HOW TO SHIP A CONTROLLED COMMODITY
Transfer of commodities and equipment is only controlled by the export regulations when the item is shipped out of the country. Licenses to ship an item outside the United States are required even when the item or equipment is used in or results from fundamental research.
- If a commodity is controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and subsequently listed in a category of the United States Munitions List (USML), then a license is always required before it can be shipped to any country outside the United States, except in limited circumstances such as shipment to a military base overseas. Licenses are also required to import such items. UCSB works closely with The University of California Office of the President to handle such license applications.
- For commodities controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and subsequently listed in the Commerce Control List (CCL), a license determination is made depending upon the country to which the item is being shipped to and how the item is controlled by the regulations.
Begin by finding your item or research activity on the Alphabetical Index to the Commerce Control List (CCL).
- Determine the ECCN (Export Control Classification Number) for each item using the following methods
- Review the Alphabetical Index to the Commerce Control List (CCL). The index will give an ECCN for each item listed. Look in the corresponding CCL category to determine if your item is described by that ECCN. You may need to review more than one ECCN description. Instructions for using the CCL are found in EAR Part 738.
- Go to the source. Ask the manufacturer, producer or developer of the item. If the item has been exported in the past, they may know the ECCN, what countries require a license, and whether a license exception may be used. Information on license exceptions can be found in EAR Part 740.
- Contact the Research Integrity Office at exportcontrol@research.ucsb.edu or (805) 893-3787
- Using the appropriate category list, determine your ECCN controls (i.e. the ECCN 3A981 is found on the Category 3 - Electronics Design, Development and Production category list).
- Cross reference the "reason(s) for control" with the Commerce Country Chart.
- Determine if a license is required in the "reason for control" column for the country where your item is to be shipped.
- Even in cases where license approval from the Department of Commerce is not required to ship the item to the country, there are administrative requirements (see 15CFRPart 762) and records that must be maintained regarding shipments of EAR controlled items out of the United States.
- The Research Integrity Office, exportcontrol@research.ucsb.edu or (805) 893-3787:
- can assist you in determining whether a specific license is required
- will secure a license when needed
- can advise you on what records need to be maintained in cases where the item can be shipped without a license
UC faculty and staff must take these steps to assure that they do not violate the export regulations and become personally liable for the substantial civil and criminal penalties.
GOVERNMENT PROCESSING TIME
The processing time for a license application and supporting documents depends on where the exported material is going. You should allow a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks to process your application. Delays of three to four months are not uncommon for obtaining licenses for countries listed on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Entities List which may require review by more agencies and a longer processing time.
OTHER RESOURCES
- Shipping Hazardous Materials
- Material Transfer Agreements - TIA