Activities Involving Embargoed Countries
To accomplish U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC) administers economic sanctions programs and embargoes for several countries. Certain destinations, organizations and individuals are subject to trade sanctions, embargoes, and restrictions under U.S. law. These sanctions are subject to change, usually involve financial components, and can range from narrow restrictions to broad sanctions and embargoes, such as those involving North Korea and Iran. Because these sanctions can affect international research collaborations, researchers should consult with the Research Ethics and Compliance Office to confirm whether an activity involving a foreign collaboration might be subject to restrictions.
Activities Involving Sanctioned and Embargoed Countries
Traveling to, collaborating, or conducting research or educational activities with entities or individuals in embargoed countries may also trigger advanced license obligations from the Federal Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Exporting (and importing) any goods or services to such countries also may require an advanced license. For instance, if you plan to travel to Iran to attend a conference or export (or import) a research item or sample to or from a colleague in Iran, you may need a license from OFAC.
Embargoed Countries
Including but not limited to the following list:
Click here for the current list specifically to arms embargoed countries
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Syria
- Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine
Contact Export Control Before You:
- Travel to any sanctioned country for any University business purpose, including research.
- Collaborate with an entity/individual located in a sanctioned country.
- Provide online educational courses to students located in sanctioned countries.
- Initiate or approve telecommuting agreements in sanctioned countries.
- Agree to participate in a conference (either in-person or remotely).
- Send or receive physical items (research samples/material).
- Transfer or receive funds to a sanctioned country.
More information from the Office of Foreign Assets Control is available in the brief video below. This video specifically addresses export control and related laws and rules associated with engaging in activities with individuals or entities in embargoed countries. For more videos that specifically address other Export Control subjects, please visit Export Control Resources.
