New website provides export control and sanctions guidance for international UK activities

International flags outside Bradley Hall
International flags outside Bradley Hall. Carter Skaggs | UK Photo.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 22, 2024) — Federal export control and sanctions compliance laws and regulations apply to a broad array of research and academic activities at the University of Kentucky. 

These activities include conducting restricted sponsored research, engaging in international collaborations, traveling and shipping internationally, and hosting international visitors. 

Members of the UK community need to exercise caution whenever they send, take or transmit physical items or technical data outside the U.S. or to foreign persons. UK is committed to complying with all laws and regulations that pertain to export controls and sanctions.

A new website (www.research.uky.edu/export-controls) covers Export Administration Regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations and Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions and embargoes. 

The site includes the following topics: Export Control Basics, Economic Sanctions and Embargoes, Research Guidance, International Shipping, International Travel, International Collaborations, International Visitors, Training and FAQs. The site can help faculty, staff and students determine if their work is subject to export controls or sanctions compliance, to find exclusions and for guidance on required federal licenses.

Export controls and sanctions compliance is mandatory. There are severe consequences to noncompliance, including civil and criminal penalties that could result in extreme fines or even imprisonment. Export control and sanctions violations could additionally result in financial, reputational and strategic damage to UK and negatively impact UK’s ability to conduct important international activities.

For questions regarding export controls or sanctions compliance, or if engaging in an activity that may be subject to export controls or sanctions compliance, contact:

  • UK’s International Center for inquiries regarding international travel (859-323-2106)
  • UK’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration for inquiries regarding research-related matters (859-253-8377, ospa@uky.edu)
  • UK’s Office of Legal Counsel concerning all other matters (859-257-2936, UKOfficeofLegalCounsel@uky.edu).

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.