How to find out whether export control may apply to your work
- Read these pages for initial guidance on export control.
- Consider the basic awareness flowchart, scope and read the University's Export Control policy.
- If you still suspect that export controls may apply to your work you need to search the Consolidated List, which combines the Strategic Export Control Lists. To do this use the Export Control Organisation's Goods Checker Tool to establish if the items or technology you intend to export are on there.
Overall types of controlled goods
Broad categories are:
- items specifically designed or modified for military use and their components
- dual-use items that can be used for civil or military purposes
- associated technology and software
There are two further categories (which are less likely to affect researchers):
- goods that might be used for torture
- radioactive sources
If you research items / technology / software that are designed or modified for military use then these are most likely controlled. It is less straight-forward whether dual-use items, software and technology are controlled because these may be designed and intended for civilian end uses but could also be used for military purposes. Dual-use items include physical goods, software and technology and are set out in these 10 broad categories in Annex I of the Consolidated List:
| Control Categories | Items |
|---|---|
| 0 | nuclear materials |
| 1 | materials, chemicals, icro-organisms and toxins |
| 2 | materials processing |
| 3 | electronics |
| 4 | computers |
| 5 | telecommunications and information security |
| 6 | sensors and lasers |
| 7 | navigation and avionics |
| 8 | marine |
| 9 | aerospace and propulsion |
Each control category is then divided again from A to E:
- A: systems equipment and components
- B: test, inspection and production equipment
- C: materials
- D: software
- E: technology
You will need to search the Consolidated List of strategic military and dual-use items to make sure whether the item / technology / software in question requires export authorisation. The Consolidated List categorises controlled goods and provides descriptions of them. This list is over 300 pages long, use the goods checker tool to search for keywords and identify the sections of the list that are relevant to your research.
Regarding technology and software: there is a good chance that the technology or software are not controlled if they are in the public domain or, in the case of technology, meet the definition of basic scientific research or are the minimum necessary information for patent applications. These exemptions do not apply, however, if you have been informed, are aware, or suspect that the recipient of the software or technology intends to use it for WMD purposes.
How to navigate the Consolidated List and search for controlled items / software and technology
IMPORTANT: Research projects evolve with time and can move towards different outcomes than originally planned. When changes occur, it is your responsibility to re-assess any project you are involved in and put an export licence in place if necessary. For queries, please email researchgovernance@admin.cam.ac.uk.
