Overview
Everything that leaves the US border is an export. Export control applies to tangible items, software and technology (know-how), and material does not have to be dangerous to be controlled. Interactions or sharing of controlled information with certain international entities and persons are also restricted.
International shipments for which UCSF is the exporter of record must be pre-reviewed by the Export Control Officer to ensure no controlled technologies or items requiring a license are being sent out of the country without authorization.
International Shipments Process
Step1
Gather the appropriate documentation.
- Ensure the person receiving the shipment is truly the end user of the shipment.
- Prepare an itemized list of the items that will be shipped.
- Ensure all permits are in place, if needed. (Federal permits are required to import/export disease-causing agents for humans and animals, vectors for those agents, animal products, plants, plant products, and plant pests.)
- Ensure all requirements are met if shipping hazardous materials external site (opens in a new window) .
Step2
Arrange a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) for the shipment.
An MTA is needed any time a UCSF investigator sends materials, samples, software, or data out of UCSF.
- Outgoing MTAs for human materials are processed through the Industry Contracts Division.
- Outgoing MTAs for non-human materials are processed through the Office of Technology Management.
More information on MTAs and the appropriate UCSF contacts can be found here external site (opens in a new window) .
Step3
Complete an International Shipment Form.
Prior to international shipping any items, the Export Control Officer must review the shipment. Complete an International Shipment Form and send to ExportControl@ucsf.edu.
Step4
Retain documentation.
Once your international shipment has an MTA and has been reviewed by the Export Control Officer, all documentation must be retained for a minimum of five (5) years, per regulatory requirements.
Additional Information on Shipping Research-Related Items
Materials and specialized equipment should be shipped in advance of travel instead of hand-carrying them. The documentation expectations for shipped goods are generally clear, increasing the likelihood your items will arrive on-time. Hand-carrying items increases the likelihood of enhanced inspection by customs officials both domestically and abroad, potentially disrupting travel.
Many items will be reviewed by Export Control quickly, but certain items, including the below, may require an export license:
- Data or information received under an obligation of confidentiality.
- Computer software with restrictions on export to or access by foreign nationals.
- Devices or equipment with restrictions on export to or access by foreign nationals.
- Devices, systems, or software that was specifically designed or modified for military or space applications.