, plans, diagrams, models, formulae, algorithms, tables, research results, engineering designs and specifications, manuals and/or instructions.

The media used to contain the data is not relevant.  In fact, the verbal disclosure of technical data to a non-US citizen or permanent resident is considered an export.

Personal Computers and Laptops

Carrying a laptop while traveling overseas can normally be done without restrictions or licenses.  Occasionally, U.S. Customs will screen outbound international passengers for compliance with U.S. export laws.  Your laptop may be taken with you internationally if your laptop does not contain software or related technical information on the following:

1. Encryption software with symmetric key length of 64-bits or higher
2. Military applications (unless already in the public domain)
3. Export-controlled technical data (while this list is not inclusive, some areas of concern are):
1. Nuclear technology
2. Chemical, biochemical, toxin, microorganism technology related to an infectious disease or may be used in the production, management, or vaccination of chemical or biological weapons
3. High strength materials know-how
4. Nanotechnology
5. Laser and sensor technology
6. High voltage technology
7. Insight into explosives or weaponry of any kind
8. Semiconductors and microprocessors (other than household type)
9. High-performance computers
10. Telecommunication or information security technology
11. Navigation and avionics
12. Marine vessels and equipment
13. Propulsion systems
14. Space technology (including GPS)
15. Technical data on equipment used for the testing, inspection, use, or production of any of the above

Please contact Mark Stomski, Director of Export Controls, for further information.
919-668.2711
mark.stomski@duke.edu

OFAC

OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Controls) currently administers sanctions on the following countries.  Exports and travel to the following countries may be prohibited by U.S. law:

1. Belarus *
2. Burma *
3. Cuba
4. Democratic Republic of the Congo *
5. Iran
6. Iraq *
7. Ivory Coast *
8. Liberia *
9. North Korea
10. Sudan
11. Syria
12. Zimbabwe *

* Limited to certain entities and/or certain types of activities.  Seek advice.

Please contact Mark Stomski, Director of Export Controls, for further information.
919-932-2558
mark.stomski@duke.edu