International Shipping
Do you need to ship or hand-carry an item out of the US other than personal belongings?
Please read this section and seek additional assistance if you have any questions! [shortcut: International Shipping Review form]
Export 101
Overview
As a leading international research institution, UMD researchers create and have access to sensitive technologies that are controlled by US export laws due to reasons of national security, economic, and foreign policy. While UMD has a goal of promoting academic freedom and sharing of information to the greatest extent possible, researchers and administrators need to be mindful of the legal restrictions including the significant personal liability associated with handling sensitive technologies.
Quick Links
Export Compliance: The RSO administers the University’s Export Compliance Program which supports all activities at the University that are subject to US export regulations.
Research Security Visiting Scholar screening process
The UMD Research Security Office (RSO) is part of the approval workflow for funded and un-funded system appointments of individuals who are neither a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States (“non-U.S. person”). The RSO conducts a screening of the candidate and position scope to help ensure that the activity is in compliance with US laws, regulations, and funding agency policies pertaining to international collaborations.
International Travel
Faculty and researchers often travel abroad as a positive part of their ongoing scholarly efforts. While many of these trips pose little legal risk, others may be more complicated. We have collected some guidance here for researchers who should be concerned about equipment or information that they bring abroad. This page is meant as an introduction; our staff is here to assist and guide in more detail.
Export Control
It is important to understand that export compliance is ultimately the responsibility of the individual with access to sensitive data or material. The ECO can provide assistance to all faculty/staff to help ensure compliance. The key is to know when to ask for help:
NSPM-33: Memo and Implementing Guidance
Federal Government Foreign Influence Risk Reviews
Federal government funding agencies are increasing efforts to identify and counter unwanted foreign influence in federally-funded research. One of the primary efforts important for UMD researchers seeking federal awards to understand, is the conduct of risk reviews. Multiple sponsoring agencies are undertaking varied versions of these reviews, including the DOD, NSF, DOE NIH, and USDA. While other agencies have not issued such specific guidance, we can presume that a review approach is being similarly applied.
Advisories, Resources, News
NOTE: On May 5, 2025, a new DOD Component Decision Matrix to Inform Fundamental Research Proposal Mitigation Decisions was released. Refer to the Federal Government Risk Reviews section below for additional information.
Research Security Training
The Research Security Office (RSO) offers mandatory and optional training through various modes including in-person, live virtual, and web-based asynchronous options. Mandatory training is required for projects involving access to sensitive information or when required by federal funding agencies.