Tools of the Trade Letter

The RSO has prepared a Tools of the Trade: Traveler Certification Letter (linked below) for international travelers carrying university-owned equipment to confirm and certify that they meet the requirements of the exemption. The letter serves as a document that can be carried with the traveler and shown to US or foreign customs agents in the event that they are questioned about the content of their belongings. While there is no way to guarantee that the letter will prevent searches and seizures, it may demonstrate that the traveler is familiar with the regulations and responsible for the equipment that they are exporting. Similar letters are commonly used in industry and other universities as a mitigating factor against the risks of international travel.

After completion of the letter, please forward a scan to the RSO at researchsecurity@umd.edu. In the email transmitting this scan to the RSO, please indicate the country / countries to which you will be traveling.  

This allows the RSO to handle the record retention requirement for using the exemption and will make it easier for the RSO to assist in the event that there are any issues with Customs occurring during the trip.