If you are planning international travel for your role at UNCW, export control regulations may apply to your trip, and as a traveler, it is your duty to ensure that your electronic devices, data and presentations are devoid of any export-controlled technical data or technology. In the interest of safety and compliance, we urge all members of the UNCW community to be aware of potential risks associated with international travel, particularly to countries under sanctions or embargoes.
Check the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory website for your destination!
Export control regulations may apply if you are:
- Taking certain items outside the US. Examples of common items that may be covered by the export control regulations include laptops and tablets (because they can contain encryption software), GPS units, high tech cameras, or any other equipment.
- Attending or speaking at "closed" conferences outside of the US.
- Sharing technology or software with a foreign person, by any means of communication. A “foreign person” is 1) Any person who is not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (green card holder); 2) Any foreign corporation or other entity or group that is not incorporated or organized to do business in the United States; and 3) Any foreign government.
Important Advisory on Travel with UNCW-Owned Devices:
UNCW prioritizes the security of our community’s data. As such, UNCW-owned laptop computers are routinely equipped with encryption software. However, this practice intersects with risk factors related to international travel and export control regulations under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
While U.S. regulations may allow the export of such computers to certain destinations and/or under certain license exceptions, it’s crucial to note that various countries have prohibitions against importing these encrypted devices and software. U.S. law strictly prohibits the export of encrypted software to certain countries or individuals.
Countries such as China, Israel, and Russia have stringent restrictions on the import and use of encryption tools. They do not permit the import or use of cryptography tools within their borders without a license, and in some cases, not at all. These restrictions mean that any country can potentially confiscate mobile computing devices entering or leaving their borders. If this occurs, please 1) contact the U.S. Embassy in the country you traveled to for assistance, and 2) immediately notify UNCW IT Security that the device was confiscated.
Given these risks, UNCW strongly recommends traveling with loaner devices when visiting these countries. This precaution helps to ensure the security of your data and compliance with international regulations. Please consult with UNCW’s Export Control Team for further guidance on this matter. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
U.S. Customs Device Inspections:
U.S. Customs officials are authorized to search or retain electronic devices to look for violation of export control regulations, as well as other laws and regulations.
Consider taking a device equipped with only ordinary (mass-market), recognizable software and non-sensitive data and/or data based on fundamental research only, so your delay is minimal and the consequence of a potential loss less disruptive.
Travel to Sanctioned or Embargoed Countries:
Before traveling to a sanctioned or embargoed country such as Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen and Zimbabwe, please check with Research Integrity staff to determine if you require a license. Obtaining a license can be a lengthy process, so please contact Export Controls team as soon as you begin planning travel to a sanctioned or embargoed country.
DO ANY SANCTIONS OR EMBARGOES APPLY TO YOUR DESTINATION?
