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Export Controls

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Office of Export Controls (OEC)


Welcome to the University of Oklahoma's Export Controls Website!  This site will help the OU community recognize export control issues and when to contact the Office of Export Controls.

What is an Export?


Exports are the transfer (sending or possibly receiving) of materials, hardware, software, and/or technology or tech data from the United States to any foreign entity which could be a person, a business, an organization, or any foreign government or military. This also includes re-exports and deemed exports. The export of an item that will transit through a country or countries to a destination identified in the EAR is deemed to be an export to that destination.

“Export controls” refer to U.S. government regulations that restrict the export of certain items, technology, software, and services to foreign persons in the U.S. and abroad.

More about Export Controls can be read about on our “About Export Controls” page.

In compliance with the government and governmental agencies, the University of Oklahoma (also known as the “University” or “OU”) and the Office of Export Controls (OEC) aim to serve researchers in their pursuit of fundamental and exploratory research. Disregarding these compliance concerns and procedures enacted by the University and the OEC or violations of export control regulations may result in civil and criminal penalties, which may be imposed against you and/or the University by the U.S. federal government. These actions may also result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, restricting your ability to participate in restricted meetings, receive or request export licenses or qualify for license exceptions and/or exemptions, become a party to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), sponsor visiting scholars, or obtain security clearances, and may also result in my termination or abrogation of tenure as well as loss of the ability to continue research at the University.

Contact the OEC prior to:


  • Shipping items internationally 
  • Traveling internationally with OU equipment
  • Becoming a party to a Confidentiality Agreement (CA) or Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
  • Collaborating with a researcher or institution outside of the U.S.
  • Accepting any restrictions on your research (including but not limited to publication or dissemination restrictions, limitations on project participants, i.e. 'all project participants must be U.S. citizens', or 'foreign national involvement may require screening and approval')
  • Self-imposing any restrictions on your research (deciding to treat research as proprietary, or deciding to limit project participants without being required to do so)
  • Accessing, purchasing, or otherwise receiving defense articles
  • Engaging in research related to chem/bio weapons, missiles, or encryption

*Disclaimer: The University of Oklahoma’s Export Control information and pages found on this website are specifically tailored for research institutions of OU and their respective community. OU’s Office of Export Control (OEC) advice, procedures, and policies may or may not apply to your specific situation in its entirety or in any aspect. However, it is recommended to contact the OEC with any concerns or questions before advancing your research methods or procedures if your questions have not been answered by our website regarding export matters at OU. It is important to note that the University of Oklahoma’s Office of Export Controls provided materials do not constitute legal advice. Those who lie outside of the research community at OU should not act or rely on any information on this export control website and should seek the advice of an attorney before taking any actions if there are concerns or questions.


Complete the Export Controls Decision Wizard for a better understanding of how export controls may impact your activity!