Office of Export Controls

The University of Oregon supports academic freedom, international collaboration, and non-discrimination based on national origin. We welcome global research partnerships while ensuring compliance with federal regulations designed to protect national security.

The Office of Export Controls helps researchers navigate export control and research security regulations, strengthen international collaborations, and support the global research community.

What Are Export Control Regulations? 

Export control regulations govern the transfer of certain information, items, and technologies to foreign countries and foreign persons. These regulations support national security, economic security, and foreign policy interests of the United States.

Export controls may apply when:

• International employees, visiting scholars, or students conduct research at UO
• Employees travel abroad, particularly if they are traveling with research‑related equipment, software, or data
• Collaborations involve foreign researchers or institutions
• Items, software, or information are shipped outside the U.S.
• Sponsored projects include confidentiality clauses
• A non-disclosure agreement limits information sharing

These examples are common on campus but not exhaustive. If you’re unsure if export controls applies to your international activity, we encourage you email us.

Do I Need an Export Control License?

UO qualifies for the fundamental research exemption, which covers most basic and applied research intended for publication. Projects that meet this definition generally do not require an export control license.

However, the exemption does not apply when:

• A sponsor restricts publication
• A sponsor prohibits participation by foreign persons
• Confidentiality clauses limit information sharing
• Specific equipment, software, or materials are controlled regardless of the project’s status

Even when an exemption applies, certain equipment, chemicals, software, information, data, or technologies may still be regulated.

Most UO activities do not require a license, and many compliance steps occur automatically through standard administrative processes. Still, the university must document its analysis, and departments should not make determinations on their own. If a license is required, UO must obtain it before the activity begins.

Request a Compliance Check

Before collaborating with an international researcher, institution, or organization (even when export controls may not apply), we encourage you to request a compliance check. This helps ensure:

• The collaborator is not on a restricted entity list
• Proactive disclosures to research sponsors and to UO if needed
• Approvals are identified and secured early

We’re here to help you collaborate confidently and compliantly.

Request a Compliance Check

Contact Us

1776 Millrace Dr, Suite 300
Eugene, OR 97403

Report a Research Security Concern

To report a research security concern, click the button below. Then, navigate to "Research" and select "Export Controls."