Export controls are U.S. laws and regulations that govern the export of funds; services and controlled items (parts, commodities, technology, software, information or technical assistance) to foreign countries, individuals, and entities (including universities).  These regulations define an export as, the transfer of items or information out of the country or to any non-U.S. Person (even if the individual is in the U.S.).

Export transactions require documentation of the appropriateness of the transaction.  The circumstances of a specific export transaction may first require approval from the Government before the transaction may occur.  The violation of export controls carry personal and institutional liability.  The penalties for violations include, but are not limited to, fines and imprisonment.