Berkeley Lab
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EXPORT CONTROL

Export Control Regulations for Berkeley Lab

FAQs

Exporting Items, Technical Data or Software Abroad

I intend to send tangible goods, technical data or software abroad. What do I need to do in advance of the export?

There are two primary concerns

  1. Export recipients must be screened against the U.S. Government’s restricted party list.
  2. The export of an item, data or software may require an export license. 

See International Shipping for more information.

Do I need to wait to send my item abroad until I receive an export license or other authorization?

Yes. If the item requires an export license, you will need to wait until Berkeley Lab has the license. Absent any screening concern and no license requirement, an export can proceed immediately.

Does it matter how I plan to send the item, i.e. ship by freight forwarder or courier, hand-carry, or transmit data/software electronically?

No; the method of export has nothing to do with whether a license is required.

How difficult is it to obtain an export license to ship or transmit tangible items, data or software abroad?

To prepare a license application, the requestor must provide the necessary details about the export (e.g., nature of the item, purpose/end use, destination, and end user) the LBNL Export Control Officer prepares and files the appropriate type of license application (dual use –EAR license or defense categorized – ITAR license). The license application is filed through one of the on-line U.S. Government agency portals, and the administrator is able to track the government’s approval process. Licenses are normally issued within 60 days, but can take longer depending on the technology.

Note that where the Government finds the proposed export to have particular national security, biological safety, or nuclear or missile technology implications, the applicable Government agency can deliberate longer over the issuance of the license, referring it for inter-agency review or requesting LBNL to provide specific details. Hence, it is critical to allow sufficient time prior to intended export, for the license application to be processed.