Overview of U.S. Export Control

There is a complex network of federal agencies and inter-related regulations that govern the export and dissemination of certain technologies and associated information which are commonly referred to as "export control regulations." Through the requirements of export control regulations, compliance programs are established which have a primary objective of advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. At center of each export control compliance program is a critical or sensitive technology. In addition to the technology, each export control compliance program is influenced by other considerations which include, but are not limited to:

  1. the foreign country,
  2. the specific end-user (e.g., an entity or individual), and
  3. the intended end-use of the controlled technology.

As export control regulations apply to the physical form as well as information of a critical or sensitive technology’s technical make-up, it should come as no surprise that an "export" may occur in multiple fashions. An "export" is not limited solely to shipments of tangible items, nor to interactions with individuals or entities that are in a foreign country. For example, an "export" is "deemed" to have occurred to the country of citizenship of a foreign national at the very moment the technical data of an export-controlled technology is provided to the individual. Meaning, under the concept of "deemed exports," an export may occur in situations where a foreign national is on U.S. soil. Whether it is a standard export, or a deemed export, any technology or engagement that is considered "export-controlled" will either require an applicable exception, or for an export license to be approved and issued by an appropriate U.S. government agency.

Disclaimer: The information and materials found on Florida Atlantic University Division of Research’s Export Control website is tailored for the FAU community. The information and materials relating to export controls on the Division of Research’s website may not apply to your specific situation or may be incomplete; this website and all of its content is neither intended to be nor does it constitute legal advice. Those outside of Florida Atlantic University’s research community should seek the advice of counsel.