What is an export?
An export is defined as any oral, written, electronic, or visual disclosure, shipment, transfer or transmission of any commodity, technology (information, technical data, assistance) or software code to anyone outside the U.S., including U.S. citizens, or to a non-U.S. entity or individual, wherever they are located. It is important that Vanderbilt faculty and staff are aware of export controls and how they may affect their work. If you work with any of the following or similar agents and/or you intend to send samples or data abroad or plan to collaborate with foreign colleagues either here or in foreign countries, we urge you to contact:
- For University employees: Vanderbilt Export Compliance (email vec@vanderbilt.edu) or
- For VUMC employees, VUMC Export Compliance (email vumc.export@vumc.org).
They will help you learn what restrictions apply to the agents in your lab and how to incorporate the export control requirements into your research program.
What biological agents are restricted?
- Any agent on the National Select Agent Registry List.
- Additionally, any biological agent (including genetic elements * ) on the Commerce Control List.
*Genetic elements include any nucleic acid sequences which code for biological toxins, any nucleic acid sequences that are a hazard to human health when transcribed or translated, or any nucleic acid sequence that would make any restricted microorganism above more pathogenic. This also covers microorganisms that have been genetically altered to express the above genetic elements.