Guidelines on Export Controls

The Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Department of State’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrict the export of certain technology or technical data, such as military applications (regulated by ITAR) or commercial applications that may also have value in a military context (regulated by EAR), overseas and to foreign nationals working in or visiting the United States.

In some circumstances, the University may be required to obtain prior approval from the appropriate agency before allowing foreign nationals to participate in research, collaborate with a foreign company, or share research results with foreign nationals. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulates trade embargoes, sanctions, and travel restrictions and restricts exportation of information and research articles to embargoed entities and persons.

These regulations, which have been in place for over twenty years, carry a range of potential penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals who violate them. This page provides guidance to Yale faculty, students, and staff so that they may recognize when the regulations may apply and when an export or OFAC license may be required in connection with research. In case of questions, please email Export Controls at exports@yale.edu.