International Shipping and Exports

International Shipping and Exports

International Shipping Guidelines

The shipment of a tangible (e.g. equipment, materials, software, etc.) and intangible (e.g. training, know-how, data, etc.) item to a destination outside of the United States is considered an export, regardless of whether the item is sold, used for research, loaned, donated, or outside of the U.S. only temporarily.

All international shipping must comply with export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Dual-use commodities and technology controlled under the EAR may require a license for export, depending upon their Export Control Classification Number ("ECCN"). While many items that are used on a daily basis fall within the "EAR99" classification, or no license required, a number of items that are frequently used in academic research do not and will require an export control review and classification. Defense articles and associated technical data subject to the ITAR always require a license for export.

If you ship items internationally, failure to comply with the relevant laws and regulations may result in the confiscation of the shipped items, fines, and/or jail time. All international shipments must be reviewed prior to shipment to ensure that a license is not required and that items are not being exported to a denied or restricted entity or individual.

Before exporting an item, you should consider:

  • What is the item, product, or information? Is it subject to the EAR or ITAR?
    • Most items and technologies are controlled to some degree, and the degree of control varies per item. Contact Export Control for a review and classification of the item(s) you are shipping.
  • Where is the item going? Is the destination country embargoed or sanctioned?
    • Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine are subject to strict import and export license requirements. If you work with a collaborator in or will be sending or receiving items from one of these countries, contact Export Control.
  • Who is the end user? Is the end user a restricted party?
    • The U.S. government maintains lists of individuals and entities that U.S. organizations are prohibited from collaborating with or shipping to—known as "restricted parties." Contact Export Control for a screening of the end user.
  • What is the intended end use? Is that end use prohibited?
    • Any end use that has a military or space application or that is contrary to national security will require an extra review by Export Control.

The export control laws and regulations may require that IU obtain a license for the export of certain items. The Office for Research Compliance, through the Export Control Specialist, will assist you in assessing the need for a license and in preparing and filing required export and shipping documentation.

IU is the shipper of record for all shipments sent by the university. You may not rely on the freight forwarder (e.g. FedEx, UPS, DHL or a customs broker) for IU export control compliance; rather, the freight forwarder will rely on the information provided to them by IU.

Additional Considerations before Shipping

Shipping Biologicals Internationally

Contact the Export Control team to determine if the materials being shipped are subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

NOTE: Export controls apply regardless of quantity or attenuation and to shipments to all countries and for all purposes.