International Travel

OHIO employees and students traveling on University business or traveling with OHIO property are responsible for complying with export control laws and regulations when traveling outside the U.S. A license may be required depending on which items are taken, which countries are visited, or whether defense services are provided to a foreign person.

When planning a trip abroad, travelers should review applicable export control regulations, OFAC sanctions and embargoes. Individuals should ensure that any information that will be discussed or any items that will be taken are not controlled, or, if controlled, that appropriate licenses are in place. Not only could OHIO be held liable, but individuals may also be held liable for improperly transferring controlled information or materials.

The traveler or the traveler’s supervisor should contact the Export Control Officer in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs with any potential export control concerns or to request an export review and ensure all Restricted Party and Commodity Screenings associated with the planned travel are completed prior to the travel.

Traveling with Mobile Data Storage Devices

When traveling outside the U.S. with any laptops, PDAs, cell phones, or other data storage devices it is important to determine if there is authorization for exporting Controlled Information as well as encrypted software on such devices for the intended destination. Such devices must adhere to the Information Security Standard: Mobile Computing and Storage Device Standard. Any individual traveling with or transmitting Controlled Information outside the U.S. should first consult with the ECO in ORSP to verify export restrictions and to determine if there are exceptions or exclusions which may apply depending upon the facts and circumstances of each case.

Traveling with Equipment

Researchers frequently need to take other equipment temporarily outside of the United States for use in University research. Often, but not always, the tools of trade license exception applies. Some equipment (e.g., global positioning systems (GPS), thermal imaging cameras, inertial measurement units, and specialty software) is highly restricted and may require an export license, even if one hand carries it. If taking OHIO equipment to a foreign destination, contact an ECC member or the ECO to determine if an export license or other government approval is required prior to taking the equipment out of the country. It is important to note that activities involving teaching or training foreign persons on how to use equipment may 
require a license.