Export controls are U.S. laws and regulations that restrict the release of certain technologies, information, and services to foreign nationals, within and outside of the United States, and foreign countries for reasons of foreign policy and national security. These laws and regulations, which include international sanctions programs, also restrict activities within certain countries and with designated institutions, entities, and individuals, even if no controlled items are involved. Export controls, given their purpose, are subject to frequent additions and amendments responsive to rapidly changing international affairs.
The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) maintains and implements UMass Amherst's policies and procedures regarding U.S. export controls under the direction of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement, who serves as the campus Empowered Official for purposes of those regulations. This memo reintroduces campus export control policies and procedures and provides basic information about export controls and resources available to help comply with them.