International Travel and Export Controls

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 16:42:52 -0400

Planning to travel outside of the U.S. for research or collaborations? You'll want to be aware that there are certain export control federal regulations in place if you plan to take items, such as university owned laptops, with you when you travel.

Any physical material or technical data in your possession is considered by US regulations to have been “exported” from the US to your final destination and any intermediate destinations. There are exemptions from export licensing available for travelers carrying both university-owned equipment ("TMP") and personal items ("BAG").

The ORPC has created a "Tools of the Trade" Traveler Certification Letter for international travelers carrying university-owned equipment to confirm and certify that they meet the requirements of the exemption. The letter serves as a document that can be carried with the traveler and shown to US or foreign customs agents in the event that they are questioned about the content of their belongings. While there is no way to guarantee that the letter will prevent searches and seizures, it may demonstrate that the traveler is familiar with the regulations and responsible for the equipment that they are exporting.

Please contact the ORPC at compliance@umbc.edu or 410-455-2737 if you have any questions concerning the application and eligibility of the exemption.