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Export/Import Guide: Published by the Customs Team and the Export Working Group | Export/Import Control & Compliance Export/Import Guide IntroductionThis guide is provided by the Export Working Group (EWG) to furnish information and assist you with the preparation of documentation and materials for export from, or import to, the Laboratory. Members of the Export Working Group include those groups with export control responsibilities. The Guide contains explanations of Laboratory export/import policies and procedures. The Guide is to be used in conjunction with IMP 805.0 Export Control. Some of documents are in Portable Document Format (pdf) requiring Acrobat Reader for viewing. Note: You may have to print some of the pdfs to read them clearly. FormsCustom Team Forms can be found at: http://int.lanl.gov/tools/forms/customs.shtml Classification Office Forms can be found at: http://int.lanl.gov/tools/forms/publica.shtml BackgroundThe export control system of the United States is very complex. The legal basis is federal statutes and implementing agency regulations, Executive Orders of the President, and U.S. treaty obligations. Enforcement is primarily by the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of the Treasury. It should be noted that most export-controlled items are controlled not just by our government but by many other countries. The same controls that apply to Los Alamos usually apply in some form or another to our colleagues in the European Union, Russia and Japan, to name a few. Los Alamos National Laboratory has played and continues to play a leading role in the development of nuclear non-proliferation export controls. The Laboratory advises the government on what should be controlled or decontrolled; assists in international negotiations to achieve effective uniform controls; and provides technical advice to the Department of Energy on specific licensing cases. The Department of Commerce lists the reasons for export control as: Anti-Terrorism, Chemical & Biological Weapons, Crime Control, Chemical Weapons Convention, Encryption Items, Firearms Convention, Missile Technology, National Security, Nuclear Nonproliferation, Regional Stability, Short Supply, United Nations Embargo, Significant Items, and Surreptitious Listening. Distribution of Export & Import ResponsibilitiesThe Customs Team, (505) 665-2194, is responsible for obtaining licenses, commodity and software classifications, designating license exceptions, preparing shipping documents, approving all exports of commodities and software from the Laboratory, and maintaining central records of commodity and software exports. The Customs Team also prepares all entry documentation for clearing imports to the Laboratory and reviews all requests to transfer or excess property for weapons-related/proliferation-sensitive concerns. The Classification Office, 667-5011, is responsible for decisions on technical data and Lab-developed software to be exported and assisting requesters in the use of applicable license exceptions and their conditions. The Mail Services Team, 667-4166, is responsible for monitoring outgoing mail to foreign countries and ensuring mail to embargoed countries has Division-level approval. Foreign Visits & Assignments, 667-1572, is responsible for foreign visitors. The release of export-controlled information to a foreign visitor in the United States is a deemed export. CustomsMost of the countries that Laboratory requesters travel to have import and export regulations. It is important to keep this in mind when traveling through Customs with Laboratory materials and equipment. Governing RegulationsDepartment of Commerce (15 CFR 730-774) ViolationsFailure to comply with U.S. export control laws can result in criminal sanctions, including imprisonment, administrative sanctions, and civil penalties. Please see Exhibit E. Violators of customs laws can incur fines, penalties and seizure and forfeiture of imported merchandise. AppendixThe appendix contains information on: licenses, documentation requirements, nuclear-related commodities, end-uses, end-users and activities, defense articles and services, and missile and chemical/biological weapons end-uses/users, and end-use/end-User guidance and red flags. SearchThis guide is all on one page for easy printing and searching. Use the Ctrl + F (Windows) Find feature to search on a keyword or phrase. TrainingOn-line training is available for the following subjects: exporting commodities, exporting software, exporting information (technology), hosting foreign nationals, importing, high risk property, and exporting under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Click on courses. Anyone involved in any of the above subjects must take this training. You will receive EDS credit for taking any of these courses. Exporting CommoditiesExportTo "export" commodities means to transfer equipment, material, software or technology from the United States via any of the following: mail, e-mail, fax, shipment, drop shipment, or hand-carry. CircumventionAny attempt by an employee to circumvent the Laboratory procedures (see IMP 805.0) for compliance with export control laws and regulations may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. In addition, the Laboratory may decline to provide assistance if an employee encounters legal difficulties as a result of willful noncompliance with the policy. Lessons Learned - TechnologyProfessor Is Convicted Of Sharing Technology By Carrie Johnson, Washington Post Staff Writer A federal jury in Knoxville, Tenn., convicted a retired university professor on Plasma physicist J. Reece Roth, 70, faces more than a decade in prison when he is sentenced early next year. Prosecutors say the professor emeritus at the University of Tennessee exchanged restricted military data with foreign research assistants and traveled overseas with electronic versions of sensitive materials on his laptop computer. The case is the latest in a series involving the Arms Export Control Act. It also is among the first in which the government sought to punish a defendant for distributing scientific know-how rather than equipment to foreigners studying at universities with military research contracts. Roth worked with a Knoxville technology company on a pair of U.S. Air Force contracts to develop plasma-based guidance systems for the wings of unmanned vehicles from 2004 to 2006, according to court papers. The drones are used in surveillance and to house weapons. This year, the company, Atmospheric Glow Technologies, and another scientist there pleaded guilty to related charges. "The illegal export of such sensitive data represents a very real threat to our national security, particularly when we know that foreign governments are actively seeking this information for their military development," said J. Patrick Rowan, acting assistant attorney general for national security. Lessons Learned - Commodities
Customs TeamThe LANL Customs Team has the expertise to make exporting as easy as possible for Laboratory requesters. Please contact the Customs Team (505) 665-2194, customs@lanl.gov, for all your exporting needs. Required FormsTo ship commodities (material or equipment) (on loan, change of station or permanently) to a foreign country, you must prepare a Shipping Request (SR). To hand-carry commodities back and forth with you on foreign travel, you must prepare a Property Transport Request (PTR). If you are only taking a cryptocard with you on foreign travel, a Smartcard/Cryptocard Foreign Travel Form is required. Property ConcernsAll property concerns must be taken care of before Laboratory property is exported. Please see the Property Management Manual. Hand-Carried ItemsHand-carried items should be treated as if they were being shipped. A Property Transport Request (PTR) should be used and should state that the items (including non-bar coded items) are to be hand-carried. The PTR should be used when the items are leaving and returning with an employee. Use the SR when hand-carrying items that will not be returned to the Laboratory. The hand-carried items must be reviewed for any license requirements and shipping documents must be prepared before the items are taken out of the country. Every country’s customs regulations are different and problems may be encountered when employees attempt to hand-carry material and equipment overseas. Note: Some countries have strict rules regarding the import of encryption software. LANL travelers have not reported any problems to the Customs team from taking encryption software on their laptops into foreign countrie. In that case, the foreign country is not importing the software. Temporary Exports/Special ArrangementsMany commodities exported from the Laboratory are returned to the Laboratory. If items are being exported temporarily, the foreign destination’s laws may require special arrangements. For example, a Certificate of Origin or NAFTA Certificate may be required, or a bond may be requested to guarantee the items will be eventually exported. LicensingThe LANL Customs Team, located at 125 Central Park Square, (505) 665-2194, is responsible for obtaining the proper license (see the Appendix) or designating the appropriate license exception or symbol for all commodities before export. It is best to give the Customs Team as much notice as possible to ensure that any special documentation required is in order. Obtaining a license is a cumbersome process that can take more than three months. Licensing usually involves interagency review by the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, State, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. You may be contacted by any of these agencies for more information. Licensing determinations are based on: The commodity to be exported (An example is that some software containing encryption is controlled by Department of Commerce (DOC) under 5D002 of the Commerce Control List and may need a license depending on its destination.). The country to which the item will be exported (In most cases you will need a license for export to North Korea ".. whose government has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism."). The end-use and the end-user of the commodity (Licenses are required if the end-use is a nuclear explosive activity, an un safeguarded nuclear activity, and certain safeguarded or un safeguarded nuclear fuel cycle activities, or activities involving missiles or chemical/biological weapons. Exports to facilities involved in those activities will also need a license, regardless of the end-use.). Depending on jurisdiction, your export may require authorization from DOE (10 CFR 810) or a license from the: Department of Commerce, for items on the Commerce Control List (15 CFR 774). Computers, cameras, chemicals, and electronics are examples of items controlled by DOC. Over 90% of the Laboratory's exports fall here. Department of State, for Munitions List items (22 CFR 121) including defense articles, defense services and most satellites and associated equipment. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, for materials and equipment under 10 CFR 110. Source and byproduct materials fall here. Foreign TravelTaking Items that will not Return to the LaboratoryWhen an employee goes on travel and takes Laboratory equipment out of the U.S. that will not return with the traveler, they must prepare a Shipping Request (SR). Check the box on the Shipping Request (SR) and state the appropriate property disposition (Government Furnished Property (GFP), Loan, etc.). Property disposition must be approved by Property Management before an export takes place. Provide the address of the foreign location where the item(s) will be located and a contact name and telephone number at that location(s). Property disposition must be approved by the Property Disposition Team, 665-8079,before you leave on foreign travel. See the Property Management Manual. See also Know Before You Go. The person authorizing the shipment and the Property Administrator must sign the SR for exports of property-numbered items. Export requests must be provided to the Customs Team well in advance of the departure date. Items Returning to the Laboratory License/License Exception ConditionIf the property will return with the traveler, a Property Transport Request (PTR) should be used. The PTR can be made valid for two years if the traveler frequently takes the same equipment (i.e., a laptop computer) to pre-approved locations. Contact the Customs Team, customs@lanl.gov to change/update locations or equipment. Note: Laboratory property is NOT household goods and cannot be exported with your household goods if you are going on a change-of-station outside the U.S. The Customs Team, located at 125 Central Park Square, 665-2194, is responsible for obtaining the proper license (see the Appendix) or designating the appropriate license exception or symbol for all commodities before export. It is best to give the Customs Team as much notice as possible to ensure that any special documentation required is in order. Obtaining a license is a cumbersome process that can take more than three months. Conditions of licenses and license exceptions must be strictly adhered to. You may be asked to sign a form stating you will follow all of the conditions of the license exception that the Customs Team uses for your export. This is often done for temporary exports - when you take your laptop on travel for example. Failure to follow these conditions is a violation of both Laboratory procedures and U.S. export regulations. DeclarationWhen returning from foreign travel it is important that you declare all articles acquired abroad and in your possession at the time of your return to the U.S. This includes:
Exporting SoftwareExportTo export software means to make software source code (or executable code if the software contains encryption) available to a foreign national either in or outside of the United States by any means. LA-CC NumberNo Laboratory-developed software may be distributed without an LA-CC number. To obtain a LA-CC number, submit the Software Release Form to the Classification Office. Note: Public domain software is not the same open source software. Any software which a LANL worker wishes to release in the open source must be disclosed to the Technology Transfer Division using Form 1713. CommercializationAll Laboratory employees developing software should take into account its availability for commercialization and follow the licensing process for such as called out in the Technology Transfer web site. Public DisseminationLaboratory-developed software which is to be publicly disseminated, as determined by line management (or by the funding agency in the case of software directly related to a defense article under the ITAR) and indicated on the Software Release Form, may be exported to any destination after assignment of the LA-CC number. No software that contains encryption or provision for adding encryption can be disseminated without the approval of the Customs Team, (505) 665-2194. (Note that exports to countries listed here of publicly-available technical data or software require division-level approval on the Request for Export Control Designation and/or Embargoed Country Approval Form. See Embargoes below. Restricted SoftwareRestricted software is any Laboratory-developed software which is not to be publicly disseminated. This software may be intended for controlled distribution to other government agencies or contractors or to be shared for commercialization and/or program development purposes through license agreements executed through the Technology Transfer Division. For restricted software, the Classification Office will coordinate with the LA-CC requester and the Customs Team to determine the appropriate Export Control Commodity Number (ECCN) or U.S. Munitions List catetory. The ECCN or USML category is needed to determine the licensing requirements for export of the software under the regulations of the Department of Commerce or State. After an ECCN/USML category has been designated or obtained from the appropriate regulatory agency, each export of restricted software must be approved by the Customs Team. Commercial SoftwareCommercially available software is generally controlled by the Department of Commerce and may require a license depending on where you are sending it. Some off-the-shelf software (like Windows NT) contains encryption and an export license is required to certain destinations. Contact the Customs Office for any export of commercial software. Shipped/Hand-Carried SoftwareSoftware being hand-carried or shipped to a foreign destination must be approved by the Customs Team. List any software you are taking on laptops or other computers on the Shipping Request (SR) or Property Transport Request (PTR). Software Distributed ElectronicallyLaboratory-developed software that is not publicly available and is to be distributed over the Web or via e-mail must be approved by the Customs Team before the distribution takes place. A Software Export Approval Form for Electronic Distribution must be submitted to and approved by the Customs Team before each export of restricted software. Conference DistributionIf you are distributing software at a conference, please use the Export Approval Form for Software Distribution at Presentations Conferences form. Exporting InformationTechnologyTechnology is specific information necessary for the development, production, or use of a product. It may take the form of "technical assistance" or "technical data." Technical Assistance and Defense ServiceTechnical assistance is any method of transmitting technical information other than simply providing written material. Technical assistance may take forms such as instruction, presentations, skills training, working knowledge, or consulting services. As an example, a Laboratory employee assisting in setting up radiation monitoring equipment at a Russian nuclear facility is providing technical assistance. If the technical information falls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the transfer may be considered a defense service. Publicly-Available InformationThe Export Administration Regulations (EAR) exempt from licensing requirements information which is in the public domain or which is the result of fundamental research (see definitions below). That is, information falling in these categories may be exported to all destinations except to the countries listed herein. Division-level approval is required for publicly available information requested for export to an embargoed/sanctioned country on on the Request for Export Control Designation and/or Embargoed Country Approval form. See Embargoes below. The ITAR controls technical data related to the design, engineering, development, production, processing, manufacture, use, operation, overhaul, repair, maintenance, modification or reconstruction of defense articles. The ITAR exempts technical data that is in the public domain or has been approved for public release by the funding government agency. A few examples of Laboratory technical data which are not publicly available or fundamental research data are:
ExportsAny communication of technology (technical data or technical assistance) to a foreign national is an export, whether it takes place in the U.S. or abroad. Technology that is provided to a foreign national verbally, by mail, e-mail, telephone or facsimile, or through computer networking is an export. Observation of equipment or process operation by a foreign national may comprise an export of technology if significant details are revealed. License Symbol TSPA/License ExceptionsThe symbol for exporting technical data that is publicly available is TSPA (Technical Data & Software Publicly Available), and there are two more license exceptions (TSR and TSU) which do not require a license from the Department of Commerce for data that is not available to the public. TSPA authorizes an employee to export to all destinations those technical data that have been made available to the public in any form or that are intended for public release. This includes published books, reprints, all unclassified and non-sensitive Laboratory-released publications (e.g., LA-URs, LALPs, LA-series reports that are not marked as classified or having limited distribution), papers "approved for release" with intent to publish, and fundamental research not restricted by the government. Export requests not determined to be under TSPA or general correspondence must be referred to the Classification Office at 667-5011. The letters "TSPA" (Technology and Software Publicly Available) shall be placed on the lower left-hand corner of the envelope for mailing, or at the end of the subject line for e-mail and faxes for exports of publicly available technology or software. This marking should not be placed in an automatic signature block. The point is to ensure the sender has considered the export requirements for each message. Procurement SpecificationsProcurement specifications that contain technical data may be subject to export controls and should be referred to the Classification Office at 667-5011 before release. CorrespondenceThe designation "correspondence" must be used when you mail non-technical or administrative information (e.g., hotel reservations, thank you notes, checks for registrations, visa documents). The "correspondence" designation cannot be used if any technical data are enclosed. If a mailing contains both technical data and correspondence, it is treated as technical data. Transmissions which contain only administrative information, and no technical data, shall have the word "Correspondence" placed in the lower left-hand corner of the envelope for mailing, or at the end of the subject line for e-mail and faxes. Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI)Any export of information determined to contain Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI) must be approved by the appropriate DOE Program Office. Call the Classification Office at 667-5011 for assistance. EmbargoesEven though openly published information is typically exempt from export control, Laboratory policy does not support interaction with the countries listed here. Simply put, Government resources shall not be used to reproduce, mail, ship, or e-mail any correspondence, openly published literature, or fundamental research to these countries. That said, rare exceptions may be made if all of the following conditions are met: · The interaction is not otherwise prohibited by law. Note: Of course, transferring any technology even in the form of a casual conversation, e-mail or the like, may constitute an export of technology or providing technical assistance to a foreign national. All technology transfers to a foreign national require approval. Please address any questions or comments to the Customs Team at 665-2194 or customs@lanl.gov. AssistanceFor assistance with determination of the appropriate export designation for technical data, contact the Classification Office at 667-5011. For assistance with procedures for mailing technical information abroad, contact the Mail Services Team at 667-4166. For assistance in determining what information foreign visitors at the Laboratory are permitted to have, contact Foreign Visits & Assignments at 665-1572. ImportsAll imported equipment and materials require clearance through U.S. Customs. Most also require the payment of duty. The Customs Team clears many of the imports for the Laboratory (including those from Canada and Mexico). LANL as Customs BrokerThe Laboratory acts as its own broker for all imports whether purchased, borrowed, or returned. All shipments are handled on a case-by-case basis, contact the Customs Team at (505) 665-2194. or customs@lanl.gov for instructions. DutyUnless an import:
the requesting group will have to pay duty and processing fees to get the imported commodities released from U.S. Customs, unless other arrangements have been made. The Laboratory Purchase Order number (if applicable) and contact's name and telephone number should appear on the invoice sent with the shipment. The Customs Team will call the Laboratory contact for information regarding classification, type of entry, etc., if this is not clear. Temporary ImportsIf a commodity is:
the Customs Team may be able to set up a Temporary Import Bond (TIB). One condition of a TIB is that the imported materials be returned or disposed of (under U.S. Customs’ supervision) within one year from the date of importation. It is possible to get an extension if the Customs Team is notified well in advance of the expiration of the year’s deadline. If the conditions of a TIB are not met, the requester will have to pay twice the amount of duty due at the time of import so it is very important to inform the Customs Team BEFORE you do anything with the imported material/equipment. Some materials (e.g., chemicals) that will be consumed during an experiment and would otherwise be subject to duty may be brought in under a TIB. The Customs Team must be notified that the commodity will be consumed before entry is made. When you are ready to export or destroy ANY PART of a commodity imported under a TIB for ANY REASON, including repair/replacement, you must notify the Customs Team immediately and reference the TIB number on the SR. DeclarationAll articles brought into the United States by any individual require declaration to U.S. Customs at the port of first arrival. Never pack personal items with scientific equipment you intend to ship or hand-carry back into the U.S. Lessons LearnedA contractor for another Laboratory tried to smuggle goods into the United States with his Laboratory equipment. Upon inspection, U.S. Customs found alcohol, furs, and other foreign goods that had not been declared. Because the contractor did not declare these items: the Laboratory’s equipment was seized and was not released for several weeks; the party involved was asked to take leave without pay for a period of time; the Laboratory’s imports were inspected more often than before the incident, which causes delays in receiving needed equipment; and the Laboratory faced potential fines for violation of import regulations. An employee who was on a change-of-station out of the country shipped some Laboratory property with his household goods. There was no record of the export and it was not approved by the Customs Office. During the employee's absence, his group needed the equipment and when he tried to ship the property back to the Laboratory the group was required to pay duty on the equipment because there was not proof that it was U.S. made or that it had been exported. Customs TeamThe Customs Team, 665-2194, can assist you with consumption entries, T.l.B.s, duty-free entries, special requests, etc. It is best to give the Customs Team notice as far in advance as possible in order to get your import released in an expeditious manner. Occasionally, special documentation (e.g., FDA Certificate, TSCA certification, Certificate of Origin) will have to be obtained from the country of export before your import can be released from U.S. Customs. The Customs Team is pleased to offer its services to you for all of your importing/exporting needs. Foreign VisitorsBadge RequirementAll foreign national visitors or assignees must present to the Badge Office a valid passport, I/94, U.S. Visa documents, or a US PRA card. If the guest is on a U.S. Temporaroy Visa, supporting documents must also be presented upon arrival. The visit request must be approved in DIVA before a badge can be issued. Technical HostsLaboratory employees acting as technical hosts for foreign visitors working at the Laboratory are responsible for, and will be held accountable for, following Laboratory and Department of Energy guidance for foreign visits and assignments. A technical host must be a US citizen. Sensitive Information (including Export-Controlled Information)Technical hosts must ensure that the foreign visitors they are responsible for do not have access to unclassified sensitive information, unless approved by DOE. Export-controlled technical data and software are sensitive. Questions about whether specific types of information are sensitive, and what precautions are appropriate, should be addressed to the Counterintelligence Team at 665-2448. See also the "DOE Guidelines on Export Control and Nonproliferation (pdf)" Non-secure Areas/Non-Sensitive SubjectsDivision Leaders and Group Leaders can approve foreign visits to non-secure areas to discuss non-sensitive subjects by using the Database for International Visits and Assignments (DIVA). Secured Areas or Sensitive/Unclassified Subjects Requires DOE ApprovalForeign Visits & Assignments requests six weeks notice to get approval from DOE for foreign visitors coming to secured areas or to discuss sensitive/unclassified subjects. As soon as you know a visitor will need access to these areas, contact FV&A at 665-1572 for assistance. Cleared Foreign VisitorsOfficial foreign visitors who hold access clearances recognized by the DOE are processed by Badge Office Personnel at 667-5587. The host must complete the Official Visitor Request Form 1745. TR-CITR-CI has accountability for the Foreign Visits and Assignments Program at the Laboratory. Please call TR-CI, 665-1572, for any questions you may have regarding foreign visitors. High Risk PropertyThe Lab's Property Management group requests the help of all employees who want to get rid of weapons-related or proliferation-sensitive property. It is important to let your Property Administrator know if the property you are salvaging is considered "high risk" (see definitions, policies and procedures at: http://sup.lanl.gov/property/pmm/high_risk.shtml). High risk property is not released to the general public, but it can be transferred to other federal agencies and commercial entities if they have a bona fide need for the property. Note that nuclear weapons design and test equipment, including components and material, is considered high risk property. You may be asked to sign a High Risk Certification Form or Excess/Salvage Form attesting that your excess property is not high risk and is suitable for public release. On-line training is available at: http://www.hr.lanl.gov/bus/15240/default.asp. For more information, please call your Property Administrator for assistance or contact the Customs Team at 665-2194. or customs@lanl.gov. Exhibits
Exhibit A - Definitions
Exhibit C - Preparing Mail/Facsimiles/E-Mail of Technical Data & Correspondence to be sent to Foreign CountriesMailings: The Laboratory requires that all mail addressed to a foreign destination bear the correct license designation or the correspondence designation for the contents of the envelope in the bottom left-hand corner of the outer envelope. Please follow the instructions below: Use a plain Laboratory envelope. All foreign mailings that do not have the proper addresses, return addresses, and export designations will be returned to the sender for corrections or destroyed if the sender is unknown. Fax/E-mail:Type or print the appropriate export license designation or "correspondence" on your fax cover sheet or in the subject line of your electronic mail. A copy of the approved form, along with the information sent (by mail, e-mail or fax) must be sent to the Mail Services Team, MS A190, 667-4166, 667-9124(fax). Exhibit E - Penalties for ViolationsCriminal SanctionsLaboratory: Maximum sentence is $1,000,000 if (a) there is a "willful" violation or (b) there is a failure by a licensee to disclose knowledge of a diversion to a communist country for military or intelligence purposes. Otherwise, the maximum for a "knowing" violation is the higher of $50,000 or five times the value of the export(s). Individuals: Maximum sentence is $250,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years if there (a) is a "willful" violation or (b) there is a failure by a licensee to disclose knowledge of a diversion to a communist country for military or intelligence purposes. Otherwise, the maximum for a "knowing" violation is $50,000 and up to five years imprisonment. The Comprehensive Crime Control Act gives a court the authority to increase the Export Administration Act’s (EAA) criminal penalties substantially. Civil PenaltiesA civil monetary penalty not to exceed the amount set forth in the Export Administration Act may be imposed for each violation, and in the event that any provision of the EAR is continued by International Emergency Economic Powers Act or any other authority, the maximum monetary civil penalty for each violation shall be that provided by such other authority. Administrative SanctionsDenial Orders:Denial Orders are administrative sanctions that have the effect of denying the sanctioned party any U.S. export privileges and any access to U.S.-origin goods and technology, from any source, for a specified period of time or indefinitely. The Customs Team is responsible for checking all consignees against the denial lists currently in effect. It is a violation of the Export Administration Regulations for any person or firm anywhere in the world to supply any U.S.-origin goods or technology to, or finance or otherwise service or participate in, any transaction in which a denial order party may have an interest or from which that party may benefit contrary to the terms of the denial order. Seizure:Commodities or technical data which have been, are being, or are intended to be exported or shipped from or taken out of the U.S. in violation of the Export Administration Act (EAA) or of any regulation, or license issued under the EAA are subject to being seized and detained, as are the vessels, vehicles, and aircraft carrying such commodities or technical data. Seized commodities or technical data are subject to forfeiture. AppendixThis appendix contains information on:
LicensesCommerce Department Export LicensesAn export license is issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Department of Commerce, for the export of commodities under its licensing jurisdiction. The Bureau of Industry & Security and inter-Agency Reviewers (the Departments of Defense, Energy, State, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency) use certain standards in order to be able to determine whether to grant or deny export license applications. The reviews include such factors as:
License ExceptionsLicense exceptions are established by the U.S. Department of Commerce permitting export within the provisions prescribed in the Export Administration Regulations. No written authorization is required for using a license exception, and no document is issued by Commerce as a precondition to use a license exception. Many Laboratory commodities can be exported under a license exception or are classified "NLR" (no license required). Some 15 different license exceptions currently exist for exports. Exemptions also exist for some exports under the ITAR. The Customs Team is responsible for authorizing the appropriate exception/exemption for all Laboratory exports of commodities not requiring a license. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Export LicensesThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses certain exports of nuclear material and equipment. The Customs Team applies for licenses when no general license is applicable. State Department Licenses/Technical Assistance AgreementsCertain Laboratory exports of defense articles and services are under the jurisdiction of the Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls. In order to obtain a State Department license, an exporter of defense articles/services is required to register with the State Department as an exporter of arms. LANS has registered and the Customs Team is responsible for obtaining all licenses, Technical Assistance Agreements and amendments thereto. Denied PartiesAll facilities and end-users that the Laboratory exports to require checks against published lists to ensure they are not a denied party or a facility of concern. If a facility is unknown to the Customs Team, you may be asked to fill out a Nuclear Controls Checklist (pdf) or a checklist to identify if the facility is working with missiles or chemical or biological weapons. See also Know Your End-Use/End-User Guidance and Red Flags below. Documentation RequirementsLicensing Support Documentation Most export license applications and specific re-export authorization requests must be supported by documents that provide information concerning the disposition abroad of the goods and/or technology intended for export or re-export. Upon request, the Customs Team, 665-2194, will inform you if special documents are required and will help you obtain those documents. Documents that may be required are: Statement by Ultimate Consignee and Purchaser
Import of End User Certificate
The foreign consignee must get the International Import Certificate from the government of the country of import and then transmit it to the Customs Office. Delivery Verification
Nuclear-related Commodities, End-uses, End-users and ActivitiesNuclear Proliferation ControlsThe Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 requires the President to publish procedures regarding the control by the Department of Commerce over export of items under its jurisdiction that could be of significance for nuclear explosive purposes. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission administers regulations governing the export of nuclear material and equipment. The Department of Energy governs certain activities involving nuclear reactors and other nuclear fuel cycle facilities. The Commerce Department restricts exports to certain nuclear end-uses and end-users. Department of Energy Authorization Required A specific authorization by the Secretary of Energy is required before:
Department of Commerce Restrictions
If the facility is unknown to the Customs Team, facility personnel will be asked to fill out the Nuclear Controls Checklist (pdf) Defense Articles and Services, and Missile and Chemical/Biological Weapons End-uses and End-users
Know Your End-Use/End-User Guidance and Red Flags End-Use/End-User Focus
High Risk of Diversion (Red Flags)
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