Export Compliance in the Smithsonian Environment Export Compliance News
 

As a research organization, Smithsonian Institution (SI) is required by federal law to safeguard and obtain approval for the transfer of export-controlled hardware, software and technical data to non-US persons. This applies to projects that are outside of the "fundamental research" parameters. Export controls present unique challenges to SI: They require balancing publication and open dissemination of research findings and results, (often with non-US persons), with export control requirements. The objective of the federal regulations are to reduce the risk to national security and U.S. economic vitality by restricting the transfer of technology to non-US persons from certain countries.

IF YOU ARE NEW TO EXPORT COMPLIANCE, READ THIS:

WHY COMPLIANCE MATTERS

A violation of these regulations may lead to loss of research funding, significant monetary penalties, and in some cases, individual criminal action imposed by the U.S. Government if there is evidence that the act was determined to be willful.

CONTACT THE EXPORT COMPLIANCE OFFICER FOR ASSISTANCE

The SI Export Compliance Officer (ECO) is responsible for the day-to-day export/import operations and compliance oversight. Natascha Finnerty, the ECO, will assist you with understanding the requirements, answer questions, identify ITAR- or EAR-controlled items/technical data that SI handles, apply for the appropriate licenses, and prepare Technology Control Plans (TCP), as necessary.

Contact: Natascha Finnerty, Export Compliance Officer
nfinnerty@cfa.harvard.edu, (617) 496-7557, MS 23

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN SPACE AND ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS

If you are involved in space and astronomy programs, review this list of possible export controlled items:

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN GENERAL SCIENTIFIC AND LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH

If you are involved in general scientific and life sciences research, review these lists of laboratory equipment, pathogens, and instruments that are export controlled:

IF YOU NEED TO IMPORT OR EXPORT ITEMS

IF YOU DEAL WITH SANCTIONED COUNTRIES

If your program has any involvement with countries or persons from sanctioned countries--Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria--contact the ECO by email or at (617) 496-7557.

HOW TO CHECK THE GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED PARTIES LIST

Instructions for checking the Restricted Parties List MS Worddoc version.

  • Instructions for Denied Persons Screening through MKDenial: .PDF PDF version.

TRAVELING WITH A MOBILE DEVICE THAT HAS EXPORT CONTROLLED DATA

 

Export Compliance News and Updates

  • BIS Imposes Export Restrictions for Items Going to Russia/Ukraine (February 24)
  • Cuba Redesignated as Terrorist Country (Jan. 2021)
  • FBI Guidance on Video-Teleconferencing Security (April 2020)
  • Harvard Scientist Charged With Not Disclosing Chinese Relationship (Jan. 2020)

 
 

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