Office of Export Controls
Export controls compliance requires a proactive, university-wide commitment, and every individual plays a role in ensuring the security and integrity of the University’s export controls program. It is important that faculty, staff and students understand their obligations, especially since export controls have grown in breadth and complexity in recent years."
—Phil Distefano, Chancellor
View full memo:
Welcome to Boulder's Office of Export Controls
Export controls increasingly shape the way in which university researchers can engage with technology in a global science environment. Boulder specializes in areas of research that can be implicated by export controls, including satellite and space technologies, advanced semiconductors, unmanned aerial systems, quantum science, and biological pathogens and toxins. Violating export controls, even inadvertently, can trigger severe penalties, which can accrue to both individuals and the University. Now, more than ever, it is important for University researchers and administrators to be aware of their responsibilities, and to seek guidance and support where there is doubt.
Most of the research conducted at is in the realm of basic and applied science, and thus not usually subject to export controls. However, the University is growing its portfolio of restricted research, and the federal laws on the topic are changing rapidly. Notably, export controls are not limited to the physical export of equipment or software: "Deemed exports” include dissemination of technical information to foreign persons, whether it occurs within or outside the US. This can happen in the context of presentations, emails, personal conversations, and site tours, as well as through training foreign research personnel. In some cases, it may be necessary to apply for an export license, or to create a Technology Control Plan, to identify, seek approval, and limit the scope of foreign engagement in campus research. Licenses and TCPs can take considerable time to develop, so research staff should contact the OEC as early as possible if you think one or both of these may be required.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or would like to report suspicious activity.
Office of Export Controls
exportcontrolshelp@colorado.edu
Ongoing Concerns for University Engagements with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
Due to the continuing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. response through sanctions and enhanced export controls, and the Colorado Governor’s supporting executive order, Boulder’s Office of Export Controls (OEC) views any engagements with Russia, Belarus and Russian occupied regions of Ukraine, as extremely high risk. OEC will reassess and modify, or terminate, current engagements as appropriate, and will recommend avoiding future engagements where there is a direct or indirect connection to Russia or the Russian government—including any entity identified as being “state-owned” or having a military support function. Click the above link to learn about three areas where the most significant concerns are materializing, and as such will be the focus for university involvement.